How to Install a Windows 2000 or a Windows XP Printer Driver

Make a printer work with your computer by installing the right driver.

Whether you are running Windows 2000 or Windows XP as your operating system, the task of installing a new printer driver is quick and easy. Both versions of the operating system include numerous drivers that can be installed from the operating system installation disc, or you can install from a disc supplied by the printer manufacturer. In the case of a used printer, you can often find the proper driver at the manufacturer's website.

Things You'll Need

• Operating system disc, or
• Manufacturer's driver files

Instructions

1. Click the "Start' button on your desktop.

2. Click "Settings" and choose "Printers" from the options if using Windows 2000. Click "Printers and Faxes" if using Windows XP.

3. Click "Add Printer" on the printer screen.

4. Click "Next" on the first window of the "Add Printer Wizard."

5. Click the radio button next to the text line "Local printer." If your printer is labeled "Plug and Play," click the box next to "Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer." Follow the instructions on screen to install the printer files. If your printer is not Plug and Play, continue to the next step.

6. Choose "LPT1" as the printer port and then click "Next." Scroll down the list of manufacturers in the left windowpane to find the company that made your printer. Select the printer model in the right hand windowpane. Click "Next" and the printer drivers will install. If you are using a driver disc or files, follow Step 8.

7. If your printer is not listed or you have supplied printer files, select "Have Disk" just below the windowpanes.

8. Navigate to the location where the printer drivers are located by pressing the "Browse" button on the "Install from Disk" screen. This could be your CD drive or a folder on your hard drive. Click "Next."

9. Choose the driver file from the options given and then click "Open."

10. Click "Next" on the screen and the printer driver will install. Reboot your system if prompted.

Tips & Warnings

• Some printer disks will do an automatic installation when the disc is placed in the drive. In these cases, the drivers will load automatically and you will not need to do anything further to use your printer.

References

• Utah State University: In Windows, how do I install a parallel printer?