Win2K Print Server unable to offer printer driver for Win2003 Server

[Al]

Hi,

I have a a Win2K Advanced Server Box running as a Print Server
for several printers in the office (HP Laserjet 4000's).

A developer recently installed Windows 2003 Server but when
trying to setup the printer I get a message telling me to
install a driver.

I have tried to install "Additional Drivers" but Windows 2003
is not listed. Also, had a crack at some policy editing but to
no avail.

AFAICS, My only option is to Upgrade the Print Server to Windows
2003.

Can anyone enlighten me as to how to allow Win 2003 to print to
Win2K Print Server?

TIA,
Al.

 

[Alan Morris\(MSFT\)]

The best way is to install version 3 user mode drivers rather than version 2
kernel mode drivers on the Win2k server. If this has already been done then
the first policy referenced should not be the blocking issue.

Two policy changes in Server 2003 that you maybe encountering.

Disallow installation of printers using kernel-mode drivers
If you do not configure this setting on Windows Server 2003 family
products, the installation of kernel-mode printer drivers will be blocked.
(this is in gpedit.msc / Administrative Templates / Printers

Devices: Prevent users from installing printer drivers
(this is in gpedit.msc / Windows Settings / Local Policies / Security
Options

Server 2003 and Win2k use the same version drivers just different revisions.
Since Win2k does not know anything about XP or future product, the product
names are not in the UI. If you look at the driver on the Win2k system
remotely using a Server 2003 system you will see the driver listed as
Windows 2000,Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003.

I did not see the 4000 listed as a blocked driver, if it really is the 4050,
then this driver from HP is blocked because it causes problems There is a
list of blocked drivers on the Server 2003 system in
\Windows\inf\printupg.inf.
--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.