Printers automatically installing?

[Linn Kubler]

Hi,

I just bought a couple new HP EVO dc5700 SFF desktop computers with Windows
XP Pro sp2 pre-installed. During setup of the first one I attached it to
our AD domain and went to install a printer. When I opened the Printers and
Faxes control panel I was surprised to see about 8 printers already
installed.

These were all printers from my network and they all had the word 'auto' in
the beginning of their names. I don't want all these printers on these
computers and I'm wondering how they got installed? Has anyone else seen
this at all? Is it a setting in my network or the local workstation? I
deleted them and they don't seem to be reappearing but it is still
confusing.

I tried calling tech support at HP but they didn't understand what I was
trying to describe so that got me nowhere.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
Linn

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

In Windows Explorer, under Tools, Options, View, read the first line in
Files and Folders.... if the box is checked (default) it will find and
install all the printers that it can! Of course, if you don't want them to
be installed, uncheck the box and uninstall those that are already
installed.

 

[Linn Kubler]

Oh wow, never noticed that option before. Is that a system wide setting or
user specific? I have a group policy that prevents users from installing
thier own printers, I'd hate for the computer to install them randomly. I
suppose I'll have to create a group policy for that too now.

Thanks,
Linn

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Er, 'fraid so!