Removing decommissioned network printers

[Hammertime]

Hi guys,

I run a group of W2K SP4 public access computers that are locked down by GP on MS Server 2003 and each time a user logs on there is a WSH script I have written that set's up one printer to be the default network printer and removes any other printer that has been connected. Unfortunately there are two network printers that were hosted by two old servers which are no longer in service and will not remove even when you log on as an Administrator. I've heard this is a 'Windows thing' however it is confusing for the students when they see several printers. I tried going through the registry and removing any trace of the two printers although this has not worked. Also running a WSH script to just remove the two printers fails because the script cannot find the servers to remove the two printers.

Any ideas?

Hammertime

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;312052

 

[Hammertime]

Does this process needed to be carried out on each PC or one of the servers (Printer server, PDC, etc?)

 

[bcastner]

Because it uses HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, it would be an every computer task. But, there are some possibilities:

. Since your sever is Windows 2003, download the Windows 2003 Resource Kit:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...69-57FF-4AE7-96EE-B18C4790CFFD&displaylang=en

Use the cleanspl.exe utility to remove all printer definitions and assignments. Start with the server, as this may be all that is necessary. (When you run it, it asks you if you want to remove some things that are actually delivered (and installed by default) with Windows. In most cases, you should answer No to the corresponding prompts - you want to keep the Standard TCP/IP Port or the Print/Language Monitors). Depending on how client workstations have enumerated printers in th past, this may be all you need. Otherwise, the tool can then be used remotely to clean the workstation registry entries even though they are Win2k Professional:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...wsserv/2003/all/techref/en-us/cleanspl_UI.asp

Now re-add the printers you want to the Windows 2003 server using the Printer and Fax wizard.

Finally, see this note by Bruce Sanderson on how to use the PrintUI.dll feature in a script to add the printers again to the workstations for all users:

http://members.shaw.ca/bsanders/NetPrinterAllUsers.htm

The process looks intimidating, but it is better than doing it with manual editing of each registry; it actually takes surprisingly little time to accomplish.

Best,
Bill Castner