Setting up a printer for 40 users 2

[CRAIG2432]

I have a single caonir3 networked printer. I need to install it for all 40 users. Do I use GP, I have tryed but I am told to use Printer folder. I have shared the printer and I can manualy navigate to the server and install it that way. I could do this but what happen when you are in an eniroment where there are hunbreds or thousands of users

 

[porkchopexpress]

Are you using 2003 R2? If so you can use the new print management features.

If not then use a VB logon script assigned via active directory.

FAQ faq329-5798

http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/Logon/LogonScript_Printer_Method.htm

 

[porkchopexpress]

Option Explicit

On error resume next

Dim WSHShell, WSHNetwork, Path


Set WSHNetwork = CreateObject("WScript.Network")
Set Network = CreateObject("Wscript.Network") 


Network.AddwindowsPrinterConnection "\\servername\printername"
Network.SetDefaultPrinter "\\servername\printername"


set WSHNetwork = Nothing
Set Network = Nothing

  
'Quit the Script
wscript.quit

Just change the \\servername\printername bit and you should be away. Add it as a user logon script in the OU that holds your users.

 

[58sniper]

porkchopexpress is right on. Use the 2003 R2 printing if you have it. Pushing out a printer via GPO is much easier than doing it via SneakerNet. Or even vbs. You can also remove printers deployed via R2 as well. Makes for easier management.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[porkchopexpress]

Almost right on i messed the script up

Option Explicit

On error resume next

Dim WSHNetwork, Path


Set WSHNetwork = CreateObject("WScript.Network")


WSHNetwork.AddwindowsPrinterConnection "\\trigger\b03_4100"
WSHNetwork.SetDefaultPrinter "\\trigger\b03_4100"


set WSHNetwork = Nothing

  
'Quit the Script
wscript.quit

 

[CRAIG2432]

Thanks for that. The bad news is its only server 2003 service pack 2 Not R2.

 

[porkchopexpress]

That's not a problem the VB script will work fine.

 

[CRAIG2432]

The script option looks hard. I have never worked with scripts jet. Can you give me some pointers please.

Thanks

 

[porkchopexpress]

Copy the code that i posted above (the second time) into notepad and change the servername\printername part to your server\printername then save it to your PC, name it printers.vbs and run it it should add your printer as the default. Once you have this working you will need to save the script to network share, either the GPO in the sysvol folder of in the NETLOGON folder you will then need to add it as a logon script follow the instructions in the link below.

Introduction to Assigning Logon Script via Group Policy

http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/Logon/logon_script_assign.htm

If you are unsure then create a test OU or try it on a test box first you will soon see that it's quite easy.

 

[CRAIG2432]

Thank you very much. You have just saved me hours.
Star given.

 

[porkchopexpress]

No problem.

If you get chance take a look at the FAQ it will give you some ideas about what you can do with VB mapping drives etc and most of it is already there in the FAQ.

 

[CRAIG2432]

Well now that all that worked VERY WELL. If I wanted to install a second printer using the same method, but not to be the default. Would I just remove the line of text

WSHNetwork.SetDefaultPrinter "\\trigger\b03_4100"

and run it as a second script called printers2.vbs

or can I compine both printers in the same script....

 

[porkchopexpress]

Just add another line to the same script.

Network.AddwindowsPrinterConnection "\\trigger\printer1"
Network.AddwindowsPrinterConnection "\\trigger\printer2"
Network.SetDefaultPrinter "\\trigger\printer1"