Print Server

Configuring Printers in Windows Server 2008 

Launch Server Manager from the Start Menu,

Right-click on Roles and select Add Roles from the context menu. 

 Enable the checkbox on Print Services, then click Next. 

 After clicking Next, an "Introduction to Print Services" dialog is displayed. Review, then click Next on this as well.

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. 

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.

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