Automating Network Printer Setup

ID: Q158398

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

SUMMARY

Unattended Setup is not designed to install printers. However with little effort, you can configure your environment to install a network printer when a user logs on to a computer running Windows NT or Windows 2000 for the first time.


MORE INFORMATION

Use the following steps to configure your environment to install a network printer when a user logs on to a computer running Windows NT or Windows 2000 for the first time:

  1. Install and share the desired printer on the Windows NT or Windows 2000 server.


  2. To start System Policy Editor to create a profile, execute poledit from a Run dialog box:


    1. From the File menu, click New Policy.


    2. Double-click Default Computer.


    3. Open System\Run.


    4. Put a check mark in the box next to the Run option.


    5. Click the Show button.


    6. Click the Add button.


    7. Type a descriptive name for the item.


    8. Add the UNC path pointing to the Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 printer share.


    9. Click OK 3 times.


    10. From the File menu, click Save and save the file to Ntconfig.pol located in the folder used for the Netlogon share.


      11. For example:

      \\<Servername>\Netlogon\Ntconfig.pol

      NOTE: Ntconfig.pol must exist in the Netlogon share of all domain controllers. This may require manually copying the file to the correct location or setting up replication.

      For additional information on configuring Windows NT for directory replication, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
      Q101602 Configuring Windows NT for Replication
When a user first logs on, he or she will need to access the printer from the Run dialog box by entering the printer's share name. Clicking the Yes button will set up the printer. Each subsequent time the user logs on, a properties window for the printer will open. Although this window does not present any problems, it can be eliminated by removing the item from the Run option in the Ntconfig.pol file.

The above procedures can be modified to work in environments that are not organized by a domain. This modification would require enabling manual profiles. Refer to System Policy Editor Help for more information on Manual Updates.

Additional query words: profile Unattended Setup

Keywords : kbnetwork kbprint ntdomain kbOPK ntprint NTSrvWkst ntutil kbSBK
Version : WINDOWS:2000; winnt:4.0
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type : kbhowto


Last Reviewed: January 31, 2000
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