Unable to see network printers in list

lat3 · 07 Feb 2011

Hi everyone,
I am using a Windows 2008 R2 domain controller and File Server. Whenever I add a network printer I always make sure the "List in the Directory" (meaning Active Directory) is checked under the sharing tab in the properties of each printer. On Windows XP machines I can go through the add printer wizard and it finds all printers in the domain.

On windows 7 professional clients when I got to Add Printer then select "Add a Network, Wireless, or Bluetooth printer" it does not find any network printers from my file server. I have the file and print sharing enabled on the win7 clients and the File Server.

I'm not sure why Win7 clients (Win 7 pro 64 bit) won't show the list of network printers from that file server.

Any ideas?

Raj

mjdallas · 18 Nov 2011

I am having this same issue. Did you figure out what the problem was?

lat3 · 23 Nov 2011

HI MJDallas,
Yes I did. Here is how:
1. Open Group Policy Management Console

There are many ways to do this so use your favorite way.
2. Create a new Policy

Create a group policy in in the Organizational Unit where your computers are stored.
3. Browse to the relevent section

So this is what you all are waiting for:
Computer Configuration>Policies>Administrative Templates>Printers> Add Printer wizard - Network Scan Page (managed network)
This GP setting allows you to determine how many of the following printer types show up.
Number of Directory Printers
Number of TCP/IP Printers
Number of Web Services Printers
Number of Bluetooth Printers
Number of shared Printers
4. Other things to look at since you are here anyways

Some other settings that may be of interest to you as well are
Point and Print Restrictions (allows you to allow your users to add printers from set print servers without having a UAC prompt)
Printer Browsing (I am not sure if you need to configure this but I did just in case)