Question : Installing network printers in XP without admin rights

We are in the process of deploying Windows XP SP2 across several hundred computers on our network.  All users are normal users, no local admin rights, no power or 'super' users.  The problem at hand is how do we allow users to add required printers as they need them, like users with laptops that move around the facility.  And what solution can be in place to avoid having my users call the help desk everytime they want to add a printer, and then have the help desk logon with admin rights and add the printer?

Answer : Installing network printers in XP without admin rights

Use the Printer Migration 3.1 (PrintMig.exe) tool from Microsoft to install the printer drivers to the local machine. Once the printer drivers are installed to the local computer, all users are allowed to connect and install printers under their profile.

The basic procedure for this process is simple. Setup one computer and install all of the printers that are available on the network.  After the installation, delete all of the network printers that were installed. When the printer connections are deleted from the profile, the printer drivers are still available on the system for all users.  Run the PrintMig.exe file and select 'Backup' from the File drop down menu.  All of the printer drivers, registry entries, etc. are zipped into a CAB file that I save to a share on the server.

With the CAB file is available on the server share, you can restore this file to any XP machine in your domain.  After the restore is complete, users are able to install the network printers without Administrative rights.  You need to use the PrintMig.exe file to restore the CAB file as well.

While this seems a little time consuming, it is a good way to deal with volume.  The restore process takes about 40 seconds to complete.  This has proved to be a good solution to get through our deployment.  Our final solution wil be a web page added to our Intranet so users can click on the printer they need and have it installed.