Automatically save a printed document

[fafster]

I'm wondering if it's at all possible to save a copy of a printed document (preferably on the print server) so that kids can't get away with printing out anything 'unsuitable' and then deleting the document. They're forced to save a copy of their work before they're allowed to print it, but know that if it's deleted afterwards they're in the clear.

 

Any ideas?

[tonyd]

Assuming you're using a Windows type server, have a look at the the advanced tab in the properties of a print queue. You should find here an option to allow you to 'Keep printed documents'. Be aware that you will then need to do something about removing old files (unless you have a very large disk). Also you should be able to find a util to view these spool files, but there is always the option to ask them print again.

[Jamman960]

just found this: Print Distributor 3 Server 3.1 Free Download - Print Distributor 3 Server Download

 

you could setup a PDF printer on the server then setup the above program to send to the real printer and the PDF one. Its shareware but might be worth a look.

 

I've never used it but it looks like it'd do the job - let me know if you do try it out, it could be pretty handy

[fafster]

Cheers for both replies. Think I'll try tonyd's approach first, as that way I could set up a little batch script to run every night that would clean out anything over a day old, as that's basically all that would be needed.

[plexer]

Have a look at this link:

 

http://www.undocprint.org/formats/winspool/spl

 

Also has links to spool file viewers at the bottom.

 

Ben