Network: Connecting to Network Printers

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Contents

Windows

If you work in a network environment, you will want to connect to one or more printers.
NOTE: These instructions assume that you know the network name of the printer you wish to add.
  1. Search your computer for Devices and Printers.
  2. The Devices and Printers window appears.
     
  3. Below the address bar, select Add Printer.
    The Add Printer window appears.
     
  4. Select Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.
  5. The dialog box refreshes with a new selection of options.
  6. Select The printer that I want isn't listed.
  7. Click on the circle next to Select a shared printer by name.
    NOTE: Do not click Browse. Begin the printer name with \\printoffice or \\printlab followed by a backslash and the specific printer name. (e.g., \\printoffice\citi04; \\printlab\lab-ol1108-duplex-e).
     
  8. Click Next if the driver does not begin installing automatically.
    The dialog box refreshes with a new selection of options. Windows printer installation box will appear and the driver will install.
     
  9. A window will appear that says "You've successfully added printer name on print office." Click Next.
  10. (Optional) If you would like this to be your default printer, check the Set as the default printer box.
  11. Click Finish.
    The printer has been added.

macOS

There are two methods of connecting to network printers from a Mac computer. Printers can be installed either through the Self Service program or through manually installing the printer using its IP Address. Self Service is the recommended procedure for installing network printers, and more network printers are being added to the Self Service catalog over time.
 NOTE: These methods will only work for personal or office computers, not on lab computers.

Self Service

The Self Service program is installed on all campus machines by default, and can be located in the Applications folder. Further information can be found on the Installing Software on Office Computers page.
  1. Access the Applications folder by clicking the Finder icon  in the bottom left corner.
  2. Click Go on the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  3. Select Applications from the drop-down list.
  4. Scroll down in the Applications list and click the Self Service icon.

    A log in window will appear.
    NOTE: When installing network printers through Self Service, it is necessary to log in rather than use the "log in anonymously" option. If you log in anonymously, none of the proper printers will appear within Self Service.
     
  5. All relevant network printers in the Self Service system should show up in the Self Service catalog. To install any of the printers, simply select the Install button under the printer. The printer will install automatically and be available for use immediately.


IP Address (Manual Installation)

If the printer you are looking to use is not available in Self Service, you may install it manually using the IP Address. The IP Address is a string of numbers separated by periods and is listed on the inventory sticker of each printer. In some instances, a printer may have a Vanity Name on the inventory sticker rather than an IP Address. If this is the case, the Vanity Name will be used instead of the IP Address for these instructions.
  1. Click the apple icon in the upper left corner.
  2. Select System Preferences from the drop down list.
  3. From the Hardware section, click Printers & Scanners.
     
  4. Below the Printers list, click the plus
    icon.
    NOTE: If the padlock in the bottom left corner is locked, you will need to unlock it.
    You will need the Administrator's username and password to unlock the padlock.
     
  5. Select the IP tab.
  6. From the Protocol pull-down menu, select Line Printer Daemon - LPD.
  7. In the Address text box, type in the address of the desired printer, which should be on a label affixed to the top or front of the printer.
    EXAMPLE: DEPT01.printers.uwec.edu
     
  8. Leave the Queue text box blank.
  9. In the Name text box, type in the appropriate printer name.
  10. (Optional) From the Location text box, type in the location.
  11. From the Use pull-down menu, select Auto Select.
    The appropriate printer will automatically be selected.
     
  12. Click Add.
  13. Click OK.
  14. (Optional) Make sure the information on the Setting up... page is accurate, looking specifically for options such as Duplex Unit that may need to be checked.
  15. The printer is now installed and should appear in the Printers list on the Printers & Scanners window. If you want it to be set as your default printer, select it from the Default printer drop down list near the bottom of the window.