Why can some printers be renamed and others not?

[jsteph]

I've got some network printers that can be renamed, and some that can't. I want 2 printers on a win2k client pointing to the same network printer, but with different names and different settings. Windows does not seem to allow this.

Also, when I was trying to create the second one, and realized it hardcoded the name with no possible option of renaming, I wanted to cancel out of the 'Add New Printer' dialog--but couldn't!! At the final dialog, the options were 'Back' and 'Finish', but 'Cancel' was grey. The 'Back' button went back, but again 'Cancel' was grey and the only option was 'Next'! Very frustrating.

What decides whether a printer can be renamed or not? Thanks,
--jsteph

 

[crisc]

If the printer definitions (name, drivers, etc) are on a print server, then you will not be able to modify them unless you have admin rights.
You can create a mapping to the printer via its IP, and then you will be able to set your own name, settings, etc.

 

[barry60]

Have you tried creating the second printer as a local printer, witth a different name i.e. A4 landscape etc. pointing lpt1 to the port setup for the first printer. You should then be able to change all of the configuration settings you like. This will of course depend on the rights you have to setup printers in the first place.

Best of ....

BJ

 

[jsteph]

Thanks both...I think it was the permissions as far as the changing settings...but I still can't get out of the wizard without actually saving/overwriting--that must be just an oversight by MS.
--jsteph