How to Share a Linux Printer with Windows Workstations

This document (7004779) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11

CUPS Printing

Situation

How to share a CUPS printer using SAMBA.

Resolution

Do the following to setup CUPS printing using SAMBA:

1. Type in the following command at a terminal as root and follow the prompts to create the printer.
#system-config-printer

2. At the terminal open up the samba server configuration.
#yast2 samba-server

3. Click on the start-up tab and select "During Boot" and then click okay.

4. Back up the current /etc/samba/smb.conf file
#cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf-original

5. Add the following lines to the /etc/samba/smb.conf file
[printers]
        comment = All Printers
        path = /var/tmp
        printable = Yes
        public = Yes
        writable = no
        create mask = 0600
        browseable = Yes
        use client driver = yes
[print$]
        comment = Printer Drivers
        path = /var/lib/samba/drivers
        write list = @ntadmin root
        force group = ntadmin
        create mask = 0664
        directory mask = 0775
6. Restart samba
#rcsmb restart
7. On a windows workstation open up windows explorer and type \\IP_ADDRESS_OF_SAMBA_SERVER and then hit enter.

8. Click on the shared printer and then select the driver as you would with any other windows printer.

9. The setup of the printer is now complete.

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.