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Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is far more modular than prior versions
of the Server OS, and though the print spooler is installed and running
out of the box, management of the printers is not: this has caused no
end of surprises while trying to configure printers on a new application
server.
This Tech Tip shows how to enable the Print Services role on a Server
2008 system, and then manage those printers using it. The work was prompted
by the needs of an Evolution Payroll Service Bureau
middle tier installation, but it should apply to any application server.
Install the "Print Services' role
The first step is to insure that the Print Services role is installed,
which enables a number of required administrative steps. This is not
the same as the Printers applet in the Control Panel: the latter doesn't
run in an administrative context,
Microsoft Office 2010, and will not allow many of the required
operations to installation and management of printers.
1 Launch the Server Manager, and approve the User Account Control prompt when offered. We are strong supporters of UAC and never disabled it. 2 If a "Before You Begin" box is displayed,
Office Home And Business 2010, read and click through it. Likewise,
Microsoft Office 2010 Pro, review the Introduction to Print Services page and click Next to get started. (not illustrated) 3 Launch Server Manager< from the Start Menu, expand the local server's name, and then expand the Roles item. If Print Services are already found, then stop. Otherwise right-click on Roles and select Add Roles from the context menu. 4 Enable the checkbox on Print Services,
Office 2010 Standard, then click Next. This is a good time to add other services if you think you need them, though many application servers won't. After clicking Next, an "Introduction to Print Services" dialog is displayed. Review,
Windows 7 Ultimate Key, then click Next on this as well. 5 Most users require only Print Server — this provides normal ordinary Windows printing support. LPD is an older UNIX-style printing that's not commonly used in Windows environments. If not sure, leave unchecked. The Internet Printing Protocol is likewise not commonly used. It not sure, leave unchecked. 6 This final dialog confirms what's about to be performed, and though it warns that a system reboot may be necessary. It didn't require one when we added print services to our server. But removing the Print Services role did require a restart before any additional role-related changes could be made.
At this point, the machine is configured with full Print Services.
Administrating Printers
With Print Services fully installed, there are several places that can
perform printer administration.
Server Manager » Roles » Print Services » Print Management This is the main Print Management application for administration of printing resources. This is an MMC snap-in, so it fits right in with all the other administrative Start » Run » printmanagement.msc This launches the same Print Management MMC application directly, without going through the Server Manager. This can be made into a shortcut onto the desktop if print management will be done often. Control Panel » Printers Unlike the previous two items, which run with Administrative privileges because of the UAC elevation, the Control Panel runs in the user's Windows Explorer context without administrative rights. Only the machine's local Administrator — not merely a member of the local Administrators group — has these rights automatically, so it forbids changes to most settings. This stumped a number of experienced admins for days. It turns out that right-clicking a printer and selecting Run as administrator, then Open will allow full administration after the UAC confirmation.
First Published:
2008/08/12
Office 2010 Standard Configuring Printers in Windo
Hybrid Mode
