You can change a printer's default settings through its Properties dialog box. This dialog box varies by printer model because the manufacturer supplies the drivers whose features appear there. Options common to all printers include those in the General and Advanced tabs.
To change a printer's default settings:
1. Choose Start > Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Printers and Faxes.
2. Right-click a printer icon; then choose Properties.
3. On the following tabs, set the printer's default properties:
General. Change the printer's name, location, or comments. To test the printer, click Print Test Page (Figure 7.17).
Sharing. See "Sharing a Network Printer" earlier in this chapter.
Ports. Review the printer's port assignment and configuration. You'll rarely want to change these settings.
Advanced. Change settings such as printer access hours and spooling (queuing) behavior. (Don't select Print Directly to the Printer; it turns off background printing.) Click Printing Defaults to view or change the default document properties for all users. Click Separator Page to add or change a separator page that prints between documents (Figure 7.18).
Device Settings. These options differ by printer model depending on its features (Figure 7.19).
4. Click OK (or Apply).