How to Add an Active Directory Domain Network Printer in XP

Active Directory helps users locate printers on a network.

Active Directory is a database that manages resources on a computer network. Resources include printers, computers, software, security, services and the people using the network. Printers managed by Active Directory are made available to users through their computer's network connection. If one printer goes down or is busy, Active Directory gives users the ability to redirect their print job to a different printer on the network.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button on lower left side of the Windows screen to launch the Start menu.

2. Click "Printers and Faxes" located on the right side of the Start menu.

3. Click "Add a printer" under the Printer Tasks heading on the left side of the window. Click "Next" in the Add Printer Wizard.

4. Click "A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer" under Local or Network Printer. Click "Next."

5. Click "Find a printer in the directory." Click "Next" to launch the Find Printers window.

6. Click the "Find Now" button on the right side of the window. The program searches for printers listed in the Active Directory.

7. Double-click the name of the printer you want to connect to from the list in the search results window.

8. Click "Yes" to the question, "Do you want to use this printer as the default printer." Click "Next."

9. Click "Finish" in the Completing the Add Printer Wizard screen.

References

• Microsoft: To Connect To a Printer on a Network

Resources

• Microsoft: Troubleshoot Network Printer Problems