Adding 32-bit print drivers to 64-bit print server

August 26, 2009 · Filed Under Windows Server 2008 | 285 views

This is one of those issues that I just can’t figure out why Microsoft did not include both 32-bit and 64-bit print drivers on the media for Windows Server 2008. Or maybe as a download pack or something. The trend is definitely to use 64-bit servers (no other choice if you’re using Windows Server 2008 R2 or newer), but many client workstations are going to be 32-bit for years to come. Anyhow…if you have a 64-bit print server and need those 32-bit print drivers, see below. (Or vice versa, 32-bit print server serving up print queues to 64-bit workstations).

Step 1: Share a print queue out on the 64-bit print server

Login with local administrative permissions to the Windows Server 2008 64-bit print server.
Add a new printer, name it, share it, add to the directory, etc. (You should be using the Print Management Console to manage your printers!)

At this point you have a new shared print queue with 64-bit drivers.

Step 2: Add the 32-bit drivers

Login with local administrative permissions to a Windows Server 2008 32-bit server. (For best results always use the EXACT SAME OS VERSION AND SP LEVEL here, though you can possibly do this from a fully up to date Windows 7 or Windows Vista workstation)
Browse to the 64-bit print server by UNC path, i.e. \\PrintServer.
Click on the Printers folder (or just include that in your UNC path above).
Right-click a shared printer and select Properties from the context menu.
Click on the Sharing tab.
Click the Additional Drivers button.
Check the x86 Type 3 - User Mode box.
Click OK, install the drivers.
Close all open windows.