Relocating a Printer or MFD: What to Know

Summary

Why a moved printer or MFD stops working, what network and PaperCut reconfiguration is required, and how to request a relocation from the Service Desk — including the analog line needed for fax-capable MFDs.

Body

Questions

  • How do I get a printer or MFD moved to a new location?
  • Why did my printer stop working after it was moved?
  • Do I need to do anything special to relocate a networked printer?
  • Will my scan-to-email and scan-to-OneDrive still work after the printer moves?
  • What happens to faxing when I move a fax-capable MFD?
  • Can Facilities just move the printer for me?
  • How much notice does the Service Desk need to relocate a printer?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin faculty and staff relocating a Bowdoin-owned networked printer or multifunction device (MFD) on campus.

  • In scope: Department printers and MFDs connected to the campus network and managed through PaperCut.
  • Not in scope: Printers that are broken where they currently sit (see the PaperCut Printing service), and personal printers.

Resolution

Why a moved printer needs reconfiguration

Networked printers and MFDs are tied to a specific network location and configuration. When a device is physically moved, it often can't simply be plugged in and used — its network address, print queue, and PaperCut registration may need to be updated for the new location before it will print or scan.

Important: Facilities can move the physical device, but the Service Desk must make the network and PaperCut configuration changes that bring it back online. Submit a relocation request so this work is coordinated with the move.

How to request a relocation

  1. Confirm the destination location and your planned move date.
  2. Submit Request a Printer Move (under the Printers & Hardware service) at least 3 business days ahead.
  3. Include the printer or MFD name / device ID, its current location, and its destination.
  4. Note whether scan-to-email or scan-to-OneDrive destinations need to carry over.

Fax-capable MFDs and analog lines

On campus, fax-capable MFDs are the only devices that send faxes, and each one needs an analog line to do so. If you're moving a fax-capable MFD to a location that doesn't already have an analog line, faxing won't work there until one is added.

Moving a fax-capable MFD? If the destination has no analog line, also submit Request an Analog Line for a Fax-Capable MFD so faxing is available at the new location. Analog line work can take extra lead time — submit early.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Details

Details

Article ID: 173809
Created
Tue 7/7/26 11:17 AM
Modified
Tue 7/7/26 11:18 AM

Related Articles

Related Articles (1)

What to do before and after an office move so your technology is disconnected and reconnected correctly — including the difference between what Facilities moves and what the Service Desk handles, and how to request help.

Related Services / Offerings

Related Services / Offerings (2)

Report a campus printer problem or request a printer to be installed, moved, or retired. Faculty and staff only.
Request IT reconfiguration after relocating a campus network printer. Requires a Facilities work order for the physical move and a confirmed network port at the new location. Faculty and staff only.