How to Install a Wireless Photo Printer

A wireless photo printer eliminates the need for cords, wires, and access to a power outlet, and they reduce the clutter often associated with peripherals that are connected to computers. However, setting up a wireless printer requires a little bit more work than a standard printer. Even beginners, however, will quickly be able to install a wireless printer if they just follow some simple steps. You will need a wireless network card and a router to install this type of printer.

Step 1: Install the Software

The computer will not recognize the photo printer without the software. Be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions to install the software before starting to and set up the printer. Keep in mind that you will only be able to print from any computer that has the software. For this reason, if you have more than one computer, you should install the software on every computer, including any laptops.

Once the software is completely installed, move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Using the Wireless Card

You need an 802.11 compliant wireless card to use a wireless photo printer. Check your computer to see if there is one already installed. If not, you can purchase a wireless card online or at any computer store. Follow the instructions included with the packaging to ensure that the card is properly installed. Linksys makes very good wireless cards, and most wireless cards will run between $35 and $80.

Step 3: A Wireless Router

The next item that you need is a router, and this also needs to be 802.11 compliant. If this photo printer will be used for a number of documents, buy a larger router like the 802.11g compliant router. Linksys and D-Link make high quality routers, and generally these are less than $100.00. Install the router by following the manual's instructions. Be sure that the computer identifies the wireless router before you proceed.

Step 4: Installing the Wireless Photo Printer

While individual wireless photo printers will each set up differently, generally these instructions will work if the user is using a Windows Operating System. To start the setup, open up the Start Menu, and then find the Control Panel. In the Control Panel, find the Printers and Other Hardware icon. Double-click it to show all the currently installed printers.

To add a printer, click on the Add a Printer icon. Once this menu opens up, a Wizard should appear to walk you through the steps of installation. If not, click on the Add a network, wireless or Blu-tooth printer, and click OK.

Now, the computer will search for the printer. If the printer is found, simply select the wireless photo printer from the menu and install it. If not, check again to ensure that you have properly installed the software.

Step 5: Do a Test Print

To ensure that the printer is working, send a test print to the printer. This will ensure that the printer is properly aligned and that it is printing photos correctly.