Setting up the Printer – Process Overview
Setting up the Printer – Process Overview

Setting up the Printer – Process Overview

Use this high-level outline of how to set up your Zebra printer to plan for both stages of the process: (1) setting up the hardware, and (2) setting up communications between the printer and the device or PC you will use to manage the printer.
After finding an appropriate location for the printer and BEFORE turning printer power ON, download printer drivers for your printer and Zebra Setup Utilities on the laptop or PC that you will use to set up and manage the printer. Go to the Zebra web site at zebra.com/zd410d-info to download the drivers.
You will need a roll of media (labels, receipt paper, or tags) to set up your printer for the first test print. See the Zebra web site or contact your reseller to help you select the right media for your use. Find media at zebra.com/supplies.
Do NOT connect your printer to a computer yet! If you connected your printer to a computer via USB BEFORE you install the drivers, the printer might appear as an unknown (unspecified) device in the “Devices and Printers” list. Follow the instructions in What To Do If You Forget to Install the Printer Drivers First before you perform step 1.
This is a simplified instruction list to assist you in planning a basic printer setup.
  1. Run the downloaded Windows Printer Driver v8 file from your Windows computer.
    The driver executable file (such as
    zd86423827-certified.exe
    ) is added to your Download folder. See Installing the Drivers.
  2. On your printer hardware, install any hardware options you plan to use, See Install Hardware Options.
  3. Place the printer in a safe location with access to a power source, from where you can connect the printer to your PC, laptop or mobile device using physical interface cables or using a wireless connection. See location considerations in Attaching Power.
  4. Remove the outside layer of your media roll to keep grit, adhesive, and other handling contaminants from damaging the printhead.
  5. Load media. Typically this is a roll of labels, receipt paper, or tags and adjust the movable sensor as necessary for the type of media you have loaded. See Loading Roll Media.
    • For label and receipt (continuous) media roll, see Adjust the Movable Sensor for Web (Gap) Sensing.
    • For label and receipt (continuous) media roll, see Adjust the Movable Sensor for Black Marks or Notches.
  6. Turn printer power ON. See Operator Controls.
    Make sure the communication interface cables are NOT connected to the computer!
  7. Calibrate media properties and label positioning. See Running a SmartCal Media Calibration.
  8. Print a Configuration Report as a test print. See Printing the Printer Configuration Report (CANCEL Self Test).
    You will need the information in the Printer Configuration report to connect the printer to a management device.
  9. Turn printer power OFF. See Operator Controls.
  10. Access zebra.com/setup to download and install Zebra Setup Utilities (ZSU) for your Windows OS. These utilities includes the latest printer configuration wizards and various other tools to assist you in managing your printer.
    Optionally download the Android, iPhone, or iPad apps made available by Zebra to manage your printer (see Connect to a Phone or Tablet).
  11. Choose a method to interface with and manage your printer, using a wired or wireless connection between your printer and the device: USB port, serial port (option), or the optional Ethernet/LAN module. See Interface Cable Requirements, Interface Connector Wiring, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Classic Wireless Connectivity Option. If using a physical connection, be sure printer power is OFF when you connect the printer cable to the network or host system.
    1. For USB printer communication ports, connect the supplied USB cable to the printer.
      You must have the Windows Printer Drivers v8 installed BEFORE you connect the USB cable to the computer and the printer and then turn printer power ON.
    2. For non-USB printer communication ports, run the Windows Printer Driver v8 previously used to preload the drivers. The driver executable file (such as
      zd86423827-certified.exe
      ) was added to your Download folder. See Running the Printer Installation Wizard.
  12. Turn printer power ON when instructed.
    • Windows should automatically detect and configure your printer for USB port operations.
    • Other connection types such as wired or wireless networks (Ethernet and Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, and serial port will require additional setup. Follow the on-screen instructions and prompts to complete the process.
After completing the basic setup, begin the software-based configuration for either wired or wireless communication methods typically needed for Windows OS. See Setting up Windows to Printer Communication (Overview).