Printing to NT4 Print Server

[mmolyneux]

Hi, I've got an NT4 Server machine acting as a print server for an HP Laserjet 3500. The NT Server can print to it fine, but any XP clients that print to it, the item just sits in the print queue as 'spooling'. If the XP client adds a new printer and prints to the IP address of the printer directly then that works fine too. I'm guessing it a driver issue, but I've downloaded the XP driver for the clients and the latest NT one for the Server. Any ideas?? Thanks

 

[JJDiver]

I still have NT4 Servers, and want Server 2003, but not looking forward to the pain.

Regarding printers, you have two choices. First install printer on XP direct to IP number. HP has a Network Printer Installation Wizard that is helpful for this process.

Second, you can keep everybody using the NT4 server que, but it's much easier if you load the drivers on the NT4 server. It's not difficult, once you do it the first time. From a XP box that has domain admin rights, click start, run. Then type \\servername and hit enter. You should then see the printer folder. Open the printer folder, and click on the printer and fax icon. Then click on file in the menu, then server properties. You want to add drivers, and it does get a little confusing since I always seem to already have W2000 drivers, and HP drivers include 2000 and XP in same file. Just go ahead and install the XP (and 2000.)

Then you XP boxes should be able to add a printer via the start, printers, etc... and the driver should automagically install.

Seems to be the trend to use IP based printing these days, but I prefer server based, since then I just tell people to look at the label (which is applied to every printer, with the same name as the printer que) and add the printer themselves.

Wish I understood why people seem to be using IP printing, what the downsides of server ques are, and if there is a way to automate the driver installion for older HP printers.

Good luck,

Jeff

Always back up your data, before attempting any work on any server!