Printing FAQ
Windows Printing FAQ
Q: Why are printers that perform duplex printing set by default to only print single sided?
A: After much debate, it was decided by several support groups that it is best to use the default of single sided as our standard. By default, when you create a print queue, even if it is defined as duplex, the standard Microsoft installation software will default to single sided. When selecting double sided print outs, you have the choice of flipping printing on either the ‘Long Edge’ or ‘Short Edge’. Each individual user may have a different preference. In the near future, we are also planning on accommodating our UNIX customers that use LPR. In many cases, LPR users can not specify to print single or duplex. For Unix LPR customers, we have to create different print queues. To be consistent with UNIX Printer Server FNPRT, we are making the default queue single sided. For Windows users, once you define a queue connection, you can change the default setting to be duplex, and then all print requests you make will be performed in duplex mode.
Q: How come when I change my default setting for a printer, the settings don't stay?
A: In most cases if you set the printer properties through your application (e.g. Word or Excel), the settings are only for the duration for the session with that particular application. To make setting permanent and for all your applications, use the ‘Printer and Faxes’ GUI interface from the Control Panel.
Q: Who can I call when I have problems with a printer?
A: You should check with your local desktop support group as they may have designated personnel to assist in printer issues. If you do not have a local support group, please contact service desk. Please note that if this is after hours, individual printer support is not available, and your problem will be addressed the next business day. In these cases, you may have to use a different printer in your area.
Q: I am using the 64 bit version of (XP or Windows Vista). Can I use the Window Printer Server Fermi-WPRT?
A: By default, we do not automatically install the 64bit version of print drivers. In some cases, the vendor does not supply 64bit versions for their printers. If there is a set of printers you wish to use, and the 64bit version is not already installed, simply put in a service desk request. If we can locate the driver, we will install it on the server.
Q: I tried using IPP, but I cannot connect to the printer?
A: The IPP interface is provided by Microsoft as a free add-on, but the product does not come with standard support. Because of the way some vendors code their drivers, Microsoft cannot guarantee that the IPP software they provide will work with all printers. We have run across a small subset of printers that do not work, and we continue to work with the vendors to get updated drivers that will work under the IPP protocol.
UNIX Printing FAQ
Q: What is the URL for the CUPS web interface?
A: https://fnprt.fnal.gov:631
Q: I submit my job with the correct print queue, yet it says that I have the wrong print queue.
A: Ensure the print queue is in lower case. All print queues are in lower case. For a list of valid print queue names you can search Cups Printers Page or search the Printcap file.
Q: Where can I find a printcap file with all the available printers?
A: Printcap Text
The URL for the printcap.txt file is http://fnprt.fnal.gov:631/printcap.txt
Here are a few possible ways to get the printcap.txt file to your local computer:
- Click Here and then choose File | Save as
- Use wget and rename the file appropriately.
wget http://fnprt.fnal.gov:631/printcap.txt
- Use links and rename the file appropriately.
links -source http://fnprt.fnal.gov:631/printcap.txt > printcap.txt
Q: I submitted a job and it is not printing, what can I do?
A: Search for the printer on the Printers Page and click on the printer or queue name. If the job appears to be stuck contact the Service Desk for assistance.
Q: Username And Password? I click cancel on my own job but I get prompted for a username and password? Which username/password should I use?
A: For security reasons you can not start/stop/cancel print jobs. Please contact the Service Desk for assistance.
Q: Are there statistics on how many jobs are printed?
A: Statistics may be found at: http://computing.fnal.gov/printing/stats/daily-stats.html
Q: Why doesn't my job print?
A: Print queue names are case sensitive. A printer or queue with the name PRINTER1 is different than printer1. For a list of valid print queue names you can search Cups Printers Page or search the Printcap file.
Q: FTP is not installed on the new print server, so how do I obtain the listing of queues like I did before?
A: The URL for the flpr-defaults.txt file is http://fnprt.fnal.gov:631/flpr-defaults.txt
Here are a few possible ways to get the flpr-defaults.txt file to your local computer:
- Click Here and then choose File | Save as
- Use wget and rename the file appropriately.
wget http://fnprt.fnal.gov:631/flpr-defaults.txt
- Use links and rename the file appropriately.
links -source http://fnprt.fnal.gov:631/flpr-defaults.txt > flpr-defaults.txt
