How to Hook Up a Dell Printer to Vista

Setting up a new printer is an excellent way to boost your productivity. Whether you are working with your office computer or at home on your PC, a Dell printer can provide years of trouble free service, and it is easy to connect to your Windows Vista operating system.

Things You'll Need

• Dell printer
• Computer
• USB cable

Instructions

1. Make sure your Dell printer has a USB connection. Most new printers will have a USB interface, but it is important to check older printers. A USB printer will have a small square connection on the back for the USB cable.

2. Connect the square end of the USB cable to the printer and the flat end to a free USB port on your computer. Plug the printer in and turn it on.

3. Wait for your operating system to detect and install the Dell printer. Windows Vista should automatically detect your printer and install the necessary software.

4. Click the "Start" button and choose "Control Panel" from the menu. Choose the "Printers" icon and select "Add Printer." You only need to do this if Vista was unable to detect your printer.

5. Choose the appropriate printer port, i.e. LPT1 for a parallel printer and USB for a USB printer. Choose the make and model of your printer and click "Next."

6. Insert the installation CD that came with your printer when prompted. Print a test page to make sure the printer software has been installed properly.

References

• Microsoft support: Installing a printer in Vista