Topic: SME 5.6 - Local printer no longer shared on network?

[Bill]

I have a sme 5.6 box that I recently upgraded to update6. Since then, the network printer atttached to LPT1 is no longer available to the network. I have uninstalled and reinstalled it and it still acts the same.

Here is the situation: I have one XPpro box behind the network and if I freshly install the printer on SME it is available for use. I come in the next day and the printer is no longer available. I have not rebooted either the server or the XP box. Previous to update6 the printer worked flawlessly for months thru muliple reboots.

Any ideas what is happening? If I cannot resolve this, SME is going into the trashcan and another server is going to replace it. Perhaps openBSD with webmin.

Thanks in advance,
Bill

[ryan]

Bill,  

I have experienced similar problems with SME sharing a printer using samba since version 5.1.2.  My problems stem from 2k & XP clients.  I found a work around that will allow anyone to print to the SME printer, even if they don't have a user account on SME.

-Install LPT printer on SME.  Remember the name you gave it.

-In 2k or XP as an administrator, add a new LOCAL printer.  Choose new TCP/IP port.  Set the IP address of your SME.

-Windows will not be able to identify the port and will pick generic.   Change to Custom and click settings button.

-Choose LPR option.  Enter printer name on SME in the queue name.

-Put a check in LPR byte counting enabled.  I leave SNMP status unchecked.  

-Continue with printer install wizard as normal.  You should be able to print from 2k or XP and this printer should not disappear or stop functioning.  

Pros:  Easy to make work. Stable.  Reliable.  This local printer will be available to all users that log onto this PC.

Cons:  You have to visit each client PC.  Local printers must be installed w/ admin rights.  Your users can't do this unless they are in print ops group on the system.  You will have to tell users to not install the SME samba network printer.  

Other cool things:  

Another work around option to my above instructions is to install apple talk on 2k/XP, then set up your NETWORK printer on SME.  With Appletalk installed, printer should remain available and reliable...(not sure if clients need a user account on SME....I prefer above option to keep it simple..why add a protocol and the extra traffic?)

All linux clients will print to your SME printer through ldp://smeipaddress/printername using CUPS or older LPR printing.  

On 2k & XP, you can install unix print server service.  Set the service to automatically start (won't by default).  Share a printer(s)...now you can set up other clients to print to it the same way as SME.  2k/XP user permissions will not apply, so all can print to the this printer.  

Don't give up on SME, actually I doubt you will find an equal fully open source replacement!  If you do, please post.  I always research my options.  

ryan

[Bill]

The LPR option seems to be working and I will know tomorrow if it stays

I only have a limited number of systems to upgrade so its not a big deal to visit each.

Thanks for the info, I had forgotten about using TCP ports