Setting the location of the spool folder

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Setting the location of the spool folder

By default the spool folder is located at systemroot**\System32\Spool\Printers**. However, this drive also holds the Windows system files. Because these files are frequently accessed by the operating system, performance of both Windows and the printing functions might be slowed.

If your print server serves only one or two printers with low traffic volumes, the default location of the spool folder is sufficient. However, for high-volume printing requirements, to support large numbers of printers, or to support large print jobs, you should relocate the spool folder. For best results, move the spool folder to a drive that has its own controller, which reduces printing's impact on the rest of the operating system.

For information on relocating the print server spool folder, see Change the spool folder location.

For more information on changing the spool folder location for a single printer, see the Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit.