We need to set a printer as default
But the printer is not plugged in at installation, only after installation
The printer in question is the Rhino 6000 printer driver.
We install the printer in the following way.
1.We first run rundll32 setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 C:\WINDOWS\inf\usbprint.inf to install usb printing.
2.The rhino driver is installed, by using dpinst /sa /sw /se from the driver folder.
How can we make sure that the printer is always set as default when the device is installed after installation of the package when users plugin the device ?
We saw 2 options:
1. Run a process per user via activesetup in the background that checks whether the printer is plugged in, if plugged in, set the printer as default and quit process. Mind that this also works when the rhino printer is added to another usb port.
Disadvantage : poll rate will possibly decrease perfomance on pc.
2. Modify the inf if possible so the printer is set as default
Disadvantage : more difficult because driver has to be signed again, this has to be investigate whether we can do this in the environment of the customer.
Please let me know any thoughs you might have on this issue.
The printer in question is the Rhino 6000 printer driver.
We install the printer in the following way.
1.We first run rundll32 setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 C:\WINDOWS\inf\usbprint.inf to install usb printing.
2.The rhino driver is installed, by using dpinst /sa /sw /se from the driver folder.
How can we make sure that the printer is always set as default when the device is installed after installation of the package when users plugin the device ?
We saw 2 options:
1. Run a process per user via activesetup in the background that checks whether the printer is plugged in, if plugged in, set the printer as default and quit process. Mind that this also works when the rhino printer is added to another usb port.
Disadvantage : poll rate will possibly decrease perfomance on pc.
2. Modify the inf if possible so the printer is set as default
Disadvantage : more difficult because driver has to be signed again, this has to be investigate whether we can do this in the environment of the customer.
Please let me know any thoughs you might have on this issue.
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Answers (8)
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Posted by:
anonymous_9363
14 years ago
Doesn't one of the 'prn[something].VBS files have a function for setting the default printer? Is it prnmngr.vbs?
Posted by:
pjgeutjens
14 years ago
Perhaps have a look at the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\Device
This will contain the device string and name of the default printer for any user.
For a list of devices look at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Devices\
I'd suggest you play around with these keys (plug in the printer, note the device string, see if it remains stable enough under different circumstances, 'pre-write' it to a user's registry hive and see if it becomes the default printer...)
PJ
This will contain the device string and name of the default printer for any user.
For a list of devices look at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Devices\
I'd suggest you play around with these keys (plug in the printer, note the device string, see if it remains stable enough under different circumstances, 'pre-write' it to a user's registry hive and see if it becomes the default printer...)
PJ
Posted by:
aogilmor
14 years ago
ding ding ding! we have a winnah! Ian (vbscab) has won the grand prize of 2 ratings points coz he bothered to look at the search and investigate existing resources, not reinvent the wheel!
Posted by:
pjgeutjens
14 years ago
not reinvent the wheel
I actually found my wheel on google after searching "set default printer registry" and looking around regedit...
I kinda resent that remark.
Posted by:
aogilmor
14 years ago
your method may be workable but why not use prnmngr.vbs provided with Windows designed to do the job? My comment was directed more to the OP than you.
Peace!
Peace!
Posted by:
skt
14 years ago
After installation of Printer, go to control panel--> printers-->Right click on printer installed by you and set as default printer.
It will generate the HKCU REG Key, suing Installreite You can capture that reg key and add it into your MSI.
It will generate the HKCU REG Key, suing Installreite You can capture that reg key and add it into your MSI.
Posted by:
aogilmor
14 years ago
OR, you could use prnmngr.vbs which is provided with Windows...no need for kludgy setup captures
<heaves a heavy sigh>
<heaves a heavy sigh>
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