print server

[LBL626]

Hi,
We have an existing print server on a Dell PIII 866 328mb running nt server that is used as a print, file, exchange, proxy, backoffice, and sql server and we want to take some of the load off it. We would like to convert the print server to a gateway 2000 ns-7000 pc (2)PIII 266 320mb running nt 4.0 workstation. How would we go about doing this?
If you need more info, let me know.

Thanks in advance,

Lee

 

[Kjonnnn]

If I'm understanding your correctly, all you need to do is install the printer on the computer you want to be the printer server, then direct the client computers to use that printer as the default.

 

[LBL626]

Thanks for the reply so quickly.
Our network is setup with a lot of different printers and plotters. They are all installed via the network or through jet admin using the networking protocol. It is a little difficult to set one of the printers up as the default because all of them are used constantly.

 

[epohl]

LBL626,

The easiest way to do this is install all the drivers and printers on the new print server, then change over all the user mappings to the printers on the new server. By having them both with all printers installed you can gradually move all the end users over to the new mappings.

 

[Kjonnnn]

True, but it seems that you would only need to install them all on the new PC, and redirect your clients to that computer... it may be time consuming but doable

 

[LBL626]

Thanks for the replies, they all sound valid.
ephol,
Would you be able to give me a little more background info on how to do this. That way I would be able to document it in case this ever happens again.
You can email me at llitofsky@implementationinc.com

Thanks
Lee

 

[epohl]

Actually you might find this article useful as well. Microsoft has a utility that allows you to migrate print server configuration to another servers without having to reinstall all the printers. I have never used this utility but it sure would save you alot of time if it works correctly. Has anyone used the printmig.exe utility?

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q255/1/87.ASP

 

[LBL626]

I am not sure if that is what I am trying to do.
I am trying to make a regular nt workstation a print server.

 

[epohl]

Remember NT Workstation is only going to support 10 inbound connections. I am not sure how many people are going to be trying to print but this could create problems. Any way you can install NT Server on this machine?

 

[LBL626]

Over 30 people are going to be trying to print.
Not sure if I want to install nt server on this machine.
Also, would there be any logs that would be able to tell who is printing and what they are printing. That way we can monitor the jobs being printed.