prnjobs.vbs - Windows Print Job Management Script

Category: System-EXE-Files | Date: 2025-03-03

prnjobs.vbs - Windows Print Job Management Script

Overview

prnjobs.vbs is a VBScript file located in the %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\<language> directory (e.g., %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US for US English) on Windows operating systems. It's one of several scripts provided by Microsoft to manage print-related tasks from the command line. prnjobs.vbs specifically focuses on managing print jobs, allowing administrators to pause, resume, cancel, and list jobs on local or remote print servers. It is not an .exe file, but a VBScript (.vbs) file which is executed by cscript.exe or wscript.exe. It's crucial to distinguish this, as execution methods and security implications differ.

Origin and Purpose

prnjobs.vbs is a built-in Windows script, originating from Microsoft as part of the operating system's print management tools. Its purpose is to provide a command-line interface for interacting with the print spooler service and managing individual print jobs. This allows for scripting and automation of print job management tasks, which is particularly useful in server environments or for troubleshooting print-related issues. It simplifies tasks that would otherwise require navigating through the graphical user interface (GUI) of the Print Management console or using more complex PowerShell cmdlets.

Functionality and Usage

prnjobs.vbs is executed using the cscript.exe command-line script host. It uses various command-line parameters to specify the action to perform and the target printer or print job. Here's a breakdown of its usage and common parameters:

Syntax:

cscript prnjobs.vbs [-{p|r|x|l}] [-s server][-p printer][-j jobid][-u username][-w password][?]

Parameters:

  • -p: Pauses a print job. Requires -j (job ID) and optionally -s (server) and -p (printer).
  • -r: Resumes a paused print job. Requires -j (job ID) and optionally -s (server) and -p (printer).
  • -x: Cancels a print job. Requires -j (job ID) and optionally -s (server) and -p (printer).
  • -x -s server -p printer : Cancels all print jobs on specified printer.
  • -l: Lists all print jobs. Optionally use with -s (server) and -p (printer) to specify a particular printer.
  • -s server: Specifies the name of the remote print server. If omitted, the local machine is assumed.
  • -p printer: Specifies the name of the printer. For -l, if omitted and -s is specified, lists jobs for all printers on the server. If both -s and -p are omitted, lists all jobs on the local machine.
  • -j jobid: Specifies the ID of the print job to be acted upon (for -p, -r, and -x). The Job ID can be obtained using the -l parameter.
  • -u username: Specifies a username for authentication if required to access the remote print server.
  • -w password: Specifies the password for the given username.
  • -?: Displays help and usage information.

Examples:

  1. List all print jobs on the local machine:

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnjobs.vbs -l

  2. List all print jobs on a remote server named "PrintServer1":

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnjobs.vbs -l -s PrintServer1

  3. List all print jobs on a printer named "OfficePrinter" on the server "PrintServer1":

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnjobs.vbs -l -s PrintServer1 -p OfficePrinter

  4. Pause print job with ID 34 on the local machine (assuming you know the printer): First, find the printer name and confirm the job ID cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnjobs.vbs -l Then cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnjobs.vbs -p -j 34 -p "MyPrinter"

  5. Resume print job with ID 34 on the printer "OfficePrinter" on server "PrintServer1":

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnjobs.vbs -r -j 34 -s PrintServer1 -p OfficePrinter

  6. Cancel print job with ID 56 on the printer "LaserJet" on server "PrintServer2", using credentials:

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnjobs.vbs -x -j 56 -s PrintServer2 -p LaserJet -u Administrator -w MyPassword 7. Cancel all print jobs on the printer "OfficePrinter" on server "PrintServer1": cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnjobs.vbs -x -s PrintServer1 -p OfficePrinter

Important Considerations:

  • You must run cscript.exe with administrative privileges to manage print jobs, especially on remote servers. This usually means opening a Command Prompt or PowerShell window as an administrator.
  • When using -u and -w for remote server authentication, the credentials are sent in plain text. This is a security risk on untrusted networks. Consider using more secure methods like PowerShell remoting with CredSSP or Kerberos authentication if possible.
  • The correct language directory (e.g., en-US) under Printing_Admin_Scripts must be used.

Is it a Virus?

No, prnjobs.vbs itself, as provided by Microsoft within the Windows operating system, is not a virus. It is a legitimate and digitally signed script.

Can it Become a Virus?

While prnjobs.vbs is not inherently a virus, it could be replaced or modified by malware. Here's how:

  • Replacement: A malicious actor could replace the legitimate prnjobs.vbs file with a malicious script that has the same name. This malicious script could then perform harmful actions when executed.
  • Modification: The original prnjobs.vbs file could be directly modified to include malicious code.
  • Exploitation: Even without modification, prnjobs.vbs could be used (in conjunction with other tools or vulnerabilities) as part of a larger attack. For instance, an attacker might use it to disrupt printing services or gather information about the network.

Security Recommendations

  • File Integrity Monitoring: Use file integrity monitoring tools (like Windows Defender's built-in features or third-party solutions) to monitor the %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts directory for any unauthorized changes to prnjobs.vbs and other scripts.
  • Regular Security Audits: Regularly audit your system's security, including checking for any unusual or unexpected modifications to system files.
  • Least Privilege: Run scripts with the minimum necessary privileges. Avoid running scripts as administrator unless absolutely required.
  • Antivirus/Antimalware: Keep your antivirus and antimalware software up-to-date to detect and prevent malicious scripts from being executed.
  • Code Signing Verification: Although not directly applicable to .vbs files in the same way as .exe, be aware of the concept of code signing. Legitimate Microsoft scripts are typically digitally signed. If you find a prnjobs.vbs that is not digitally signed by Microsoft, it's highly suspect. However, the lack of a visible digital signature on a .vbs file does not automatically mean it's malicious; it just means you need to be extra cautious.
  • Use PowerShell: For newer systems, consider using PowerShell cmdlets for print management instead of VBScript. PowerShell offers better security features and logging capabilities.

Conclusion

prnjobs.vbs is a valuable tool for managing print jobs from the command line in Windows. While it's not inherently malicious, it's important to be aware of the security implications of using scripts and take steps to protect your system from potential threats. By following the recommendations above, you can safely and effectively use prnjobs.vbs to manage your print environment.