Windows Server 2003 in a Nutshell

Clears a print queue, prints a test page, and pauses/resumes a printer.

Syntax

prnqctl -e -m -x -z [-s RemoteComputer ] -p PrinterName

Options

-e

Prints a test page

-m

Resumes a printer

-x

Cancels all jobs in a print queue

-z

Pauses a printer

-s RemoteComputer

Name of print server

-p PrinterName

Name of printer

Examples

Pause the SalesPrinter printer on the local computer:

prnqctl -z -p SalesPrinter Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.6 Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation 1996-2001. All rights reserved. Success Pause Printer SalesPrinter

Resume the printer:

prnqctl -m -p SalesPrinter Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.6 Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation 1996-2001. All rights reserved. Success Resume Printer SalesPrinter

Clear the print queue of all jobs:

prnqctl -x -p SalesPrinter Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.6 Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation 1996-2001. All rights reserved. Success Purge Printer SalesPrinter

Use prnjobs to verify the queue is empty:

prnjobs -l -p SalesPrinter Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.6 Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation 1996-2001. All rights reserved. Number of print jobs enumerated 0

Notes

• This command is a .vbs script and requires CScript to run. You can make CScript your default script host by typing the following at the command prompt:

  cscript //h:cscript //s

• This command requires Administrator credentials. If logged on with different credentials, use -u UserName -w Password to specify suitable credentials.

• It may take a few seconds for the last job to clear when using the -x switch. Don't run the prnqctl -x command again before the queue is cleared or a printing error may result and the final job may be stuck in the queue.

See Also

Printing , prncnfg , prndrvr , prnjobs , prnmngr