(Tech Tip: Printers) How to connect to a network printer

 If you can’t connect to your network printer or you have switched your printer from USB cable to network cable then you should go through these steps to re-connect.

It’s possible that the network IP number has changed due to the nature of DHCP auto assignments of numbers.

Step 1: Figure out your printer’s IP number

Your printer should have a configuration menu that shows you the IP number. 

Generally, your printer should have DHCP=on to have a valid IP number.

Use your internet browser to browse to that number.

Step 2: Figure out the hostname from the IP number (optional but preferred)
Now, look for the hostname somewhere on the printer’s network page

Note: You should use the printer network Name (aka hostname) instead of the IP number to prevent problems if the IP number changes.

You should make sure the your computer can ‘see’ the printer by name by browsing to the name instead of the number

Step 3: Use the printers control panel to change the port

Start... Control Panel... Printers

Then right-click the printer and choose Properties and switch to the Ports tab.

Click the Add Port... button

Then select “Standard TCP/IP Port” and click “New Port”

Click Next and from your results in Step 1 and 2  enter the Hostname (preferred) <or> IP number.

The Port Name is irrelevant so leave it at default.

Click Next, Finish, and Close the open windows, you are done.