asked on

enabling duplex printing in VB script

I am trying to enable duplex printing as part of our green initiative. We use a vbscript that adds the printers for the users who logon to their machines. The environment is Server 2003 and XP. Is there something I can add to the script to enable duplexing? The printers/copiers are Xerox WorkCentre 175s.

Thanks,

zabu99

You can set the option for duplex from the print server. The settings you apply there will also be the default settings when a new printer is added.

Printer settings can be found in WIN32_PrinterConfiguration. One of the properties, Duplex, will be either True or False, but I don't think that you can set it there. I believe that it can be set in the registry, but I don't have time to look at that right now.

Given that new printer installs take on the defaults that you set on the print server that might be enough for your purposes.

ddbla

ASKER

Thanks for the info, but I've made the change on the print server and it doesn't reflect on the user when the script runs and installs the printer.

The WIN32_PrinterConfiguration you mention, can this be added to the script?

Thanks

zabu99

Weird about the print server thing (as it worked for me). Sorry to lead you in a wrong direction then.

As far as I can tell WIN32_PrinterConfiguration is for read only (so no changes). There has got to be a way to do it though. I'll check into it and maybe someone else will come up with an easy solution in the meantime.

ddbla

ASKER

thanks, i'll keep researching too

zabu99

When you allowed duplex on the print server, did you set it as the default setting?

After some research, I don't think that it can be done directly with a script. Two other, less desirable, options are available.
1) Set the computer for single sided printing. Export the registry. Set the computer to duplex and export the registry. Compare the two files. You could use a registry patch or script to make the appropriate changes to the registry.
2) Use whatever software that Xerox provides to make the charges to the printer directly. I am not sure what this involves though.

Sorry that I don't have a good answer for you.

ddbla

ASKER

let me get into contact with Xerox and find out what they say.

Thanks for the duplexing registry export. I'll look into that as well.
I'll post again with results,

Thanks,

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

ddbla

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

zabu99

Good, it's nice when there is a simple solution.

Have a great day.