Automate network printer installation via logon script

If you manage a Windows server and would like to have network printers automatically installed on users' workstations at logon via a batch script, here's how to do it.


To add a network printer:

rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /in /q /n\\ServerName\PrinterName

To delete a network printer:

rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /dn /q /n\\ServerName\PrinterName

For more information, read this TechNet article.

Don't disable IPv6 in Windows SBS 2008

If you disable IPv6 on your network interface in Windows SBS 2008 and then reboot, you will be stuck waiting for 30-60 minutes at the "Applying computer settings..." screen.  According to the following blog posts, SBS 2008 relies on IPv6:


Post 1


Post 2

Set an external time source on a Windows PDC

To keep the time on all of your domain computers synchronized with an accurate external time source, the PDC needs to be configured to synchronize with that time source.  Here's how to do it:


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816042

IP CIDR Supernet Calculator

Ever need to convert an address from CIDR notation (e.g., 192.168.8.201/19) to network address, network mask and usable address range?  Here's a handy online tool that can help you do just that.


http://www.subnet-calculator.com/cidr.php

MAC Address Lookup

If you've ever tried to track down an unknown computer on a network and all you have to go on is the IP address, hostname and/or MAC address, any additional information can help save time.


Often, it's helpful to know the manufacturer of the computer's network interface.  If you knew it was made by Dell, then you could save a lot of time by just looking for Dell computers.


There's a website that lets you put in the first half of the MAC address and then tells you who the manufacturer of that device is. I've relied on this site for years.  Here is the link:


http://coffer.com/mac_find/