Upgrading Windows NT 4 Print Servers to Windows Server 2003

Before upgrading a Windows NT 4 print server to Windows Server 2003, you should uninstall all printer drivers and reinstall the latest versions of those drivers for Windows Server 2003. The reason for doing this is to ensure that kernel-mode print drivers are replaced with user-mode drivers. Replacing these drivers ensures that print servers experience fewer Stop errors and improves print performance overall substantially.

A utility that helps you uninstall and replace kernel-mode printer drivers is available on the Windows Server 2003 distribution CD-ROM. This utility, called FixPrnSv, is located in the PrintersFixprnsv folder. You must run this utility prior to upgrading from Windows NT 4. When you run FixPrnSv, it identifies bad printer drivers and replaces them with compatible drivers. If there isn't a replacement on the distribution CD for a bad driver, the utility lets you know that you must obtain an updated driver from the printer manufacturer.

To use FixPrnSv, follow these steps:

  1. Insert the Windows Server 2003 distribution CD. When the Autorun dialog box is displayed, click Perform Additional Tasks, and then select Browse This CD. This starts Windows Explorer with the Windows Server 2003 distribution CD selected.

  2. Double-click Printers, and then double-click FixPrnSv. In the FixPrnSv folder, double-click FixPrnSv.exe. This opens a command prompt and runs FixPrnSv, as shown in Figure 29-4.

    FixPrnSv finds and replaces kernel-mode printer drivers; use it prior to upgrading from Windows NT 4.

    Figure 29-4. FixPrnSv finds and replaces kernel-mode printer drivers; use it prior to upgrading from Windows NT 4.

  3. FixPrnSv examines all the printer drivers on the computer and replaces kernel-mode drivers with user-mode drivers automatically. You are prompted if printer drivers are found that aren't on the CD.

  4. When FixPrnSv finishes, press any key to finish and exit the utility.

After you upgrade drivers, you can upgrade the system to Windows Server 2003. Be sure to perform any other necessary upgrade procedures as discussed in Chapter 8.

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