Printer pooling enables Windows 2000 Server to manage
multiple printers with a single print driver instance. This feature allows
network administrators to configure and manage several printers as one, a
process that can simplify printer administration.

In addition, printer pooling provides some load-balancing. That’s
because Windows 2000 Server directs print jobs to the connected printers based
on jobs pending at each printer.

A printer pool contains multiple printers, all configured as
a single printer instance. All printers in a printer pool must be the same type
of printer and use the same printer driver.

The printer pool can include network printers as well as
local printers. You can use a workstation to handle print server tasks, rather
than the server, while still maintaining the pool on that server for
administrative purposes.

Configuring a printer pool is a relatively easy process. Follow
these steps:

  1. Set up
    the printers, and connect them to their respective ports. (In the case of
    network printers, connect them to their host computers.)
  2. On the
    computer that will house the printer pool, open the Printers folder, and
    install the driver for the printer.
  3. Right-click
    the printer, and select Properties.
  4. On the
    Ports tab, select the Enable Printer Pooling check box.
  5. In the
    Ports list, select each port you want to use to connect a printer for the
    pool. (If you need to add one or more network ports for shared printers
    across the network, click Add Port.)
  6. When
    you’ve finished setting the options, click OK.

Want more Win2K tips
and tricks? Automatically
sign up for our free Windows 2000 Server newsletter, delivered each
Tuesday!