How to Add a Local Printer in Windows Vista (All Editions)

To add a local printer:

Using the printer setup directions, attach or connect the printer to your computer. Windows will automatically install the printer. If Windows can't install it, or if you removed the printer and want to add it again, follow these steps:

1. Open Printers by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel , and then, under Hardware and Sound , clicking Printers .

   NOTE:

   If you are using the Classic View in control panel then the Hardware and Sound option will not be displayed, instead the Printers option will be displayed. The Printers page can also be opened by clicking on the Start Button and choosing the Printers option.

2. Click Add a printer .
3. In the Add Printer Wizard , select Add a local printer
4. On the Choose a printer port page, make sure that the Use an existing port option and the recommended printer port are selected, and then click Next .
5. On the Install the printer driver page, select the printer manufacturer and the printer name, and then click Next .

   NOTE:

   If your printer is not listed and if you have the printer installation disc, click Have disk , and then browse to the location on the disc where the printer drivers are stored.If your printer is not listed, and if you don not have the printer installation disc, then go to www.hp.com and click on the Support & Drivers link. Then click download driver and software (and firmware) . Type in your HP product name/model and search for available drivers.If there is no Vista specific software available for your HP product on the web then click Windows Update , and then wait while Windows checks for any available driver software packages. When a new list of manufacturers and printers is displayed, select the appropriate items in each list for your printer. Note that some older HP products may not have Vista drivers available.

6. Complete the additional steps in the wizard, and then click Finish .

   NOTE:

   It is a good idea to print a test page to check if the printer is working correctly. Test pages that can be printed from the control panel of the printer indicate that it is working properly. If print jobs cannot be printed successfully from a PC or the drivers cannot be installed correctly then it may be necessary to obtain support from either Microsoft or your PC manufacturer.