Citrix printers sometimes not taking client config
We're using Xenapp 6.5 on two W2K8R2 servers and we're using GPOs to deploy printers based on workstation or OU. When users log in first to their local machine, the GPOs are executed and all printers are created on the workstation (along with none-to-some local printers). On the workstation, all settings are taken correctly from the shared printer definition on our file server (printers using TCP/IP, file server sharing those printers).
When users start their first application on Citrix (using passthrough mode), they log on to one of two Citrix servers. During the logon, Citrix retrieves the printers from client and create it in user's Citrix session. It all worked well but with a few workstations. Some of their printer settings are wrong, usually paper type, duplex mode and color setting. Once the problem appears, it won't disappear unless we delete user's profile on the client (workstation). And we didn't find anything why this happens. There are entries in eventlog reporting errors on getting printer client settings - standard settings are used instead (original messages are in german, so I freely translated it).
We just checked that all printer driver versions are the same across all servers, and we deleted drivers or sometimes profiles on workstations with different driver versions to ensure every machine involved has identical drivers.
Printers in question are Develop ineo and Kyocera machines.
We just need some hints on where we can start analyzing to get finally rid of that annoying problem. IT people where we run our Citrix environment is also out of ideas.
Any help and hint is greatly appreciated.
TIA
Michael
When users start their first application on Citrix (using passthrough mode), they log on to one of two Citrix servers. During the logon, Citrix retrieves the printers from client and create it in user's Citrix session. It all worked well but with a few workstations. Some of their printer settings are wrong, usually paper type, duplex mode and color setting. Once the problem appears, it won't disappear unless we delete user's profile on the client (workstation). And we didn't find anything why this happens. There are entries in eventlog reporting errors on getting printer client settings - standard settings are used instead (original messages are in german, so I freely translated it).
We just checked that all printer driver versions are the same across all servers, and we deleted drivers or sometimes profiles on workstations with different driver versions to ensure every machine involved has identical drivers.
Printers in question are Develop ineo and Kyocera machines.
We just need some hints on where we can start analyzing to get finally rid of that annoying problem. IT people where we run our Citrix environment is also out of ideas.
Any help and hint is greatly appreciated.
TIA
Michael
First.. are you using Microsoft GPP's to assign the printers? or are you using Citrix Session Printers?
Historically, I've had far better experience with session printers -- now that of course assumes you have a print server on the same network as the XA servers and that they have the ability to print directly to the devices.
Coralon
Historically, I've had far better experience with session printers -- now that of course assumes you have a print server on the same network as the XA servers and that they have the ability to print directly to the devices.
Coralon
ASKER
@joharder:
I'll try everything you suggested, step by step. It may need some time but finally I've got some hints now.
@Coralon:
It's configured as Microsoft GPO for the local workstation (because assignments rely on clientname, org unit the client is in, location etc.). Citrix should 'clone' all printers from the workstation to the Citrix session.
I'm quite sure this all worked in the past, but we can't tell exactly when the problems started. I'll be back later with results :)
TIA
Michael
I'll try everything you suggested, step by step. It may need some time but finally I've got some hints now.
@Coralon:
It's configured as Microsoft GPO for the local workstation (because assignments rely on clientname, org unit the client is in, location etc.). Citrix should 'clone' all printers from the workstation to the Citrix session.
I'm quite sure this all worked in the past, but we can't tell exactly when the problems started. I'll be back later with results :)
TIA
Michael
You would be able to assign session printers based on the client.. but it can be clunky if you have a lot. But, you should try it with at least one of them, just to try and eliminate potential issues.
Based on your description, I'd suggest adding an additional "known good" printer to one of the workstations that regularly has issues. That will help identify if it is a specific printer or the workstation.
I'd take a known good piece of hardware, and swap out the hardware for one of the "problematic" print queues, and see if the problem happens again. If it does, then it's time to look at replacing the printer or upgrading the firmware (speaking of, I'd also compare your hardware firmware versions across all your printers and get them consistent).
Next, if that doesn't help, I'd look at deleting one of the problematic print queues and recreating it, along with cleaning out the registry pieces as Jo suggested.
Coralon
Based on your description, I'd suggest adding an additional "known good" printer to one of the workstations that regularly has issues. That will help identify if it is a specific printer or the workstation.
I'd take a known good piece of hardware, and swap out the hardware for one of the "problematic" print queues, and see if the problem happens again. If it does, then it's time to look at replacing the printer or upgrading the firmware (speaking of, I'd also compare your hardware firmware versions across all your printers and get them consistent).
Next, if that doesn't help, I'd look at deleting one of the problematic print queues and recreating it, along with cleaning out the registry pieces as Jo suggested.
Coralon
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Printer settings get embedded in the registry, sometimes in strange ways. If you have another user computer where this is an issue, try searching in the registry for Ineo and Kyocera and you'll see the multitude of places where the printer mapping and/or driver are hiding.
Most commonly, poorly-designed drivers are the issue; however, don't rule out things like an aborted driver installation that didn't clean up properly and then was reattempted or similar issues.
Most commonly, poorly-designed drivers are the issue; however, don't rule out things like an aborted driver installation that didn't clean up properly and then was reattempted or similar issues.
That is *very* helpful information..
Have you tried configuring the Citrix policies to store the printer settings in the user profile instead of on the client?
Coralon
Have you tried configuring the Citrix policies to store the printer settings in the user profile instead of on the client?
Coralon
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First, try manually deleting the printers and drivers (two separate steps!) that are an issue from those computers and reboot. Remember that drivers can be found and deleted by going to printui /s. Let the GPO reapply the printers and drivers if appropriate or install manually. If that works, smile.
If it doesn't, open up the registry on the client computers and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\
I would guess that something went wonky with some specific printers.