Ubuntu

What method do sysadmins use to backup printer configuration(s)?

Asked by Harvey Muller

I am trying to determine the best method to backup local printer configuration(s), for later restoration or to preconfigure new machines. I would like to be able to 'dump' the configuration to an xml file, and then to be able to 'load' the xml file later, similar to gconftool-2.

system-config-printer apparently used to ship with a system-config-printer-tui utility, which allowed this functionality. It does not appear to be shipped any longer. There may be another tool which performs the same thing, but I have googled and RTFM'd till my face is blue, and have not stumbled across it.

I know how to manually setup a printer using the system-config-printer gui, browsing to http://localhost:631, and using the lp* tools in the console. Suggestions related to any of those are not necessary.

Look forward to your insight,

Harvey

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Harvey Muller (hlmuller) said : 		#1

As a post script, I am also aware of the entire backup/restore method of the /etc/cups directory. This is not what I am looking for either.

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Harvey Muller (hlmuller) said : 		#2

It looks like the simplest approach is to merely copy out the /etc/cups/printers.conf file after the printer(s) is(are) configured, and then to copy it back in during restoration or preconfiguration.

The printers.conf.O (capital o) file, if present, is supposed to be a backup file. But comparing the two shows they are the same. printers.conf is the file you are after.