Windows Server - 32-bit to 64-bit Print Server Cluster Migration

Asked By Michael

16-Aug-08 03:18 PM

I need to migrate a *Print Server* (with 300+ print queues) from an A/A 32-bit
Windows Server 2003 Cluster to an A/P 64-bit Windows Server 2003 Cluster.
Since I'm going from a 32-bit version to a 64-bit version I understand that I
can't use the Printer Migration Wizard 3.1 :-(

Is there a Microsoft documented step-by-step process for doing this in a
programatic fashion?

What tools/scripts are availabe for either 1) migrating the print queues and
drivers, or
2) recreating them and installing the appropriate drivers on the (new) 64-bit
A/P Cluster? Clients are all WinXP 32-bit.

Can I copy the PrintBrm.exe app. from a Vista client to the W2K3 Cluster and
use that?

Just an FYI, I don't want to have to "touch" the clients (via logon script
or otherwise), so I'm going to use the same virtual server/queue name(s).
I've already verified in the lab how to accomplish that part (reusing the
same Virtual Server name(s)), I just need a way to either "migrate"
(export/import) the print queues and printer drivers from the 32-bit cluster
to the 64-bit cluster; or programatically re-create them on the 64-bit
cluster in such a way as to not have to "touch" the clients.

If this was a 32-bit to 32-bit migration, it would be a snap to do it with
the PMW 3.1.


Thanks for your help.

18-Aug-08 12:44 AM

use printbrm to remotely backup the 32bit machine then remotely retore to
the 64 bit machine.

Make sure the manufacture uses the same names for the 32bit and 64bit print
drivers.

You can use Print Mig as long as you install the 64bit print drivers to the
cluster spooler before performing the restore.


Some info from a previous post

YES and all the x64 driver names must match the 32 bit driver names or they
are not the same driver.  If the 32bit driver name is HP Color LaserJet xxxx
PCL 6, this name does not match the 64bit HP Universal Color Printer Driver

Yes when the x64 drivers are already installed

the prn*.vbs files in system32

Vista Ultimate and Business SP1 has the Print Backup and Migration utility.
You can use this tool to backup the 32bit machine and restore to the 64bit
machine.

I recommend installing the matching x64 drivers onto the 32bit machine
before backing up so all the printers will be restored.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.




--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

18-Aug-08 04:39 PM

Alan,

Thanks for your help and tips.