Configuring Printers in Windows Server 2008

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is far more modular than prior versions of the Server OS, and though the print spooler is installed and running out of the box, management of the printers is not: this has caused no end of surprises while trying to configure printers on a new application server.

This Tech Tip shows how to enable the Print Services role on a Server 2008 system, and then manage those printers using it. The work was prompted by the needs of an Evolution Payroll Service Bureau middle tier installation, but it should apply to any application server.

Install the "Print Services' role

The first step is to insure that the Print Services role is installed, which enables a number of required administrative steps. This is notthe same as the Printers applet in the Control Panel: the latter doesn't run in an administrative context, and will not allow many of the required operations to installation and management of printers.

1	Launch the Server Manager, and approve the User Account Control prompt when offered. We are strongsupporters of UAC and never disabled it.
2	If a "Before You Begin" box is displayed, read and click through it. Likewise, review the Introduction to Print Services page and click Next to get started.	(not illustrated)
3	Launch Server Manager< from the Start Menu, expand the local server's name, and then expand theRoles item. If Print Services are already found, then stop. Otherwise right-click on Roles and select Add Rolesfrom the context menu.
4	Enable the checkbox on Print Services, then clickNext. This is a good time to add other services if you think you need them, though many application servers won't. After clicking Next, an "Introduction to Print Services" dialog is displayed. Review, then click Next on this as well.
5	Most users require only Print Server — this provides normal ordinary Windows printing support. LPD is an older UNIX-style printing that's not commonly used in Windows environments. If not sure, leave unchecked. The Internet Printing Protocol is likewise not commonly used. It not sure, leave unchecked.
6	This final dialog confirms what's about to be performed, and though it warns that a system reboot may be necessary. It didn't require one when we added print services to our server. But removing the Print Services role did require a restart before any additional role-related changes could be made.

At this point, the machine is configured with full Print Services.

Administrating Printers

With Print Services fully installed, there are several places that can perform printer administration.

Server Manager » Roles » Print Services » Print Management

This is the main Print Management application for administration of printing resources. This is an MMC snap-in, so it fits right in with all the other administrative

Start » Run » printmanagement.msc

This launches the same Print Management MMC application directly, without going through the Server Manager. This can be made into a shortcut onto the desktop if print management will be done often.

Control Panel » Printers

Unlike the previous two items, which run with Administrative privileges because of the UAC elevation, the Control Panel runs in the user's Windows Explorer context without administrative rights.

Only the machine's local Administrator — not merely a member of the local Administrators group — has these rights automatically, so it forbids changes to most settings. This stumped a number of experienced admins for days.

It turns out that right-clicking a printer and selecting Run as administrator, then Open will allow full administration after the UAC confirmation.

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