To install USB Printer either directly or SHARED

[jimbo45]

Hi there
When you first attach a USB Printer to W8 it will often install as a "USB Printer" but you won't be able to set it as default or use it as such.

You need to actually Manually install your USB printer in most cases.

Go via Control panel ==>devices and Printers ===> Advanced Printer setup

If your printer isn't specifically listed (or even if it is)

click the Next button
Then check add local or network printer with manual settings.

If you've connected the printer you should be able to use an existing port --- it will start with USBxxxx use that one

Now select Windows update to get the list of printers --- could take 5 or 10 mins to get the list

Choose your make and model -- install driver and check Set as Default printer

Your printer should now be fully working

If you want to access a SHARED printer on another machine -- then still add LOCAL printer
Choose create NEW PORT

add the address of the shared printer e.g \\stoopidxpmachine\printer1 or an IP address \\102.10.10.01\printer1

select again Windows update to get the list and drivers - install -- and you should be fine.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[SaggyMaggyPoo]

Thanks Jimbo,

I was having trouble getting my printer to work (don't often use it) and found your post.

It seems to have fixed the problem for me.