Print Manager Plus is software that tracks printing activity on a print server. It monitors print jobs that are spooled through the Windows print spooler and logs details of each job like the user, file size, page count. It can integrate with Active Directory for user information. The software has an administrator interface to view reports and configure settings, and a service that runs on the print server to passively monitor print jobs. It stores data in a database for long-term reporting. Common setups involve using Print Manager Plus on a standalone print server with a local database, or multiple print servers sharing a central SQL database. The installation process involves selecting an install type, database option, and service account credentials.
3. Print Server Based Tracking
Server Based Support Includes:
Server 2000, 2003 & Server 2008
X86 and X64 Implementations Fully Supported
Supports any Printing Processed by the Windows Spooler
Virtual Setups such as VMware ESX & MS Virtual Server
Fail Over Implementations such as Microsoft Cluster
Services and AMT Software’s Doubletake
4. Printing Handled by Print Manager Plus
Job Sources Supported Job Destinations Supported
• Windows Clients NT, 2000, XP, • Network Printers via TCP & LPR
Vista, Window 7
• Network Shares using Local Ports
• Other Windows Servers
• Large Format Printers
• Linux/Unix Servers and Clients
• Locally Attached Devices (LPT, USB)
• Mac OS9 and Later
• Print to File Tracking
• AS/400 and more
• Any other port provided it spools
• Any other client printing through the through the Windows
Windows Spooler
5. What Print Manager Plus Does
Tracks Printing from any client or source, that is spooled by Windows
Provides Summary and Detailed reporting on printing
Save on printing costs via Restrictions and Quotas
Integrates tracking with Microsoft Active Directory
Prompts for Job Authentication
Apply restrictions per Printer, User, Group or Organizational Unit
Keeps users informed about their printing usage
6. Information per Print Job
Environment & Network Statistics Job Statistics
• Time Submitted
• Active Directory Username
• Server & Print Queue
• Active Directory Full Name
• Document Title
• Active Directory Group or OU
• Job Size
• Root Organizational Unit
• Page Count (Adjusted for NUp)
• Custom User Name
• Copy Count
• Client / Project Billed
• Color vs. Monochrome
• Network Bandwidth
• Duplex
• Page Size and Length (for Plotters)
7. Common Print Manager Plus Setup Type
Print Manager Plus Setup Types
Single Stand Alone Print Server with a Local Database
Multiple Print Server’s Sharing a single MSSQL Database
Multiple Print Servers, each using it own local Database
Single or Multiple Print Servers, sharing a Central SQL Database with
Workstation Connected Printer Agents
Print Server and Workstation Connected Printers / Direct IP Printing
8. Single Stand Alone Print Server with a Local Database
Legend
Flow of Print Job Pre-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Post-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Data
Flow of Print Job Settings
9. Multiple Print Servers sharing a single MSSQL Database
Legend
Flow of Print Job Pre-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Post-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Data
Flow of Print Job Settings
10. Multiple Print Servers, each using it own local Database
Legend
Flow of Print Job Pre-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Post-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Data
Flow of Print Job Settings
11. Multiple Print Servers, sharing a Central SQL Database with
Workstation Connected Printer Agents
Legend
Flow of Print Job Pre-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Post-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Data
Flow of Print Job Settings
12. Print Server, Direct IP Printing & Workstation Agents
sharing a Central SQL Database
Legend
Flow of Print Job Pre-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Post-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Data
Flow of Print Job Settings
14. Main Product Overview
Print Manager Plus - Administrator
Graphical Interface to view the Users, Groups, Organizational Units and Printers being tracked.
Customization of Tracking Settings, Restrictions and Quotas which are stored in the database.
Provides Reporting using over 150 different Reports.
Print Manager Plus - Service
Passively monitors traffic through the Windows Spooler and logs and stores it within the database.
Reads Active Directory on an as needed basis and stores this information to the database.
Enforces Restrictions, Quotas and Authentication rules it finds in the database.
Print Manager Plus - Database
Stores Configuration, Job History and Restriction/Quota information.
Usually SQL 7.0/2000/2005/2008 Full or Express Version. Can be MS Access in small Standalone setups.
Connected to using ODBC and Windows Authentication by the Server and Administrator
15. Print Manager Plus - Administrator
Key Features
Sample Print Manager Plus Administrator – PMPAdmin.exe
Active Directory View:
Users View
Group View
Organizational Unit View
Printers:
Cost Settings
Restrictions
Grouping
Reporting
Summary & Detailed Reports
Graphical Reports
Management
eUpdate
Server Status
Advanced Configurations
16. Print Manager Plus - Service
Print Manager Plus Service - Windows Service
Key Features PQService.exe & PQCore.exe
Passively Monitors the Spooler
Parses print jobs
Stores the information
Enforces Restrictions/Quotas
Checks for Quotas
Checks for Restrictions
Deletes, Pauses or Resumes
Saves Active Directory Information
Saves User Information to DB
Saves Group/OU Membership
Can Prompt for Authentication
Username & Password Challenges
Client / Project Selection
17. Administrator & Service Comparison
Print Manager Plus - Administrator Print Manager Plus - Service
• Views Active Directory View Settings, and saves • Looks up Active Directory Information as needed
settings on demand. when Users print. Saves this to the database.
• Sets Configuration for Printers and Print Servers • Works off set Configurations for Printers & Service
• Sets Restrictions/Quotas • Read and enforces Restrictions/Quotas
• Sets Authentication Options • Obtains appropriately set Authentication
• Saves configuration settings to database • Refers to database for configuration settings
• Electronic Updates • Cannot update itself
• Summary, Detailed and Graphical Reporting • Stores print history to the database for reporting
• Is not required for the tracking of Print Jobs • Must be running to track Printing
18. Print Manager Plus - Database
Print Manager Plus Database – ODBC Database
Key Features PrintManager.MDF & PrintManager_log.LDF OR PMPQuota.mdb
Stores Print History
Stores a detailed record for each
Print Job
Includes record of restricted Jobs
Holds Active Directory Information
Stores AD Users and Information
Group/OU Membership
Custom Group Membership
Configuration Settings
Stores Printer and Server Settings
Stores Restrictions / Quotas
Administrative Information
MS SQL 7.0/2000/2005/2008
Uses Windows Authentication
Can be MS Access
20. The Process of a Print Job
Legend
Flow of Print Job Pre-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Post-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Data
Flow of Print Job Settings
21. Phase I: Document Spooling
Legend
Flow of Print Job Pre-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Post-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Data
Flow of Print Job Settings
22. Phase II: Print Job Parsing and Processing
Legend
Flow of Print Job Pre-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Post-Tracking
Flow of Print Job Data
Flow of Print Job Settings
23. Phase III: Release of the Print Job
Data Flow Legend
Print Job Pre-Tracking
Print Job Post-Tracking
Print Job Metrics
Print Job Configuration
24. Phase I: Technical Notes
Windows Clients
Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista and 7 Clients
Windows Servers forwarding Jobs (Local / LPR Ports)
Other Clients
Macintosh & Linux Workstations
Main frames, Unix, AS/400
Anything spooling via the Windows Spooler
Note: LPR Preferred for non-windows Clients
25. Phase I: Technical Notes (Continued…)
Unable to Connect or Print
Check Security within Windows Printers Folder
Check Server and other Routers/Firewalls:
Printing Ports:
445 TCP (Minimally)
137 UDP, 138 UDP, 139 TCP (Recommended NetBIOS Ports)
515 LPR Printing (Print Services for Unix)
Check / Restart Windows Spooler Service
Last resort Stop Print Manager Plus service or Exclude
problematic printer and re-test. If this allows printing, then
the job is restricted within Phase II
26. Phase I: Technical Notes (Continued…)
Not Tracking
Check that Print Job Spooling through the Print Server.
Example: Visually ensure the job enters the queue on the
server (Pause the queue if necessary)
Ensure the Printer is not set to “Print Directly to Printer”.
This is a windows setting within each print queue.
Check that the Print Manager Plus Service is running
Ensure the job is successfully printing. If not then it may be
restricted. See Troubleshooting Phase II.
27. Phase II: Technical Notes
Job Parsing Occurs
The print job is pared for detailed print job metrics such as
Pages, Copies, Duplex, Color and Page Size
User Name and Source Workstation also determined
Over 40 Printer Languages Supported for Parsing allowing
proper tracking for virtually any Print Job.
No Print Job Alterations are Made
Print Job is held during Parsing
28. Phase II: Technical Notes (Continued…)
Full Job Information Logged
Settings read from Database to determine final Job Cost
User, Group and OU Information retrieved from Database or
Active Directory as necessary.
Print Job is logged with full Metrics, Job Cost and User
Information
29. Phase II: Technical Notes (Continued…)
Authentication Performed (Optional)
Printer Settings checked from the database for enabled
Billing or Authentication Options
End User can be challenged for Custom or Active Directory
Username and Password.
End User can be prompted for Client / Project to bill to
Database updated with updated User, or Client/Project Data
Job is held while Authentication is Pending
30. Phase II: Technical Notes (Continued…)
Restrictions / Quotas Enforces
Printer and User checked for Restrictions and Quotas.
Job metrics and cost are compared to enabled restrictions
and quota
If a restriction is met the job is Paused or Deleted
Balance is deducted appropriately, or job is restricted if
insufficient balance exists.
Job is held while settings are checked.
31. Phase II: Technical Notes (Continued…)
Print Job Not Printing
Check if the job being restricted via Denied Print Job Reports
or by checking the JobLog table for records where
PMPJobState 2 or 3.
Check Printer, User, Group and OU for restrictions that may
apply to that job or for sufficient user balance. Installing the
EUIT to received job restriction notification will assist.
Check Configure Print Manager Actions for Authentication
Security and/or Print Security. (See User Guide)
Finally, stop Print Manager Plus service or exclude printer.
Issue may be a spooler, application or driver issue.
32. Phase II: Technical Notes (Continued…)
Print Job Not Tracking
Ensure Print job is successfully printing, if not check for
restrictions and other reasons it is not printing.
Check that job is spooling locally on the server running Print
Manager Plus.
Ensure the Printer is not set to “Print Directly to Printer”.
This is a windows setting within each print queue.
Check JobLog manually for print jobs. Check PMPJobState
field for status.
33. Phase III: Technical Notes
Print Job Resumed
The print job resumed for printing in most cases.
If held for restriction, end user popup is sent. Users will
need the End User Inquiry Tool or the Authentication Module
to receive these pop ups.
Job is sent to the printer unchanged in the same manner if
there were no tracking installed.
34. Phase III: Technical Notes (continued…)
Print Job Does not Print
Double check that no restriction was applied.
Check the print queue for the job. If found paused and does
not auto-resume quickly ensure no restrictions are set to
pause the job. Ensure database is available, Print Manager
Plus may hold jobs for several minutes while attempting to
contact the database.
If print job is found in the queue stuck at a status of Printing
then Print Manager Plus has completed its tracking process
and the printer should be checked for errors.
36. Main Product Install Overview
Main Installer: Pre-Requisites
Main installer is within the PMP8.0.133.87_FULL.zip Mdac 2.7 or later for SQL Database
(install launched by: setup.exe) Jet Database Engine 4.0 and Later for MS Access
The launching user requires local Administrative .Net Framework 2.0 for local SQL Express Option
rights on the Print Server.
The launching user also requires rights to connect
to and verify the Print Manager Plus database, or to Silent Install Run by Configuring setup.ini
create it. Database Option Configured within setup.ini
Service Logon User Specified
Database Options: License Key specified
Existing MSSQL 7.0/2000/20005/2008 Instance
Create a local SQL Express 2005 Instance
Local Microsoft Access DB
37. Main Product Install Process
Enter License Key: Configure Database Option
Provide the valid Print Manager Plus License MS Access: Small single server setups
Accept the License Agreement Local MSSQL Express: Creates a local MS SQL
2005 Express instance and database for small to
Review and accept the license agreement to install midsize environments.
Select the Install Type Create DB on an Existing Database Server:
Common for larger setups choosing a central SQL
Full Setup: For a print server where both the Database. Creates a Print Manager database on
Service and the Administrator are needed. an existing local or remote database
Admin Only: For installing just the admin console
and for not tracking any printers on that machine.
Connect to an Existing Database:
Connects to a central or local database that has
Choose Install Location: already been created. Common for installing
additional servers in a multi-Print Server
Default install location:
environment.
C:Program FilesSoftware Shelf International
Finalize Installation:
Choosing Install will Complete the install. A
reboot is required before full tracking will occur.
46. Print Manager Plus Administrator Introduction
Users Tab Client Billing
Shows Users pulled from AD List of Clients, Projects or Departments available
Shows Users within the Local Database to bill jobs to.
Combines Database Settings to create a
complete view of Users. Printers
List if Printers being Tracked
Groups Tab Printer Cost Settings
Shows the Security Groups from Active Directory Printer Restrictions
Shows settings placed on Groups.
Displays any Custom Groups Print Servers
Displays the Default User Settings List of Print Servers and Workstation Agents that
are connected to this database.
Organizational Units Tab
Shows Organizational Units from Active Directory Reports
Shows settings placed on Organizational Units Detailed, Summary and Graphical Reports
Additional Configuration
Various Menus for additional Configuration
55. User View Filter Over View – Default View (Combined)
Legend
Reading Users AD
Reading Groups / OUs from AD
Saving Users Settings to the DB
Retrieving User Settings
57. User View Filter Over View – All Domain User’s Off
Legend
Reading Users AD
Reading Groups / OUs from AD
Saving Users Settings to the DB
Retrieving User Settings
60. Database Overview
What is Stored in the database?
Print History Printer Settings
Stores a detailed record for each Print Job
Printer Cost Settings
Includes record of restricted Jobs
Printer and User Restrictions
Printer Group Membership
Authentication Requirements
Active Directory / Network Users
Users that have printed through the spooler since
installing Print Manager Plus (default settings)
Username, Full Name, Root OU and Group
Configuration Settings
Membership Data Database Version Information
User Quotas and Restrictions Print Manager Actions (what occurs when a
restriction is met)
Active Directory Groups and OUs that have been
enabled from the Administrator. Licensing Information
Custom Groups that have been created. Admin Rights Settings
Custom Active Directory Field data Other settings
61. Database Table Information
Table Name Table Contents
_DB_Stats Current database version, as well as database version history. (Do not edit)
AdminRights PMP Administrator Logon Accounts and Privilege Information
AdvancedQuotas Advanced Quotas Information. Used only when separate Quotas are used per each Printer Group.
Configuration Configuration settings such as Print Manager Plus Actions, Nested Group Options, and more…
Contains any trusted Active Directory domains used for the listing and tracking of additional domains. This also contains any additional
Domains
LDAP directories used with Username and Password authentication within the Client Billing & Authentication edition.
Stores both Active Directory Groups and Organizational Units that have been enabled. It also stores Custom Groups and the Default
GroupQuotas
User Settings.
JobLog Each print job handled by Print Manager Plus. Allowed and Denied jobs both reside in this table.
PaperTypes The paper types used for charging specific costs per size.
Printers Each printer being tracked by Print Manager Plus and its settings. Also holds Default Printer Settings.
Each server or workstation running the Print Manager Plus service connected to this database. This includes their
PrintServers
license status and registration key used.
Project Listing of Clients / Projects available to be prompted for on each print job.
UserCreditLog A history of Credit Added or Taken away from the user from the PMP Administrator.
Each User that has printed, or had an account manually enabled from the Print Manager Plus Administrator. This includes their Full
UserQuotas
Name, Group/OU memberships, quotas and restrictions.
62. Key Tables and their Contents
JobLog UserQuotas GroupQuotas Printers
Record of every print Every User that Each group / OU that Each Printer being
job processed. printed through the has a configured monitored by PMP
server (typical) account in PMP.
Job Metrics of every Cost Settings
Print Job. Group Membership Nested Group
Membership Printer Restrictions
UserName and User’s Restrictions
Applied Group Default User Settings Printer Group
User’s Quota Membership
Job Cost Applied Group/OU Restriction
Full Name and Quota Defaults Authentication Options
Custom AD Field Custom Groups
63. Connecting to the Database
PMP Administrator PMP Service Installers Third Party / Custom
PMPAdmin.exe PQService.exe & Setup.exe Applications
PQCore.exe
Connects via ODBC using Connects via ODBC Created the ODBC May use ODBC, or other
the SystemDSN using the SystemDSN Connection within technologies such as
“PrintManagerPlus” “PrintManagerPlus” SystemDSN ADO.net.
“PrintManagerPlus”
Used Windows Used Windows Custom Apps may use
Authentication for the Authentication via the Used Windows Windows or SQL
launching User Service Log on as Authentication of the Authentication.
(Not the service logon). Account. launching user to
connect, create or verify
the database May add columns, but not
Requires DB_DataReader Requires recommended.
& DB_Datawriter DB_DataReader &
DB_Datawriter Requires DB_Owner if
Updating Can add custom tables
eUpdate Requires
DB_Owner
65. Print Manager Plus – Agents and Options
Authentication Module & Workstation Connected Remote Administrator Report Viewer
End User Inquiry Tool Printer Agent PMPAdmin.exe ReportViewer.exe
CheckPages.exe PQService .exe & PQCore.exe
Can display user balance Tracks printing on Provides the Admin Provides remote reporting
information (EUIT Only) locally installed printers. console portion of Print features only.
Manager Plus for
remote administration.
Informs end users of Is a service only install Relies on Windows
restricted printed. of Print Manager Plus. Authentication of the
Relies on Windows launching user to connect
Authentication of the to the database
Prompts for Relies on Windows launching user to
authentication. Authentication and connect to the
works directly with the database. Requires DB_DataReader
database. permissions.
Communicates with Print
Manager Plus service to Allows all of the same
obtain information using Requires controls as the
ports 445 or 48100/48101 DB_DataReader & Administrator on the
DB_Datawriter rights. Print Server.
66. Print Manager Plus – EUIT / Authentication Module
Standard Install Options: Silent Install Options
Installed using PMP_EUIT.MSI or Supports standard MSI Silent Commands /qn /i
PMP_AuthenticationModule.MSI
Silent Install Example:
Requires Local Administrative Rights to Properly msiexec /i
Install serversharepmp_euit.msi /qn
Requires no connection to the Print Manager Supports standard MSI Uninstall /x command
Plus Database
Silent Uninstall Example:
Listed in Add/Remove Programs as: msiexec /x
Print Manager Plus - Client
serversharepmp_euit.msi /qn
Supports Group Policy department and is
compatible with most Third Party Push Install
programs.
67. Authentication Module vs. End User Inquiry Tool
End User Inquiry Tool Authentication Module
PMP_EUIT.MSI PMP_AuthenticationModule.MSI
• Provides End User Pop ups of • Provides End User Pop ups of
Restricted Print Jobs Restricted Print Jobs
• Available in 7 Languages • Available in 7 Languages
• Displays end user current balance • Displays end user current balance
• Prompts for Authentication when • Prompts for Authentication when
Enabled Enabled
• Dword attribute EUIT allows module • Virtually the same as EUIT, but no
to provide EUIT Function. auto display of balance.
71. End User Inquiry Tool - Functionality
Task Tray - Sample EUIT Registry Settings
EUIT Dword:
1 or 0 for EUIT Function On or Off
Server String:
Hard codes print server to retrieve
balance from. (Optional)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESoftware
Shelf International IncPrint Manager Plus - Client
72. EUIT / Authentication Module Troubleshooting
Task Tray - Sample EUIT Registry Settings
EUIT Dword:
1 or 0 for EUIT Function On or Off
Server String:
Hard codes print server to retrieve
balance from. (Optional)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESoftware
Shelf International IncPrint Manager Plus - Client
73. EUIT / Authentication Module Troubleshooting
“Contacting Server…” Message: If the module is stuck attempting to
Contact the server, then it cannot broadcast for it.
Ensure Print Manager Plus Service is running
Hard Code Server Name in Registry
Allow NetBIOS Broadcast
No Balance information bubble or balance information is blank or NULL.
Ensure Print Manager Plus Service is running
Allow TCP Ports 48100 & 48101 between Server and Workstation
Allow NetBIOS Broadcast
EUIT Shows user balance as “Unknown User”
The user is not saved to the PMP Database. Printing for the fist
time will save them to the database (under typical settings)
74. EUIT / Authentication Module Troubleshooting
Ensure the Job was actually Restricted. If Not then:
Ensure job meets the correct restriction criteria
Check that the user or printing has the proper restriction that
should have been applied
Check Workstation Local Firewall, and Network Firewalls:
Allow TCP Ports 48100 & 48101 from Server to Workstation
Ensure CheckPage.exe is Running
Within Processes ensure that CheckPages.exe is running on the
workstation.
75. EUIT / Authentication Module Troubleshooting
Ensure the printer has Verification / Authentication Enabled.
Check within the properties of the Printer within the Print Manager
Plus Administrator.
Check Workstation Local Firewall, and Network Firewalls:
Allow TCP Ports 48100 & 48101 from Server to Workstation
If Pop up is received, but job never resumes.
Allow TCP Ports 48100 & 48101 from Workstation to Server
The wrong end user machine receives the Authentication Request
Check Local DNS Server for registration issues
76. Workstation Connected Printer Agent
Admin Install Notes: Silent Install Notes
• Installer is basically a Service Only • Silent install can be configured by
install of Print Manager Plus.
editing the setup.ini in the main install,
or using our MSI Installation.
• Installer launching user must be an
Admin of the workstation, and have
• When launching silent install, launching
read and write access to verify the
user only needs to be an Admin of the
database.
local workstation.
• Service logon account specified must • Service Logon specified must be a
be an Admin of the workstation, and
Local Admin of the workstation, have
have read and write access to the SQL
read and write access to the PMP
Database.
Database and also have the Logon As a
Service right.
• Workstation connected key used during
install (Server can be used for service
only server install).
77. WKS Connected Printer Agent Module Troubleshooting
Ensure the Print Manager Plus Service on the workstation is
started.
Check that ODBC SystemDSN named “PrintManagerPlus” exists
and is pointing at the correct SQL Database Server and Instance.
Verify that the Service Logon in the properties of the Print
Manager Plus service is a local Admin of the Workstation and has
DB_DataReader and DB_DataReader permissions to the SQL
Database.
78. WKS Connected Printer Agent – Excess Printers
Option 1: They can be excluded from the Print Manager Plus
Administrator under the Printer’s tab. They will continue to
appear, but will remain disabled from tracking.
Option 2: Exclude the excess queues completely using
PQExclude.txt. This is a standard text file that can be placed in
the System32 (or SysWow64) on the workstation and contains
printers to be excluded one per line. A large number of default
entries are already included.
79. Remote Administration Console
Admin Notes:
• Uses the same installer as the main • Installing & Launching user must
product by selecting Administrator have read and write permissions to
Only Install. the Print Manager Plus database.
• Can be silently installed by • Use Admin Rights Security to
configuring setup.ini file. restrict user access by Group, OU
and Print Server
• Provides same functionality as the
Admin console on the Print server. • Must be eUpdate separated of the
main server.
• Supported on Windows 2000, XP,
Vista & 7 Workstations. • Unlimited installs allows.
80. Remote Report Viewer
Remote Report Viewer Notes:
• Uses its own Installer • Prompts for database location upon
first launch
• Can be silently installed using
standard MSI Commands • Uses PrintManagerPlus ODBC
connection within SystemDSN.
• Provides same reports as the Print
Manager Plus Administrator. • Requires DB_Reader permissions
on the Print Manager Database
• Supported on Windows 2000, XP,
Vista & 7 Workstations. • Unlimited installs allows.