Printer configuration movement from one m/c to another m/c 1

[cts123]

Hi,

I have one server which is running on AIX 5.1. It has bunch of printers which are configured and the application running on the machine is sending the print jobs to all those printers.

If I look at the /etc/qconfig file, it looks like as :-

prnque1:
device = @z105sl1
up = TRUE
host = z105sl1
s_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixshort
l_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixlong
rq = pcl
@z105sl1:
backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T50

prnque2:
device = @z105sl2
up = TRUE
host = z105sl2
s_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixshort
l_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixlong
rq = pcl
@z105sl2:
backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T50
prnque3:
device = @z105sl3
up = TRUE
host = z105sl3
s_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixshort
l_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixlong
rq = pcl
@z105sl3:
backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T50

And so on .....!!!


rivprnq1:
device = @rivprn1
up = TRUE
host = rivprn1
s_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixshort
l_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixlong
rq = pcl
@rivprn1:
backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T50

rivque01:
device = @rivqprn1
up = TRUE
host = rivqprn1
s_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixshort
l_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixlong
rq = pcl
@rivqprn1:
backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T50

rivque02:
device = @rivqprn2
up = TRUE
host = rivqprn2
s_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixshort
l_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixlong
rq = pcl
@rivqprn2:
backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T90

rivque03:
device = @rivqprn3
up = TRUE
host = rivqprn3
s_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixshort
l_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixlong
rq = pcl
@rivqprn3:
backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T50


Now, We have got one new P550 server with AIX 5.3 and we have installed the same application too. To configure this huge printer list with new machine, what is the best way to do it? This new machine will be final production server.

Thanks ..

TIA ..

 

[sbrews]

Have a look here: thread822-1345310

 

[khalidaaa]

Since then i haven't got any solution to this unfortunatly!

As an advice! try to do it manually! you will save alot of time!

Regards,
Khalid

 

[cts123]

Thanks Khalid,

To give this instruction at the right time. If I check my /etc/qconfig file of current production server, it is always mentioned like:

prnque2:
device = @z105sl2
up = TRUE
host = z105sl2
s_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixshort
l_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixlong
rq = pcl
@z105sl2:
backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T50

The printers are all Zebra Printers.

I am now in manual process adding and using following steps.

Here I am doing :-

smitty spooler
|
Add a Print Queue
|
other User Defined Backend
|

* Name of QUEUE to add []
* Name of QUEUE DEVICE to add []
* BACKEND PROGRAM pathname []
ACTIVATE the queue? yes +
Should this become the DEFAULT queue? no +
Queuing DISCIPLINE first come first serve +
ACCOUNTING FILE pathname [] /
HOSTNAME of remote server []
Name of QUEUE on remote server []
Pathname of the SHORT FORM FILTER for queue [] +/
status output
Pathname of the LONG FORM FILTER for queue [] +/
status output
BACKEND OUTPUT FILE pathname [] /
ACCESS MODE of backend output file write only +
n never +
Print TRAILER pages? never +
ALIGN page if printer has been idle? yes +
Number of FORM FEEDS when printer goes idle [0] #

Hope I am ok with the steps ...

- TIA

 

[mrn]

Try this

Copy over (Keep permission same)

/etc/qconfig
/var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/custom/*
/var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/dev/*
/var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/ddi/*

executed "enq -d" command

Then, Change Virtual printer for each print queue:

chvirprt -q <prtque> -d <devname>

then, cycled the spooler:

stopsrc -cg spooler
startsrc -g spooler

Mike

"Whenever I dwell for any length of time on my own shortcomings, they gradually begin to seem mild, harmless, rather engaging little things, not at all like the staring defects in other people's characters."

 

[cts123]

Mike,

Here is my observation in Current production server.

smukhod@snswmspa: /var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/custom > ls -l
total 247
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivprnq1mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque01mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque02mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque03mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque04mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque05mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque06mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque07mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque08mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque09mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque10mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque11mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 9665 Nov 23 2004 cyp_rivque12mdcas017
smukhod@snswmspa: /var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/custom > date
Tue Apr 3 11:31:39 EDT 2007
smukhod@snswmspa: /var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/custom > cd ../dev
smukhod@snswmspa: /var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/dev > ls -l
total 0
smukhod@snswmspa: /var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/dev > cd ../ddi
smukhod@snswmspa: /var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/ddi > ls -l
total 312
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivprnq1mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque01mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque02mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque03mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque04mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque05mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque06mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque07mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque08mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque09mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque10mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque11mdcas017
-rw-rw-r-- 1 root printq 12119 Nov 23 2004 generic.pcl.@mdcas017.cyp_rivque12mdcas017


And you want me to copy all these files along with /etc/qconfig and just follow the steps ..right ?

- TIA

 

[khalidaaa]

Oh hi Mike

Where are you my friend i was waiting for your reply over there!

Wouldn't that chvirprt command be replaced by the sm_file script mentioned on your previous post? coz that's what i tried and it didn't work!

#!/bin/ksh

echo "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"
echo "This operation will refresh the printing system smit screens"
echo "and relink the system queues to the new screens.  To complete"
echo "the operation I will stop qdaemon and restart it after I am
done.\n"
echo "Any job currently printing will start over from the begining.\n"
echo "If you want me to continue with this operation type YES in
capital"
echo "letters, and hit <enter>.  If not type NO and hit <enter>.\n"
echo "Shall I continue?"
    while read QSTOP
      do
        {
         if [[ -z $QSTOP ]] #tests for a null (just hit enter)
         then
         echo "\n"
         elif test $QSTOP = "NO"
         then
         echo "stopping with no change to smit queue screens"
         exit #exits this shell script
         elif test $QSTOP = "YES"
         then
         break  #exits the while loop after the
         fi
        }
        echo "Please enter NO or YES"
      done
echo "\n"
echo "Stopping qdaemon."
echo "\n"
stopsrc -cs qdaemon
echo "I will now copy backup smit screen files to the directory of:"
echo "/var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/smit."
echo "one moment please...\n"
sleep 5

cp /usr/lpp/printers.rte/inst_root/var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/smit/* \
   /var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/smit

echo "Done with smit screen refresh.\n"
sleep 2
cd /var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/custom
echo "I will now link the currently existing queues on the system, with
the"
echo "refreshed smit screens.\n"
sleep 3
for file in `ls`
do
        echo "Now linking queue and device $file"
        /usr/lib/lpd/pio/etc/piodigest $file
done
echo "\n"
echo "Starting qdaemon"
startsrc -s qdaemon
echo "\n"
echo "The print queue refresh/relink operation is complete.  If you have"
echo "any questions or problems please call:  1-800-225-5249 (AIX
SUPPORT)."
echo "Thank you for using AIX SUPPORT."
#End of script

The thing is chvirprt -q <prtque> -d <devname> needs to be done manually for all the queues which is time consuming! is there any other way script that?

I can see that you've added this line:
/var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/ddi/*
What does this line do?

Regards,
Khalid

 

[cts123]

This is what I am doing.

1) I have copied /etc/qconfig from prod. server
2) Copied following too from prod. server

/var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/custom/*
/var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/dev/*
/var/spool/lpd/pio/@local/ddi/*

3) Did "enq -d"

Here is my /etc/qconfig ( for one printq)

prnque1:
device = @z105sl1
up = TRUE
host = z105sl1
s_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixshort
l_statfilter = /usr/lib/lpd/aixlong
rq = pcl
@z105sl1:
backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T50


4) While doing this I am getting this error :-

# chvirprt -q prnque1 -d @z105sl1

0782-303 Cannot find customized attributes for
print queue prnque1 and queue device @z105sl1
Check the -q and -d flags.

# chvirprt -q prnque1 -d z105sl1
0782-303 Cannot find customized attributes for
print queue prnque1 and queue device z105sl1
Check the -q and -d flags.

Am I doing anything wrong ?

- TIA

 

[cts123]

Khalid,

Finally after executing the script sm_file I was fine with the queues.

While opened a ticket with IBM, and asked for the tips which would help me to migrate the bunch of print queues to another server, they told about of this script only, but its not IBM recommended.

But its working in my case ..

Thanks ..Mike.

 

[khalidaaa]

Oh that's perfect!

I will try it again tomorrow (coz tonight i'm preparing for Test 222)

But thanks for the feedback

Regards,
Khalid

 

[cts123]

Khalid,

Wish you all the best for your 222 exam.

Regards,
Sam

 

[khalidaaa]

Thanks Sam for your wishes! I passed. I got 98% in the exam. It was easier than i thought!

Any way, I just finished with Mike's tip and now it is working fine with me!

But it just feels weird! Is it safe to apply this for our production server? I just don't understand what happen! Could you Mike just explain the steps more so I can at least be more sure to go ahead with the production server?

Sam, is there any thing you can say about that experience so far? did you apply that in your production server?

Till i get an answer, I think Mike really deserve a star for that help. Thanks Mike. Have a shining-star.

Regards,
Khalid

 

[cts123]

Khalid,

Congratulations on your outstanding %.
I am also planning for 222 exam. Let see how it goes.

Yes, I have gone through the process which Mike addressed and did all the test print to those queues and getting prints also.

Only one thing is: If I do
lp -n10 -dprnqueu1 test.txt

It is printing only one copy of test.txt. It is not printing 10 copies of the file. No idea why, but this is the present status so far.

Not sure whether I have to remodify the qconfig file with something else, but if I co-relate the same file with production, its the same. Don't know why it is not taking 10 copies of print.

Thanks.

Regards,

Sam

 

[khalidaaa]

Good luck in your exam Sam. Try reading the IBM certification redbooks! They helped me alot. It shold be simple.

Did you try the same command on the production server? (using the same Queue?)

If every thing is similar then it should work i believe!?! Maybe it is a printer options that need to be setup (but if you do that on both the production and the test, then this will verify that it is not the printer options coz it is common for both!)

By the way, I'm preparing for 180 exam, this Thuresday

Regards,
Khalid

 

[cts123]

Yes,

I tried the same command for the same queue from production server, its printing all copies.

From new server only coming single copy.
Working with IBM and let see how it comes out. Will let you know.

By the way you are too Fast..dude !! 180 exam this Thursday.
I will follow the redbook ( if you have the link available) as you said and will let you know.

Regards,

-Sam

 

[khalidaaa]

Sam,

I don't remember which is which from these links but that's what i saved recently!

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246375.html?Open

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg247197.html?Open

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246191.html?Open

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246184.html?Open

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246183.html?Open

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246186.html?Open

I broke my ankle and i have a blaster on my leg for the past 5 weeks! so i have all the time to prepare for exams

Good luck with the printing problem and i will be waiting for your solution from IBM.

Regards,
Khalid

 

[cts123]

Khalid,

Thanks a lot for the link and its really sad to hear that your ankle got broken. Take Rest ..dude !!

By the way ..I got some tips from IBM and as per them they are asking me to modify the qconfig file from aix to bsd and do "enq -d".

=============
make a backup of the /etc/qconfig file

then edit the /etc/qconfig file and change from aix to bsd

after the change run: enq -d for the changes to take affect
==============
I am going to do that tomorrow and will try to take print copies with -n option. Let see how it works. But more surprisingly the same setup is not available on AIX 5.1 on production.

Will let you know ..

Cheers ...

 

[mrn]

Sorry guys really busy at the moment building serveral 590, I'll try and address your questions above tonight.

Mike

"Whenever I dwell for any length of time on my own shortcomings, they gradually begin to seem mild, harmless, rather engaging little things, not at all like the staring defects in other people's characters."

 

[khalidaaa]

As you said Sam they should not be any difference from the production! After all that's the point of the move! which i guess they should look similar! I started to think that i'm going to do them the manual way better! at least i won't get any surprises!

Oh Thanks Mike for your time. I really appreciate your comments in this forum. I hope you get back to us when you finish.

Good luck

Regards,
Khalid