Any Citrix admins or users...?

[DocDoo]

All ICA clients can access and work through a Citrix mainframe - over the WAN (also with RazorsEdge), but if the clients print a query (database) from main Citrix server (located over WAN), they get an error "printer not installed" on the client side. Since the printer is properly configured (locally anyway), I am wondering if its a port issue (blocked/firewalled). But then again...they can do everything else, I don't think I need to punch holes (more).

Sad thing is, Citrix really needs ports 1023 - up for things to work properly (the main office doesn't provide VPN).

Keep in mind, I am somewhat new to Citrix systems (don't like them). The main Citrix server (in NY) is always having issues - they must have 1000 clients in the U.S.

 

[SpaceRanger]

Which version of Citrix are you dealing with? Metaframe XPe, Metaframe 1.8, or even worse Winframe [].

Depending on the version, the answer could be different. Let me know which you have and I'll try to help ya as best I can.

 

[DocDoo]

M 1.8...but the Windows ICA clients should all operate the same (with same software). This issue is on the client side.

 

[Abzstrak]

the server needs the same drivers installed as the client to print correctly... you can add a printer to the server and then delete it,when it asks if you want to delete the unused files just say no and it'll keep the files available.

make sure if the client is using PCL5e, then the server needs those drivers available, if PCL6 then PCL on server... then most common isue I've seen is users trying to use postscript drivers which upsets the server.

 

[Santa]

You may also want to look up their auto-mapping of the client printers function.

The drivers do need to be on the server but if they are typical printers such as popular HP printers then it may work without any configuration or installation.

The auto-configuration/mapping allows the clients to have the printers added to their machine and when logged into the Citrix server it will automap this printer.

This works by way of server sending the ICA client the print data to go through the local spooler on that computer and then it prints as if the document came from that computer.

 

[PELarson]

Haven't noticed this mentioned yet. So, make sure the printer is supported by Metaframe or there is a driver that will work with it.

 

[DocDoo]

These are good ideas...

Its news to me that the local printer drives must to be on the main Citrix server. Not saying its not the case but seems like an crazy designs since there must be over 1000 clients with at least 600 printers (all different brands).

santa...the idea that the server sends data through the local spooler seems logical. I will need to make 100% sure the local printer is set to "spooling" and not "LPT Port." Hopefully that is the case.

BTW: The printer being used the an new "HP Business Inkjet 2230." So one would think it is supported by default.

I will be going to their office later today...

 

[DocDoo]

Well, after having a 2hr conference call with their Citrix admin, I get the feeling its somethin on the server side or a Citrix issue (just a gut feeling). While Citrix is pretty simple little engine, it certainly does suffer when a lot of clients log on. On Sundays everything works perfectly (on client side)...but during weekdays when people are working within Citrix, it becomes a 50/50 deal. The fact that RazorsEdge (Blackbaud) has its own share of problems only compounds the situation.

At this point I'm content to discount "it was something I did or did not do" (networking job I did for them). I will visit them again next week...