An automated method of detecting the internet protocol (IP) address of a network printer that is in communication with a computer having a registry permits the printer to be tested in a way that bypasses any print driver software. The test thus determines whether the printer is operative and communicating with the computer, and the test is unaffected by possible defects in the print driver software. A list of printers which the registry indicates have been installed on the computer is first generated, this list including the network printer. One or more vectors are then generated which contain any IP or URL addresses, port names, or printer names that the registry associates with the network printer, its port, its port monitor, or its server. The internet protocol (IP) address of the network printer is then retrieved either directly from these vectors, if it can be found there; or it is retrieved from a domain name server or its equivalent in response to submitting to the server all or a part of the printer's name, its port name, or its URL.