Printing to an infrared printer

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Printing to an infrared printer

Printing to a printer that is connected by an infrared link is very much the same as printing to any other printer. After you establish an infrared connection between your computer and a printer, the printer is typically installed automatically by Plug and Play. If your computer is not infrared-capable, you can attach an infrared transceiver to your serial (COM) port. For more information, see Add a new infrared device to a serial port.

After you add an infrared printer, the only difference between printing to it and printing to any other printer is that you must first establish an infrared link between the computer and the printer by aligning them so that the infrared transceivers are within 1 meter (approximately 40 inches) of each other, and the transceivers are pointing at each other. For more information, see Establish an infrared link.

Important

  • For enhanced security, performance, and stability, it is recommended that you use only signed device drivers. For more information, see Signed Drivers.

  • To enhance security, align infrared devices so that the infrared transceivers are between 0.1 meter (approximately 4 inches) and 0.5 meter (approximately 20 inches) apart whenever you establish an infrared link between two devices. Although there can be up to 1 meter (approximately 40 inches) between infrared transceivers without a loss in data transfer capability, if you place the transceivers closer to each other, you minimize the risk of interference from an attacker. To further enhance security, ensure that all infrared devices and data sources are trustworthy, and, if you are transferring infrared data with another person, conduct the transfer in a private location whenever possible. For more information about infrared security considerations, see Security information for infrared communication.

Note

  • In the Windows Server 2003 family, only Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, supports infrared networking.