Printing: Windows
Overview
In order to print at CSLab using a Windows laptop, you must perform the following
three steps:
1. Mount your home directory via Samba
2. Determine the name and model of the printer you wish to use
3. Install the correct and most up to date printer driver
Samba
In order to print at CSLab using a Windows laptop you must first mount your
home directory via Samba. The reason for this is that by mounting samba you are
given tacit approval to use the CSLab print server. If you have not done this yet,
please follow the links off our main support page and follow the appropriate
instructions.
Selecting a Printer
The easiest way to determine the name and model of the printer you want to use
is to walk over and look at it. All the printers we support should
have their queue name on a label on the front or top of the printer.
Windows Print Drivers
Windows OSs come with a set of default print drivers for HP printers, the
make of printers we generally use at CSLab. However, many of these printer
drivers are outdated and do not necessarily work with our various printers.
This is particularly true for the printer drivers on Windows XP. Therefore,
it is often necessary to download the more recent versions of the printer
driver you wish to install. Luckily, the HP website has a very clear set
of instructions and links on how to update their printer drivers. Please
note that the use of an outdated printer driver will cause all types of
printing problems so make sure you use the most currents ones.
www.hp.com
Setting up a Printer
Once you have completed the first three steps, you can proceed as follows to set up
the printer
Windows 2000
Click Start -> Settings -> Printers-> Add New Printer.
Click Next and select Network Printer.
Toggle "Connect to this printer... " and under "Name" type "\\smb\ "
and a drop down menu will appear (see image in XP section below ).
You will then be prompted to install the printer driver.
Ignore the "Null printer driver message"
Proceed as instructed, making sure that you use the correct printer driver
Windows XP
Click Start -> Printers and Faxes -> Add New Printer.
Click Next and select Network Printer.
Toggle "Connect to this printer... " and under "Name" type "\\smb\ " and a drop down menu will appear.
You will then be prompted to install the printer driver.
Ignore the "Null printer driver message"
Proceed as instructed, making sure that you use the correct printer driver
Duplex Printing
If the printer you wish to use supports duplex i.e. double-sided printing, this can
be setup via the printer driver's options menus. Please see the following page
on information how to set this up.
Duplex Printing via Samba