Using Group Policy to set up Printers

[sluggster66]

I have had a look and can't find an answer to this.

 

We want to move away from log on scripts and use group policy to map our printers.

I can set up printers by going to user config in GP management and add them that way, but I would like a machine policy so that when you log onto a certain PC you will only get the printer for that room.

 

In an ideal world I would like to be able to set up a user policy for their default printer ( the one in the staffroom for example) and a machine policy for the printer that is where they are currently working.

 

I think this should be possible, but I am struggling with the machine part.

 

Any help would be really appreciated

 

Simon

[soveryapt]

The way I've done this is through Group Policy Preferences in the user configuration. I have then applied filters to say certain types or users or machines can log on through the Common Tab under Item-Level Targeting.

 

If you do a bit of a google about you can find information on this, but it's pretty straight forward. Just be sure to tick the Remove this item when no longer applied button. Makes life a lot easier if you come to change something later.

[sluggster66]

Thanks Andy

 

Just looked at Item level targetting, exactly what I was looking for.

 

Have you noticed if it slows log in times down much.

 

Thanks again

 

Simon

[soveryapt]

No worries Simon

 

We have 18 printers through the school being shared out depending on user and/or computer location, and it add's a couple of seconds perhaps.. nothing too major that I've really noticed to be fair..

Andy

[sonofsanta]

User Loopback Policy Processing Mode set to Merge (under computer admin templates, system/group policy iirc) lets you set a user setting (i.e. printer) on a computer OU. Would also work.

 

I just moved away from GPO and GPP printers to scripts for the first time, interestingly. GPO wasn't removing printers when people moved between rooms, and GPP was unreliable; scripting has so far been the fastest and the best method for deploying printers on Win7. Any reason why you're moving away?