adding a printer

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jeremy C B Nicoll
  • Start date Start date
J

Jeremy C B Nicoll

XP Pro, SP2

If I try to add a local printer, I'm asked which port to use. I'm
offered LPT1/2/3, COM1/2/3/4, File and IP ports which I've previously
defined.

Since my machine is a laptop with no serial or parallel ports on it,
why am I offered serial & parallel ports? Does the laptop think these
ports exist even though there's no way to use them?

If I choose "Create a new port", I'm offered the choice of "local port"
or TCP/IP port (the latter being what I've already done for a network-
attached printer). What is a "local port" if it isn't LPT/COM/IP?


Also the machine has USB sockets; if I had a printer that could be used
via USB how would I use this wizard to define it - or do all USB
printers automatically add themselves to Printers & Faxes when one
first uses them?
 
Jeremy C B Nicoll said:
XP Pro, SP2

If I try to add a local printer, I'm asked which port to use. I'm
offered LPT1/2/3, COM1/2/3/4, File and IP ports which I've previously
defined.

Since my machine is a laptop with no serial or parallel ports on it,
why am I offered serial & parallel ports? Does the laptop think these
ports exist even though there's no way to use them?

If I choose "Create a new port", I'm offered the choice of "local port"
or TCP/IP port (the latter being what I've already done for a network-
attached printer). What is a "local port" if it isn't LPT/COM/IP?


Also the machine has USB sockets; if I had a printer that could be used
via USB how would I use this wizard to define it - or do all USB
printers automatically add themselves to Printers & Faxes when one
first uses them?
Click to expand...
You would not use the wizard. Instead, you would use the software that
exists on the CD that is sold as part of the printer. You first install the
software, then you hook the printer to any USB port. The software searches
for the printer, and then connects.

The USB driver that is part of XP cannot control a printer or a scanner.
Both these devices have codes that are unique to the specific model.
Jim
 
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