Optimizing Print Server Performance

For best performance, use a fast, dedicated drive or disk array just for the print spool folder, and do not place any system files—especially the swap file—on this drive. File sharing has a higher priority than printer sharing, so expect reduced print performance if you use both services on a server. Be sure to place print servers on the same network segment as the users and printers, and be sure that the drive is big enough to hold all the documents in the print queue. (If you choose to hold printed documents, you might need a large drive or disk array.)

Changing the Print Spooling Folder Location

By default, print jobs are spooled to WINDIR%\System32\Spool\PRINTERS, which is not usually the optimal location. To change the location, follow these steps: