Selecting a printer port in Windows 7 is a straightforward process that allows you to specify how your computer communicates with your printer. This is crucial for both local and network printers, ensuring your print jobs are sent to the correct destination.
To change or select a printer port, you'll need to access your printer's properties through the Devices and Printers control panel.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Printer Port
Follow these detailed steps to accurately select or modify your printer's port in Windows 7:
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Access Devices and Printers
Begin by navigating to the main control panel for your printing devices:
- Click the Start button, typically found in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- From the Start Menu, select Devices and Printers. This will open a window displaying all installed printers and other hardware.
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Open Printer Properties
Once you're in the Devices and Printers window, locate the printer you wish to configure:
- Right-click on the icon representing your printer.
- From the context menu that appears, select Printer properties. Ensure you choose "Printer properties" and not just "Properties" (which shows general device properties).
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Navigate to the Ports Tab
In the Printer Properties dialog box, you'll find several tabs at the top.
- Click on the Ports tab. This tab displays a list of all available and configured ports on your system.
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Select the Desired Port
On the Ports tab, you will see a list of various port types.
- The port that is currently being used by your printer driver will have a checkmark next to its name.
- To change the printer port, click once inside the check box on the left side of the desired port's name. This will place a checkmark next to the new port, indicating your selection.
- After selecting the new port, click the Apply button to confirm your changes.
- Finally, click OK to close the Printer Properties window and save your settings.
Understanding Common Printer Port Types
It's helpful to understand the different types of printer ports you might encounter:
| Port Type | Description | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| USB (Virtual Port) | Universal Serial Bus. These are typically virtual ports (e.g., USB001, USB002) automatically created when a USB printer is connected and its drivers are installed. They are the most common type for modern local printers. |
Most modern desktop printers connected directly to the computer via a USB cable. |
| LPT (Parallel Port) | Line Print Terminal. These are traditional parallel ports (e.g., LPT1). Historically used for direct-connect printers, they are less common on newer systems. |
Older laser or dot-matrix printers that use a parallel cable connection. |
| COM (Serial Port) | Communication Port. Serial ports (e.g., COM1) are generally not used for standard printers but might be found with very specialized industrial printers or other peripheral devices. |
Very old or specialized industrial printers, or devices like plotters that use a serial interface. |
| Standard TCP/IP Port | This port type connects to network printers using an IP address or hostname. It's essential for printers shared across a local area network (LAN) or connected directly to a network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. | Networked printers (wired or wireless), where the printer has its own IP address on your network. |
| WSD Port | Web Services for Devices. These ports are automatically discovered and configured for network printers that support the WSD protocol, often seen with newer network-ready printers. They simplify network printer setup. | Newer network printers that are automatically discovered by Windows and support Web Services for Devices. |
When You Might Need to Add a New Port
Sometimes, your desired port might not be listed. This is particularly common when setting up a network printer.
- On the Ports tab, if you need to create a new network port, click the "Add Port..." button.
- From the options, select Standard TCP/IP Port and then click "New Port..." Follow the wizard to enter the printer's IP address or hostname.
Selecting the correct printer port is a vital step in configuring your printer and troubleshooting connectivity issues. By following these steps, you can ensure your Windows 7 system correctly communicates with your printing device.
