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How to transfer printer settings from one Mac to another (both OSX)?

Hello, I have not found a detailed description on how to transfer printer settings from one Mac to another.
My issue is that I have a Mac G5 with 3 different settings saved as "presets" for the same printer. This works great, since the posters I print (on the large format printer) need different margins and different paper at times.
This G5 is basically retired and only used for printing. G5 has OSX 10.3.9
I have a MacPro as its replacement (OSX 10.4.11).
The MacPro has all my apps and other settings setup to my liking.
I found several links via Google saying copy this folder or directory, but I am not sure I did it correctly. I don't see the "presets".
I tried launching the Migration Assistant (I hope that's the correct name), but was concerned the settings on the new MacPro would be overwritten with ALL the old stuff on the older G5. I did not start the transfer process because of this.
If someone would list the steps needed to accomplish the transfer of printer settings or advise if this is possible, then I would be very grateful! The previous user of the G5 I am using was a "Genius" and I don't know how he created these "preset" choices.
Thanks!

MacPro, Mac OS X (10.4.11), G5 has OSX 10.3.9

Posted on Nov 6, 2008 9:05 AM

Reply
3 replies

Nov 6, 2008 11:54 AM in response to SCChelpdesk

Hi SCChelpdesk, and a warm welcome to the forums! 🙂

I found several links via Google saying copy this folder or directory, but I am not sure I did it correctly. I don't see the "presets".


This is the File that holds that info on Tiger, not certain on Panther...

/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.print.custompresets.plist

After moving, you very well might have to change the Owner's Permissions within Get Info window, then log out/in.

I tried launching the Migration Assistant (I hope that's the correct name), but was concerned the settings on the new MacPro would be overwritten with ALL the old stuff on the older G5. I did not start the transfer process because of this.


MA would transfer the info, but/and, if the user that had that info had the same Shortname as on the new one, it'll demand you give it a new Shortname to use... but then those settings would be transferred to that new user on the new machine. I think the 1st one will work though. 🙂

The previous user of the G5 I am using was a "Genius" and I don't know how he created these "preset" choices.


We can go through that way if you like... not all that hard.

Nov 7, 2008 8:21 AM in response to BDAqua

Hello and thanks for the reply.
I did look and found that file in the location you specified.
I also found in this folder:
com.apple.print.custompapers
.PrinterProxy.Stylus Pro9600
.PrinterProxy.Stylus Pro9600 (RollPaper-Banner)
.PrinterProxy.Stylus Pro9600 (RollPaper-No MarginsBanner)
.PrinterProxy.Stylus Pro9600 (RollPaper-No_Margins)
The PrinterProxy settings are the same ones I see in the Printer list.
Should I copy all of those, as well as, the custompapers to the same location on the MacPro (and set/repair permissions, if needed)?
I think I may see light at the end of this tunnel!

How to transfer printer settings from one Mac to another (both OSX)?

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