Install Dell Printer Network Card

Using a single, centrally located printer saves you money and makes it simple for everyone on your network to send print jobs when needed. Not all printers include a networking option, however, so you may need to install a printer adapter.

The Dell printer adapter acts as a network card, allowing your Dell printer to connect directly to the wireless network. The adapter includes networking software that must be installed before connecting the printer to your network.

This article will help you to install a Dell printer network card.

Instruction 

1. Set the printer adapter in between one of the computers on your network and the Dell printer. Connect the printer adapter's electrical plug into a wall outlet.
   
2. Attach the printer adapter's first USB cable to one of the open USB ports on your networked computer. Insert the installation disc that came with the printer adapter in the computer's drive. Proceed through the installation prompts that appear on your screen.
   
3. Attach the printer adapter's second USB cable to the USB port on the back end of the Dell printer. Open the computer's "Start" menu and select "Control Panel."
   
4. Click the "Printers" link underneath the Hardware and Sound heading. Choose the "Add a Printer" icon and select "Local Printer."
   
5. Select the "Use an Existing Port" radio button. Click the drop-down menu and select the option that reads "IP_DELL" followed by a string of numbers. Select "Next."
   
6. Insert the installation disc that came with the Dell printer in the computer's disc drive. Close the AutoPlay window when it appears and navigate back to the Add a Printer window.
   
7. Click "Have Disk" and select the option for your computer's disc drive. Click "OK" and choose "Next." Select "Next" again to install the printer's software.

Tips and warnings!

• If your computer uses Windows XP, the Control Panel option will read "Printers and Faxes" instead of "Printers."
  
• The other computers on your network will need to connect to the printer before they can access it. Choose the "Add a Printer" option on each computer, but instead select "Network Printer." Click the option for the Dell printer and choose "Next."
  
• The adapter has its own IP address that lets you check the device's status. Open the Dell wireless printer adapter's software and click "Set IP Address Utility." Note down the IP address and enter that address in your Web browser to see the adapter's status and ensure it is detecting the printer.