Provide x86 (32bit) "User Mode 3" Native Windows Drivers to x64 (64bit) Vista/Server 2008
This is a common requirement where users take the plunge and go 64-bit, for various reasons and then experience many problems first-hand when sharing printers on your domain! Yes, by default no 32-bit drivers are pre-loaded, even when you are using drivers included with Windows (native drivers) for your printer or fax modem.
So the trick is easy but not fast! Well, unless you use Guru Guy's guide and if applicable opt to download the native drivers linked on this page to speed it up further!
Pre-requisites
- Installed Printer/Fax to share (driver provided either via Windows Vista/Server or manufacturer e.g. HP);
- x86 32-bit drivers of the Printer from your manufacturer, OR if you are using Windows Server 2008 x64 native drivers an installation of Windows Vista/Server 2008 in x86 32-bit mode. (If you are sharing a Fax Service Printer, Guru Guy has provided the Server 2008 SP2 native x86 User-Mode 3 "Microsoft Shared Fax driver" here;
Step-by-Step instructions
- Make sure "File & Printer Sharing" is allowed in the Windows Firewall, best managed via "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security";
- Right-Click the Properties of your printer/fax and go to the "Sharing" tab;
- Click "Additional Drivers" button and tick the box "x86 User-Mode 3" driver which will prompt 64-bit Vista/Server to prompt for the x86 driver source;
- Now, if you are sharing a printer that is using the native Windows driver (installed out-of-the-box), click here to see the guide to extract the native driver from an x86 installation of Vista or Server 2008. Otherwise if you are using the manufacturer's driver (e.g. HP), you need to provide the x86 driver provided by them. You cannot mix drivers (ie. Native Windows x64 drivers with manufacturer 32-bit drivers). HP have a known issue with their PCL drivers where they did not include a space in the printer name in one of their driver INF files making them look unique!
OR- If you are sharing a Fax Share on a 64-bit server, Guru Guy has provided for download the x86 Windows Server 2008 SP2 native "Microsoft Shared Fax Driver" to save you the bother of the guide below! This is the driver provided once you install Windows Vista/Server 2008 which is needed to share the printer with your x86 32-bit Vista and even Windows XP/2000 clients!
- Once you've extracted the Manufacturer's driver to a local folder, or have extracted the native Windows x86 driver from the x86 install, provide the path to the "Browse" dialogue box when you clicked "Additional Drivers";
- The driver will be copied and then you should see below:
- Optionally, to confirm that the files were copied properly, in Windows Explorer navigate to %windir%\System32\spool\drivers\ and look for the folder that contains the files for the selected architectures.
Voila! You are done and are ready to share your printer with 32-bit XP/2000/Vista clients from your 64-bit server!!!
For your reference, below is the procedure to extract native windows drivers from a 32-bit Vista/Server installation. I used the same procedure to provide you the link as a convenience.
Extract Native Windows Drivers from your installation
- Install the Windows Vista/Server architecture of the drivers you need for your clients. E.g. If you are sharing a printer on a 64-bit server but you have 32-bit Windows XP Clients, install Windows Server 2008 x86 (32-bit) on a spare PC or in a Virtual Machine;
- Once installed, navigate to: %windir%\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\
- There are lots of folders here! What you specifically need is the folder: prnms002.inf*
- Copy that folder to a memory stick and transfer over to your 64-bit Server;
- Provide the driver path when prompted adding it via the "Additional Drivers" button of the sharing tab in the printer properties.
Related Guides:
- Customise Windows 7 Setup Installer and Create a Custom Windows 7 DVD;
- Install software via Group Policy Objects (GPOs);
- Map Drives based on Active Directory Group Membership;
- Configure Remote Assistance & Remote Desktop via Group Policy;
- Provide Windows XP Clients 32bit Fax Drivers from Windows Server 2008 x64
- Logon Script to map Network Drives based on Active Directory Group Memberships
Like what you've read? Was this of help? Contact Guru Guy to let him have your feedback!
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