Abstract: In an electronic network having a computer, a spooler and a printer, the network address of the printer is automatically detected by a method and a system in which a non-print job, which includes a job header identifying the sending computer, is generated by the computer and transmitted via the spooler to the printer. The printer responds by transmitting an acknowledgment which includes the network address of the printer, to the sending computer. The sending computer identifies and stores the printer address therein. Thereafter, the printer address stored at the computer can be used to provide direct communications with the printer, for purposes of certain printer related functions such as determining the printer configuration or set-up, or monitoring the printer.