In a previous tip we explained how you can install and map printers remotely using a low level command:
rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /in /n "\\pntsrv1\HP552"
This will map the printer share and also install drivers if required. A dialog window outputs progress information (unless you also add the switch /q for "quiet operation").
However, for this to work it turns out that on Windows 7 and above, two group policy settings are required:
Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Printers > Allow Print Spooler to accept client connections: Enabled
Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Printers > Disallow installation of printer using kernel-mode drivers: Disabled
It may make sense to check these in your enterprise, because printui can do a lot more:
rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /?
