Direct Printing to Network Printers


URL Method

The URL method is the simplest way to directly print to the networked printers from Windows XP.

  • Click on Start->Printers and Faxes
  • Double click the Add Printer Wizard
  • Click Next
  • Select A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer and click Next
  • Select Connect to a printer on the Internet or on a home or office network
  • Type the URL for the printer in the box labeled URL
    • The URL will take the form http://hostname.printer.rose-hulman.edu where hostname is from the host name column from the main Networked Printers list.
  • Select HP from the Manufacturer column
  • Select HP LaserJet 8150 Series PS from the Printers column
  • Click OK to accept the driver selection
  • If you are prompted to use this printer as the default printer, make your selection and click Next
  • Click Finish

Add a Port Method

This method is slightly more complicated, but works just as well and has the benefit of allowing you to name the printer as you desire.

  • Click on Start->Printers and Faxes
  • Double click the Add a Printer Wizard
  • Click Next
  • Select Local printer attached to this computer
  • Uncheck the box next to Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer
  • Click Next
  • Select Create a new Port
  • Select Standard TCP/IP Port from the list
  • Click Next
  • The Add a New Port Wizard pops up. Click Next
  • In the Printer Name field type the host name of the printer
    • The host name will take the form hostname.printer.rose-hulman.edu where hostname is from the host name column from the main Networked Printers list.
  • Click Next and then Finish to close the Add a Port wizard
  • Select HP from the Manufacturer column
  • Select HP LaserJet 8150 Series PS from the Printers column
  • Click Next
  • If prompted to keep the existing driver or use a new one, select Keep existing driver and click Next
  • Enter a name for the printer in the Printer Name box
  • If you are prompted to use this printer as the default printer, make your selection and click Next
  • Select Do not share this printer and click Next
  • Select No when prompted to print a test page and click Next
  • Click Finish