How to Connect a Dell Printer to a Computer

Connecting a printer to a computer is not a difficult process.

When a Dell computer is purchased, an option is given for purchasing the computer with a printer. When the printer add-on is purchased, it is pre-installed to work with the computer. However, if you have purchased a Dell printer for an existing computer, you may be wondering how to set it up. Although installing a printer may initially seem to be a complicated task, you will find that the process is actually quite straightforward when approached carefully.

Things You'll Need

• Dell printer
• Power cable
• Starter ink cartridges
• Driver disc
• USB cable

Instructions

1. Connect the power cable to the back of the printer and turn the printer on. Generally, the power button is on the front control panel of the printer. However, some models may have an additional power switch on the back.

2. Lift the lid on the top of the printer to expose the inside of the unit. On all-in-one printer models, this step requires lifting the entire scanner assembly. Once the printer is opened, the carriers for the ink cartridges will mode to the middle of the printer. Wait for the carriers to stop moving before proceeding.

3. Open your starter ink cartridges. These low-yield print cartridges will provide enough ink for you to print your first few pages with the new printer. Open the foil pouches that the ink cartridges are packed in, then peel the tape from the bottom of each cartridge. Be careful not to touch the metal contacts on the cartridges when doing this.

4. Move the release tabs to disengage the two plastic covers of the ink cartridge carriers, then place the ink cartridges in the carriers. The black ink cartridge should go into the carrier on the left, unless specified differently in the instructions manual for your printer. Push the plastic covers down until they click, then close the printer lid.

5. Place paper in the tray in the back of the printer or in the sliding drawer on the underside of the printer. The hardware is now ready to use. Turn your computer on if it is not running already, but do not yet connect the printer to the computer with the connecting cable.

6. Insert the driver disc included with the printer. Follow the prompts to install the software for the printer. During the installation, you will reach a point where the software will direct you to connect the printer to the computer.

7. Confirm that the printer is turned on, then connect one end of the included USB cable to the back of the printer, and the other end to the back or front of the computer. The printer will be detected by your computer and the driver installation will be complete. The printer is now ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• The instructions in this article refer specifically to "all-in-one" inkjet printers with built-in scanners. If you have purchased a different type of a Dell printer, there may be some differences in the way that your printer is installed. Consult the instruction manual before beginning the installation process.

References

• Dell A960 Personal All-in-One Printer User Guide