How to Set Up a USB Printer

If you have purchased a printer in the last several years, chances are that it has a USB connection interface. USB is the current standard for connecting all types of devices to modern desktop computers and laptops, including printers.

Setting up a USB printer is not difficult at all and is something that most people can do in just a few minutes. However, it does help to know the steps to installing the printer before you get started

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• USB printer
• USB printer cable
• Installation CD

1. 
   
   Step 1
   Plug the AC adapter cable into the printer and an available electrical outlet. Load the tray with paper and turn the power on to the printer. Do not connect the USB printer cable to the printer or computer yet.
2. 
   
   Step 2
   Install the printer ink or toner cartridges according to the directions in the installation or quick start guide. Allow the printer to cycle the cartridges and prepare them for use.
3. 
   
   Step 3
   Insert the installation CD into the CD/DVD drive on your computer or laptop. Wait for the setup program to launch and then click the "Install Printer" or "Install Printer Driver" option on the display screen.
4. 
   
   Step 4
   Wait for the program to prompt you to connect the printer. Then, plug the hexagonal end of the USB cable into the printer and the flat end of the cable into an empty USB port on your computer.
5. 
   
   Step 5
   Continue to follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the computer. If prompted to do so, reboot the computer. The printer is now available to print documents from within applications on your computer.
6. 
   
   Step 6
   Open the printer information window in Windows XP by clicking on the "Start" button and then on the "Printers and Faxes" tab. In Windows Vista or Windows 7, click on the "Start" globe and then the "Devices and Printers" tab.
7. 
   
   Step 7
   Right-click on the new USB printer under the "Printer and Faxes" section of the window and then left-click on the "Properties" option. Under the "General" tab on the printer properties window, click the "Print Test Page" option.

reference :ehow.com