Basic All-in-one Printer Setup

Do you find that it is sometimes hard to install your all-in-one printer? Are you having difficulty identifying and connecting cables to your PC? Well, you are not alone on that matter, especially when setting up printers/scanners. In this article we will be tackling the all-in-one type of printers which can be used to scan, fax and print. Nevertheless, this topic may apply to a basic printer as well just like the one that you have at home.

In setting up your printer, you need to check what type of printer you have and the type of cables the printer uses. It is good to check all the necessary things on the hardware side, including the printer and cables. Software or driver installation is needed as well for the proper operation of your printer. Check your printer box for CDs that contain the drivers and printing applications. Your printer might be using different interfaces or cables such as parallel, serial or USB. Nowadays, the common type of printers being sold uses USB connections but you still might find stores that sell other types of printers i.e. serial and parallel. After checking the cables and printer itself, I suggest that you plug your printer to a power source through a surge protector or UPS.

Let's go now to the more advanced part, or tricky part, of setting up your computer- the software installation. First, read through the guidelines to find out if the computer manufacturers require you to set up your computer or install the software without plugging in the interface or cable. It is also wise to check your computer for some other programs that may interfere with your software installation. Programs such as antivirus and other old printer software. You may want to disable them or, if possible, remove them first.

Backing up your files and building a restore point is always highly recommended. Now go and check the program compatibility with your computer and its requirements. If there are no other problems, put in and run the printer CD. Most of the CDs that come with your printers are easy to follow and come with icons and demonstrations for easier setup. Just simply read and follow the directions carefully. Once you are done installing, you need to restart your computer. The program that you installed might come with a printing application that you can use and manage your printing preferences.

Now that you have successfully completed the basic printer setup, you might want to try printing and scanning to test your printer out. Some reminders though, always use the preferred ink cartridges and correct paper to avoid further problems with your printer.