Deploying printers via GPP and Item Level targeting

[clareq]

I was deploying printers using GPP and Item Level Targeting on the computer object, however, papercut wasn't working with that method of deployment. I've changed the GPO to using GPP and Item Level targeting on the user object, deploying shared printers, rather than the IP Printer I had to use when deploying to the computer object.

 

Only some printers are mapping to some people. I can't see any logic in what is happening, but I'm wondering whether I need to enable loop back processing when Item Level targeting to a computer OU when deploying printers to a user object.

 

Does any of that make any sense?

[clareq]

bump??

[Boredguy]

We use loop back processing for our printer deployment GPO.

We have most of our printers assigned by Item Level to specific OU's (printers assigned in computers section of the GPO not users), but some are configured to either specific usernames or user groups.

[sparkeh]

We have one printer policy applied to the root of our user OU structure, the printers are defined in the User Config GPP and Item Level Targeted at machines. Loop back processing is enabled in the Computer Config. Works fine with PaperCut.

[clareq]

So, lets see if I have this straight, because I'm getting very confused.

I have a GPP which assigns our printers to users, assigned to the users OU. Within that GPP printers are allocated by GPP to machine OUs, or to individual computers by name, depending on need. This isn't working properly.

What I need to do is enable loop back processing, and assign that GPO to the computers OU?

I need to use the GPP assigned to users, as that enables me to assign shared printers, which papercut likes, not IP Printers, which papercut ignores.

[sparkeh]

I have a GPP which assigns our printers to users, assigned to the users OU.

Good that's right.

Within that GPP printers are allocated by GPP to machine OUs, or to individual computers by name, depending on need.

By using Item Level Targeting I presume? This is correct

What I need to do is enable loop back processing, and assign that GPO to the computers OU?

No, keep the GPO applied to the users OU but enable loopback processing in the GPO under Computer Config -> Polices -> Admin Templates -> System/Group Policy

 

At least that's how ours is setup and sounds like what you need as well.

[clareq]

Brilliant, thank you. I've set it to replace, rather than merge, as there is no other policy to merge with - is this correct?

[sparkeh]

Brilliant, thank you. I've set it to replace, rather than merge, as there is no other policy to merge with - is this correct?

Yeah I have it set to 'Replace'

 

Hope this helps

[clareq]

I've rolled out this GPO today, and, in the main, it seems to be working well. However, I have a few users who say that printers are disappearing, without them logging off - just one minute there, one minute not. Anyone have any idea where I start with that? I've run gpresult, and the GPO is applying.

[Boredguy]

by default it reapplys the GPP preferences for printers on a regular basis in the background.

 

Sometimes when it refreshes it "forgets" the printer information and removes it from the stations, but a gpupdate /Force pops it straight back on.

We have a shortcut available for staff to click to do just that instead of logging off and back on again.

 

One of these days I'll update the Printer GPP refresh to 8 hours instead of 60 minutes

[clareq]

How do I change that refresh - my google skills seem lacking today!

[clareq]

Found it - thanks. I've changed it to turn off background refresh.