Mandatory User Profiles: Random Default Printers Selected

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51

SYMPTOMS

When users of then same server-based Mandatory User Profile log on from various different locations, different default printers may be selected at different workstations.

A roving user of a Mandatory User Profile may see different printers selected as the default printer as the user moves from workstation to workstation.

It can be difficult to predict exactly which printer will be selected as the default.

CAUSE

This is caused by incorrect configuration of the server-based Mandatory User Profile. Specifically, the default printer named in the profile is a printer set up in Print Manager via "Create Printer" (as opposed to "Connect to Printer") on the workstation where the profile administrator last edited the profile, but a printer with this name has not been created on all the workstations where the profile may be used.

If a user of the profile logs on at a workstation where the same printer name is defined, that printer name is selected as the default printer as expected. However, if a user of the profile logs on at a workstation where the same printer name is NOT defined, another printer name is selected instead.

If different printer names are configured on different workstations, the printer name selected as the default printer varies from workstation to workstation.

RESOLUTION

Modify the Mandatory User Profile to specify a default printer name that is set up via Print Manager's "Create Printer" facility, and ensure that this printer name is present on all workstations where the profile is used.

-or-

Modify the Mandatory User Profile to specify a default printer that is set up via Print Manager's "Connect to Printer" facility. If you choose this option, bear in mind that, for example, a connection to a printer in Seattle may not be very useful when the user is in New York, and users of the profile will need to be educated appropriately.

NOTE: Printer settings in a User Profile can be changed by logging on as a user of the profile who is also an Administrator, making the required changes in Print Manager and then using User Profile Editor to save the changes.

For more information on Print Manager, User Profile Editor, and setting up and modifying Mandatory User Profiles, refer to the Concepts and Planning Guide and the System Guide provided with Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1 and the Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51.