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This article was excerpted from: Windows XP Headaches: How to Fix Common (and Not So Common) Problems in a Hurry, Second Edition

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Cause Windows XP's Plug and Play normally does a good job of detecting new hardware. Once you plug the printer into the correct port (usually an LPT port or a USB port), Windows XP can detect the printer. However, if you are having problems installing a printer, first make sure the printer is compatible with Windows XP. If you are sure it is, you can use the Add a Printer Wizard.

Note that the Add a Printer Wizard is designed to help you set up printers when you are having problems. Under most circumstances, you do not need to use this wizard.

The Pain Killer To use the Add a Printer Wizard, follow these steps:

1. Click Start | Control Panel | Printers and Faxes.

   These steps assume you are using the Classic view of Control Panel, which shows you all the icon options. If you are not sure you are using the Classic view of Control Panel, click Start | Control Panel. In the left window pane, click the Switch to Classic View option.

2. In the Printers and Faxes window, click the Add a Printer option.

   

3. Click Next on the Welcome screen.
4. In the Local or Network Printer screen, select the Local Printer Attached to This Computer option, and select the check box to let Windows XP detect your device.
5. Windows XP searches for the printer attached to your computer. (Make sure the printer is turned on when you are trying to install it!) If the printer is found, it is installed. If not, the wizard tells you that a printer was not found, and you can install the printer manually. Click Next.
6. In the Select a Printer Port screen, use the drop-down menu to choose the port where the printer is connected. Before continuing, make absolutely certain that the printer is connected to the port correctly. See your printer's documentation for specific instructions. Click Next.
7. In the Install Printer Software screen, choose the manufacturer and model of your printer and click Next. If you have an installation floppy disk or CD-ROM, click the Have Disk button so you can install the manufacturer's software.
8. In the Name Your Printer screen, give the printer a friendly name, and choose whether or not to use the printer as the default printer. Click Next.
9. In the Print Test Page screen, you can choose to print a test page if you click the Yes radio button. Click Yes or No, and then click Next.

10. Click Finish. The new printer now appears in the Printers and Faxes window, as shown in the illustration.

    

    

    If you follow these steps and the printer does not work, double-check the documentation and possibly the manufacturer's web site to make sure that you have followed the instructions correctly. If you have, it may be time to call the printer manufacturer's hotline for support.

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