This topic lists the specific procedure to be followed when setting up network printer hardware to be used with the application server, workstations (PC), and the application. This procedure applies to standard laser printers as well as supported network Zebra printers (ZT230 or S4M models*... this excludes the wireless Zebra QL 420 printers which have separate instructions available on our web site). All printer configuration and set up is the responsibility of the user and is not covered by support. Zebra printers must be purchased with an optional network card or you must purchase and use a print server device to assign a network address.

There are three (3) stages to setting up either one or more network printers to be used with the application:

1.Set up the printer on the server

2.Duplicate the set up on any client PC that need access to that printer

3.Define the printer device in the application.

Printers connected by USB or serially to a PC or server may not be shared or set up using these instructions. For the most part, serial and USB printers are not supported and will not work with the application. Only one specific USB printer, the DYMO® LabelWriter 400 Turbo, is supported, but set up is a bit different because this printer operates locally (from one PC). These instructions are only for networked printers (TCP/IP connection based).

In addition, some printer devices are not "plug & play." Devices that require installation of a network card or adapter or that must be connected serially through a print server will have additional steps that aren't outlined here. If you are connecting an Epson TM-T88V printer, please read the Help topic before installing the printer as a network device.

*S4M models have been discontinued (3/2013). The replacement suggested by the manufacturer is the ZT200 series (we have tested model ZT230).

Step 1 – Set up the Printer(s) on the Server:

1.Select Start.

2.Select Settings then Printers and Faxes.

3.Select Add Printer.

4.At the Welcome to Printer Wizard window choose Next.

5.Select Local Printer Attached to this Computer.

6.Select Create a New Port.

7.From the drop down menu select TCP/IP and choose Next.

8.Welcome to Add Standard TCP/IP Port and choose Next.

9.Enter the printer's static IP Address (the Port Name will auto fill) and choose Next (each printer must have its own unique IP address). A static address is an IP address that does not change when the network or device is reset. IP addresses are not static normally, so the person responsible for network set up will need to configure this.

10.Select the proper manufacturer and printer model being added from the drop down lists or if your model isn't listed either (a) install the proper driver from the printer's installation CD or (b) try using Windows Update to search for a driver. If you don't have the CD and Windows Update is unable to locate an appropriate driver, check the manufacturer's web site. Once the printer software is installed, click Next to continue.

If you are installing a network ready Zebra printer (a supported model), we suggest that you install the Generic Printer Driver instead of the one supplied by Zebra. The Zebra driver allows greater control over your printer settings; however, this also opens up the possibility of settings being changed which can affect the printing of labels in a negative way (alignment, etc.). Additionally, the same driver may not be available for different Operating Systems (OS) and may have different defaults requiring additional work. Our application already sends a special .ZPL or Zebra Print Language file to label-type printers, so there's no need to install the Zebra driver.

11.Give each Printer a unique name (LAS1, for example) and make sure the exact same name is used for ALL network users who will use this printer when it is set up locally (shorter names will make set up easier). To match printer names to those that will be used in the software application later on, use names that are 4-characters or less. Only one of the printers set up can be the default printer for the server, so most printers will be No. Choose Next.

12.Printer Sharing > choose No (important!)

13.Enter the Location and choose Next.

14.Print Test Page? choose Yes and then Next.

Assuming the test page printed properly, the printer device is now set up on the server. Repeat this procedure on the server for every printer that will be used with the application. There may be variations in the procedure if printers have additional options or features that need to be installed. Just make sure that installation on the server and each client PC is done consistently. It's very important that the same exact options (such as # of trays installed), etc. be done both on the server and each PC for printers to work properly.

Step 2 – Set up the Printer(s) on Each Client PC:

This step needs to be done at each individual PC that will be using the printer. Please refer to the previous section for visual examples if needed.

1.Select Start

2.Select Settings then Printers and Faxes

3.Select Add Printer

4.From the Welcome to Printer Wizard choose Next

5.Select Local Printer Attached to this Computer

6.Select Create a New Port

7.From the drop down, select TCP/IP and choose Next

8.From the Welcome to Add Standard TCP/IP Port form, choose Next

9.Enter the printer's IP address (the port name will automatically fill-in) then choose Next

10.Choose the same manufacturer and printer model for the printer used when the printer was installed on the server. If using a CD or Windows Update, repeat the same procedure used on the server (install the same options, etc.).

11.Name the printer exactly the same name as the device is named on the server! If the printer is also going to be the default printer used for Windows printing (independent of software use) answer Yes to the default printer option; otherwise, choose No.

12.If prompted for Printer Sharing, answer No (important!).

13.When prompted whether to print a test page, answer Yes and choose Next.

Assuming that the test page printed properly, the printer is now set up on both a client PC and the server. Repeat the Step 2 procedure for each additional client PC that will use the printer. Remember to install each printer the same way on each client PC to match the way that specific printer was installed on the server.

Step 3 – Set up the Printer(s) in the Application:

1.From Main Menu, select Maintenance.

2.From the Database drop down, select Devices.

3.Select the radio button next to Printer.

4.Enter a Device Name (LAS1, for example). Each printer must have a unique device name in the software. This name can vary from the one assigned to the device in Windows (on both the PC and server); however, it's best to use the same name when possible.

5.Enter a Location for the Printer (this just describes a location for reference) such as "Back Office" or "Mill Shop," for example. An accurate description can be helpful when troubleshooting problems, so keep this information up-to-date.

6.

7.Select the Windows Printer (the printer name used when configuring the printer on the PC and server) from the drop down.

8.Set the printer branch (when appropriate) and type (types include laser, ticket, label, fax, or Dymo). If you are setting up a Zebra® brand printer, choose "Label" as the type. If you are setting up a DYMO® LabelWriter® 400 Turbo printer, choose "Dymo." The "Ticket" type is used with supported cash ticket printers.

9.Select Process (F12).

At this time, it's a good idea to do a test print from the application (print a quote or reprint an existing document, for example). All printers should be set up and tested prior to your company's "live" week.

Zebra is a registered trademark of ZIH Corporation.

DYMO and LabelWriter are registered trademarks of Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.

ZIH Corporation and Newell Rubbermaid are not affiliated with ECi Software Solutions, Inc.