How to Add Printer to Router With Wireless Laptop and Vista

A printer connected to a wireless router allows anyone connected to the router to print from that printer. Wireless routers also provide laptop users the ability to move around a room and still be able to print. Windows Vista makes it easy to connect a laptop to a printer via a wireless router.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Connect the printer to the router. If the printer has wireless capabilities, connect it to the router without using any wires. Simply push "Menu" on the printer and find "Connect to Router." If you do not have a wireless printer, connect the router to the printer via a USB cord.

2. Turn the router and the printer on. These devices need to be turned on for the laptop to detect their existence.

3. Turn on the laptop. Click on the "Wireless Connection" tray icon at the bottom right corner of the desktop. This opens your wireless connections. Click "Refresh" to detect your router. Click on the router to connect to it.

4. Go to "Control Panel" and choose "Add New Printer." Allow the computer to scan for a new printer. When it finishes the scan, select the printer connected to the router and click "Install." If the computer cannot find a driver for your printer, insert the disk that came with the printer into the laptop and follow the onscreen instructions.

5. Print a test page from the laptop to the printer to make sure the connection is working. If you have problems printing, check that the printer driver is installed and the wires are plugged in or connected tightly.