How to Attach a USB Printer to a Computer
- 1). Unpack and inspect the package contents for your USB printer to ensure you have everything you need. Take the plastic off the printer and remove all packing materials. You should have instructions that will assist you with printer installation.
- 2). Insert the printer installation CD into your CD or DVD tray in your computer. This CD should work for Macintosh and PC computers. A screen will appear to prompt you to install the drivers for the USB printer on the computer. This can take several minutes depending upon the printer brand and type.
- 3). Click "Next" at the bottom of your screen once. Wait for the CD to complete the driver installation for the USB printer.
- 4). Plug in the USB cable to the back of the computer and into the back or top of your USB printer. Locate the USB port as soon as you begin setting up your printer. If you cannot locate it, consult the poster for a diagram of the printer. If you do not have a free USB port on the back of your computer, consider unplugging a device you don't use frequently or plug it into a front USB port.
- 5). Power on the printer when prompted to do so by the printer installation CD. This button is located on the top of your printer. Allow a few minutes for the next screen to appear and the USB printer to start up.
- 6). Go into the Control Panel by clicking on the "Start Menu" at the bottom left corner of your screen and clicking "Control Panel" on the choices that appear.
- 7). Click "Printers" and you should see the name and model number of your printer displayed in the control panel. It should also have a check mark by the printer. This indicates that it is the default printer and will print automatically when a printer is selected.
- 8). Put the color and black ink cartridges in their respective carriers inside the printer. This is done by lifting the top panel of the printer. There is usually a diagram included in the ink cartridge package or on the ink cartridge tank holders. Align the printer cartridges if prompted to do so by the printer software. Ink cartridges are included with most USB printers.
- 9). Right-click on your printer and select "Properties" and "Print test page." Your printer should complete a test page. If it does not, repeat the above steps.
