The bad side is that you are likely too frustrated to read the rest of this blog posting to see that there is a good side which does not involve going out and buying a new printer. So today we will focus on how to install an old printer on a new Windows Vista or Windows 7 PC, which is somewhat easy. Please note these instructions are intended for those who do not have an actual printer software installation CD. If you still have the installation CD for your printer, then use it instead.
How to Download Printer Drivers:
[1] Avoid plugging in the USB cable that connects the printer to the computer or turning on the printer until told to do so. If you have already done so, then unplug and turn off the printer. The reason is because the printer software installation will tell you when to turn on the printer as well as when to plug in the USB cable.
[2] Now, look at the printer and get its brand name and model number. For example: My office printer is a color laser printer made by Samsung with a model number of CLP-300.
[3] Once you have the brand name and model number, now its time to find the manufacturer's website, where you need to supply the make and model of your printer.
Below, I have provided the links for each manufacturer's drivers/downloads section:
- Brother: http://www.brother-usa.com/downloads/Default.aspx <- Based on your model group based on the type of printer you have, you would select from the drop-down either Printers (HL Series) or Multi-Function Center (MFC and DCP series).
- Canon: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support <- Under Product Type, click on Consumer & Home Office. Next, under Product Family, select Printers & Multifunction.
- Epson: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/SupportIndex.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes <- Click on the Printers & All-in-Ones and select your product type - inkjet, laser, etc.
- HP: http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support_task.html <- Click the radio button for Download drivers... and then enter the model number in the box, then click Enter or press the arrow button.
- Lexmark:http://support.lexmark.com/index?channel=supportAndDownloads&page=home&locale=en&userlocale=EN_US <- Click on the Select Your Product arrow
- Samsung: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/ <- Click on Printers under the Office section.
Unfortunately, it would take many blog postings to explain how to navigate each manufacturer's website. So, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Once you have entered your model number information, you will need to select your computer's operating system. For example, if your new Windows PC has Windows 7 installed, then you need a printer file that is compatible with Windows 7. So, you must download the printer driver listed under Windows 7.
After you have selected your operating system, you will be provided with a list of printer file options. Even if you own a multi-function printer, we advice that you to stick with downloading a printer driver labeled as BASIC. Even if you have a multi-function printer, it is likely that you want to utilize all of the features available to you. This would require downloading a printer driver that is likely much larger in size, would take much longer to install and is far too advance for blog posting.
Thanks for reading this posting. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post a comment below.
