Address changes for older network printers

If the network address of certain older network printers changes, either because of a reconfiguration of the overall network or due to the printer receiving a new address after a power failure or other similar event, the printer's address must be updated on each computer which prints to that printer. Many/most newer printers use the printer's name, rather than its address, and so avoid this issue.

Here's how to do it:

(This example uses Windows 7, but the process is similar on Windows Vista or XP)

Click on Start, then Devices and Printers:

This will open the Devices and Printers window.

Right click on the network printer to be updated, and select Printer Properties (not just Properties at the bottom)

You will open the Properties window for this printer:

Click on the Ports tab at the top:

Click on the description for the port whose checkbox is checked, then click the Configure Port button, and change the number in the box next to Printer Name or IP Address to the new address of the printer:

Once this change is made, click OK, then Close, and then close the Devices and Printers window. Your computer will now have the correct address of the network printer.