You need to redirect print jobs from a Windows 2000 printer to a different physical print device. What is the correct way to accomplish this redirection?

Introduction / Context:
In many networks, you may need to redirect print jobs from one physical device to another, for example when a printer fails or needs maintenance. Windows printing separates the logical printer (the software object with drivers and settings) from the physical print device (the actual hardware). This question focuses on how to redirect jobs while minimizing user disruption and without recreating the entire printer configuration.

Given Data / Assumptions:

You have an existing logical printer configured in Windows 2000 with drivers, queues, and permissions set correctly.
You need to redirect its print jobs to a different physical print device.
The replacement print device is identical to the original in terms of model and capabilities.
You want to minimize changes and avoid forcing users to reselect different printers on their clients.
You are considering options such as copying jobs, changing ports, or deleting and recreating printers.

Concept / Approach:
Each logical printer in Windows is associated with a port, which can represent a physical connection (such as LPT1 or a TCP/IP port) to a specific print device. If the replacement hardware is identical, you can simply reassign the existing logical printer to a port connected to the new device. This preserves all existing settings, shares, and security permissions. Copying print jobs between printers is not a standard feature. Deleting and recreating the printer is more disruptive and unnecessary when the device is identical. Redirecting to a different type of print device may cause driver and capability mismatches.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognize that logical printers and physical devices are linked through ports in the Windows printing architecture. Step 2: Determine that the new physical device is identical to the original printer model, meaning the existing driver is appropriate. Step 3: Understand that you can open the printer’s Properties, go to the Ports tab, and assign the printer to the port used by the new physical device. Step 4: By changing the port, all jobs sent to this logical printer will now be delivered to the new device without users changing their printer selection. Step 5: Conclude that assigning the printer to a port connected to another identical print device is the best and simplest solution.

Verification / Alternative check:
In a real network, when one printer of a given model fails, you can connect a replacement that uses the same driver and simply update the port configuration. Users continue printing to the same shared printer name, but jobs now arrive at the new hardware. This method is widely used to reduce downtime and user confusion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Copy the print jobs from one printer to another – Windows does not provide a straightforward facility to copy existing queued jobs between printers; this option is impractical.

Assign the printer to a port connected to a different type of print device – Using a different printer model can lead to driver incompatibilities and unexpected print results unless the driver is updated accordingly, so this is not the recommended simple redirection approach.

Cancel all jobs, delete the printer, and create a new one – While this might work, it is more disruptive, creates extra administrative work, and forces users to update connections if shares or printer names change.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is assuming that a new physical printer always requires a new logical printer in Windows. In reality, as long as the model and capabilities are identical, reusing the logical printer by reassigning its port is efficient and user-friendly. Another pitfall is underestimating the importance of printer drivers; sending jobs to a different model without appropriate drivers can scramble print output.

Final Answer:
You should assign the existing printer to a port that is connected to another identical print device so that print jobs are redirected with minimal disruption.