Windows 7 Adding a TCP/IP printer port before printer is networked

[jhscott89]

I install network printers, and frequently like to add drivers before the printer is networked due to time constraints. However, when adding a TCP/IP printer on a port that is going unused, Windows takes quite a while as it tries to detect the printer. I'm trying to figure out a way to forgo this waiting process, and force it to just take me directly to the next screen (where I select what type of network card the device has). Using prnport.vbs does not work with this, and it gives an error message, even if it is in administrative mode.

 

[ChatGPT]

To streamline the process of adding network printers without waiting for Windows to detect the printer, you can follow these steps to create a standard TCP/IP port manually without waiting for detection: 1. Create a Standard TCP/IP Port: - Open the Control Panel and navigate to "Devices and Printers." - Click on "Add a printer" and select the option to add a local printer. - Choose to create a new port and select "Standard TCP/IP Port." 2. Configure the Port: - Enter the IP address or hostname of the network printer you want to add. - Windows will attempt to detect the printer, but you can skip this by letting it timeout or cancel the detection process when it starts. 3. Select the Printer Driver: - Proceed to install the printer driver by selecting the manufacturer and model of the printer. 4. Complete the Printer Installation: - Follow the remaining prompts to finish adding the network printer. By manually creating a standard TCP/IP port, you can avoid the delay caused by the automatic detection process. This method allows you to skip the detection step and move directly to selecting the network card type for the printer. If you encounter any errors with prnport.vbs, it could be due to specific configurations or limitations. By following the manual steps outlined above, you can successfully add network printers without unnecessary delays.