Printer related Scripts in Windows XP and Server 2003

Using the various functions and parameters of the rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry command, it is possible to add, delete or configure a printer using a command or script either on the local computer or remotely (for example, see Adding a network printer for all Users).  However, this command can not create a new printer port or do some other printer management tasks.

Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 (and later versions) include a set of scripts for manipulating printers and printer ports.  These are located in the %systemroot%\system32 folder (usually c:\windows\system32).

§         prncnfg.vbs - configures or displays configuration information about a printer
For information about how to use this script see http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/prncnfg.mspx.

§         prndrvr.vbs - adds, deletes, and lists printer drivers
For information about how to use this script see http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/prndrvr.mspx.

§         prnjobs.vbs - pauses, resumes, cancels, and lists print jobs
For information about how to use this script see http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/prnjobs.mspx.

§         prnmngr.vbs - Adds, deletes, and lists printers or printer connections, in addition to setting and displaying the default printer
For information about how to use this script see http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/prnmngr.mspx.

§         prnport.vbs - add, delete or list Standard TCP/IP ports 
For information about how to use this script see http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/prnport.mspx.

§         prnqctl.vbs - prints a test page, pauses or resumes a printer, and clears a printer queue
For information about how to use this script see http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/prnqctl.mspx.

Some of the functions used by these script do not exist in Windows 2000 and earlier Windows versions, so these script will not necessarily work on earlier Windows versions.  For example, prnport.vbs can not add printer ports to computers running Windows 2000 or earlier versions.

Thanks to Alan Morris of the Microsoft Printing team for pointing me at this information.

 

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Last Updated 8 Nov 2007