Windows 2000 Network Print Driver Dependencies

In Microsoft Windows 2000, network printer distribution relies on the Point and Print mechanism, which enables client machines to automatically download and install required printer drivers directly from a print server. Windows 2000 manages print driver dependencies by parsing driver Setup Information (.INF) files, tracking core and auxiliary files within the print server's driver directory, and packaging the complete dependency tree for transmission over the network. This process ensures that all configuration modules, rendering dynamic link libraries (DLLs), and data files reach the client machine without manual user intervention.

The Role of the INF File in Defining Dependencies

When a printer driver is installed on a Windows 2000 print server, the system parses the vendor's .inf file to construct a dependency tree. The INF file organizes driver files using specific directives in the installation section:

  • DriverFile: The primary driver rendering module (e.g., UNIDRV.DLL or PSCRIPT5.DLL).
  • ConfigFile: The user interface configuration DLL (e.g., UNIDRVUI.DLL).
  • DataFile: The printer description file (such as a Generic Printer Description .gpd or PostScript Printer Description .ppd file).
  • HelpFile: The associated user assistance file (.hlp or .chm).
  • DependentFiles: A comma-separated list of all auxiliary files required for proper operation, including color profiles (.icm), custom halftoning DLLs, and font metrics.

The Windows 2000 print subsystem registers these paths under the registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3\<DriverName>

Point and Print Distribution Mechanism

When a Windows 2000 client connects to a shared network printer using Point and Print, the client's spooler process (spoolsv.exe) communicates with the server's spooler via Remote Procedure Calls (RPC). The distribution handles dependencies through the following stages:

  1. Driver Discovery and Version Check: The client calls the OpenPrinter and GetPrinterDriver APIs against the server. The server reports the driver name, environment, and version (Version-3 for native Windows 2000 drivers).
  2. Dependency Enumeration: The server compiles the complete list of files declared in DriverFile, ConfigFile, DataFile, HelpFile, and the DependentFiles registry multisz string.
  3. File Staging and Transfer: The client downloads these files directly from the server's administrative share (print$ located at %SystemRoot%\System32\Spool\Drivers\W32X86\3).
  4. Local Registration: The client places the downloaded files into its own local spool directory (%SystemRoot%\System32\Spool\Drivers\W32X86\3), writes the corresponding registry keys, and registers the local print queue linked to the remote server.

Cross-Platform and Legacy Compatibility

Windows 2000 print servers can store and distribute drivers for multiple client environments, including Windows NT 4.0 (Version-2 drivers), Windows 95, and Windows 98.

Because Windows 9x and Windows NT/2000 utilize different driver architectures, Windows 2000 isolates dependencies by creating distinct directory branches under the print$ share (such as WIN40 for Windows 9x and W32X86\2 for NT 4.0). When an administrator installs additional drivers using the "Additional Drivers" dialog, the server validates that all dependent files for that specific environment exist before committing them to the disk.

Dependency Conflict Handling and Core File Sharing

Windows 2000 utilizes standard "Unidrv" (Universal Printer Driver) and "Pscript5" (PostScript) core drivers. Multiple printer models frequently share these base components. Windows 2000 resolves shared dependencies by:

  • Checking file versions before overwriting core DLLs during Point and Print syncs.
  • Preventing older file versions from superseding newer files on the client.
  • Retaining shared dependencies in the central driver folder until the last print queue referencing that driver family is uninstalled from the system.