Printers today are much easier to install and use on PCs.   The OS windows system probably already has the printer driver for your printer -- ready to be used!

Basically, here are the generic install procedures, but read the Printer Installation manual first in case it has specific steps.

• Disconnect from the internet and shutdown any running applications
• Shut off or disable your AntiVirus program
• Normally you install the SW first that comes on a CD, DVD or floppy.
• Shutdown the system and turn the power off, and unplug power from wall to your computer
  
• Install the computer per the instructions.  Install the cable to the appropriate plug (RS-232, parallel, USB) on the back (or maybe front) of your computer.
• Make sure the printer power cord is plugged in, then turn the printer on
• Plug in the computer and power it up
• When the desktop comes up the system should detect the new hardware and probably automatically install the SW.  If not, you can "force" the issue by using the Control Panel: Add/Remove Hardware Icon.

Other issues that can affect the function of a printer are:

• You might not have it as the Default Printer: Setting/Printers & Faxes
• A cable maybe lose or actually not connected
• "Got paper?"  Check the printer front panel indicator lights
  
• Does the printer respond to printing a test page (printer SW in Programs)
• "Got ink?"  Again check the printer panel and SW
• It is ON, right?!
• More than one printer on the same system can cause both to not work
• Hit it (not too hard)
  

keoni@isp.com