Bug 57292 – WindowsXP failed access to the Samba Shared Printers

• Product: [OLD] Docs-user
• Status: RESOLVED FIXED

[Description Sasdo 2004-07-16 06:38:16 UTC]

I have a little network with a WindowsXP(that have 4 power users and 1 Administrator) machine and a Gentoo Linux machine.
WinXP makes a problem with the printers: only the administrator can use the Samba Shared Printers.

Reproducible: Always
Steps to Reproduce:
1. Literal follow the Quick Samba Howto
2. With the Administrator Account on WinXP, connect the Printers.
3. Install the Printer in any other Power User Account
4. Disconnect the Power User Account (StartButton -> Disconnect)
5. Re log-in with the Power User Account then try to use the installed printer

Actual Results:  
The Power users are not able to use the printer. Only the Administrator can use
that.

Expected Results:  
All the Users can use the Printers

I solved the problem with some little changes in the /etc/samba/smb.conf file:

in the [global] section:

delete the line:
guest account = samba

in the  [print$] section:
change the line:
guest ok = no
with:
guest ok = yes

in the [printers] section:
add the line:
browseable = yes

then start (or restart) samba.

In WindowsXP now you can click on Network Neighbourhood, write \\YourPrintServer
so you can see the shared printer(s). Right click on a printer icon then click
"connect".

Windows do the rest.

Do this operation for all users who want use the printer.

and all works.

[Comment 1 Sven Vermeulen (RETIRED) 2004-08-01 04:09:34 UTC]

I'm sure there is a better way to do this (TIMTOWTDI); any Samba guru's that want to put their finger in the air?

[Comment 2 Sven Vermeulen (RETIRED) 2004-08-11 07:35:05 UTC]

I've updated the guide with that (and some other printing-specifics) except for the removing of the "guest account = samba"; I don't think that one is needed.