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July 30, 2008 12:00 AM

Q. Why can't the Windows Server 2003 Print Operators group control the Print Spooler service?

Windows IT Pro
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A. In Server 2003, the Print Operators group doesn’t have permissions to control the Print Spooler service. To enable the Print Operators group to control the Print Spooler service, you need to modify the Print-Spooler-service security configuration. Group Policy is the easiest way to modify the Print-Spooler-service security configuration. Open Computer Configuration, Policies, Windows Settings, Security Settings, System Services. Then, select Print Spooler, and Edit Security. Grant start, stop, and pause permissions to any group that needs to control the Print Spooler.

The Windows IT Pro FAQ "How can I delegate permission for a user or group to control certain services?" explains this procedure in more detail.

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Comments
  • Todd
    4 years ago
    Aug 06, 2008

    Duncan- I sent John your comment and this is his reply: "I don't know. Microsoft decision. I suspect there might have been concerns over security—that services could be "used" for other purposes —and removing the Print Operators group's ability to modify the service added a layer of protection. Thanks for reading. -Todd Erickson

  • Duncan
    4 years ago
    Aug 06, 2008

    Yes, but *why* doesn't this group have the necessary access by default? I'm sure there's a logical reason for this lurking somewhere but I doubt I'm alone (& the existence of this FAQ leads me to believe I'm not) in thinking this is the most obvious built in group to have such access.

  • ws3d
    4 years ago
    Jul 30, 2008

    very helpful

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