How to Install a Dell Printer on a HP Laptop With Windows Vista

By Michelle Carvo

i Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Installing a printer on a laptop computer used to be a confusing process for the average computer user, but modern operating systems like Windows Vista have made the process considerably easier regardless of the brand of the printer and the laptop. Even if you have an HP laptop, you'll still find the process of installing a Dell printer on the laptop to be fairly easy. You can connect your Dell printer on your HP laptop with Windows Vista either by using a USB cable or wirelessly.

Installing a Wired Dell Printer

Step 1

Plug the Dell Printer's power cable into an outlet. Plug one end of the Dell Printer's USB cable into the printer and the other end into a USB port on your HP Laptop.

Step 2

Press the "Power" button on the Dell Printer to turn the printer on.

Step 3

Navigate to "Start" and select the "Control Panel." From the "Hardware and Sound" section, select "Printer."

Step 4

Click "Add a printer" and then click "Add a local printer." Click "Use an existing port" and then click "Next."

Step 5

Select "Dell" under the "Manufacturer" heading and then select the model number of your Dell under the "Printers" heading. Click "Next" to install the driver.

Step 6

Click "Next" and then "Finish" to successfully install your Dell printer on your HP laptop with Windows Vista.

Installing a Wireless Dell Printer

Step 1

Navigate to "Start" and select the "Control Panel." From the "Hardware and Sound" section, select "Printer."

Step 2

Click "Add a printer" and then click "Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer."

Step 3

Select your Dell printer when it appears in the list of network printers. Click "Next."

Step 4

Type in a name for your printer or use the default name for the printer and then click "Next."

Step 5

Click "Finish" to complete installing your Dell printer on your HP laptop with Windows Vista.

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