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This Document Provides Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About:
What is the difference between a spool request and a print request?
A spool request contains which data is to be printed and how this data should be printed. A print request is the translation of a spool request into a language that the printer understands.
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Can I print a spool request more than once?
Yes. SAP stores the spool request. You can create print requests from this spool request as many times as you wish. To do this, use transaction SP02 or choose System >> Own Spool Requests.
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What does a spool work process do?
The spool work process processes the print data into a printable data stream. The printable data is transferred to an operating system spooler. This then forwards the data to the printer.
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Can I configure more than one spool work process for each instance?
As of SAP Basis 4.0, you can configure more than one spool work process for each instance.
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Can I switch other work processes to spool work processes without restarting the instance?
No. The internal structure of spool work processes is different from, for example, dialog work processes. Therefore, if you want to change the number of spool work processes, you must do this in the context of SAP profile maintenance (transaction RZ10) and then restart the instance.
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Where can I create printers in the SAP system?
In the SAP system, printers are created in transaction SPAD. In the SAP Easy Access Menu, choose Tools >> CCMS >> Spool >> Spool Administration.
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What is a device type?
A device type is a printer driver. Using the device type, the spool work process can generate a data stream that the printer understands - including appropriate ESCAPE sequences. For an overview of the device types supported by SAP, see SAP Note 8928.
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What is a spool server?
A spool server is an SAP instance with spool work processes. An instance of this type can process spool data into print data.
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What are logical spool servers used for?
Logical spool servers are alias names for either real spool servers or for other logical spool servers.
Using logical spool servers offers you three advantages:
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If a spool server is down, another spool server can automatically take on its work. -
You can configure a distribution of the spool workload over all available spool servers. -
You can create a complex printer landscape in the test system and then transport it to the production system. In the production system, only the logical spool servers are adjusted. It is not necessary to adjust the individual printer definitions.
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What is an access method?
The access method describes the way in which a spool work process is connected to an operating system spooler. There are two different cases:
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Is there a workload distribution mechanism for the creation of print requests?
If you use logical spool servers, you can activate a workload distribution mechanism. The mechanism takes into account the number of spool work processes for each instance and the current length of the spool wait queue. It also estimates the size of the spool requests waiting for processing.
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Can I transport printer settings?
Yes. Transaction SPAD provides a transport connection in the overview of output devices. Note that the printer definitions in the target system must be reworked, if the definition contains real spool servers.
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How can I use the default printer at my work center computer?
The administrator must set up a printer with the access method "F" in the system. For more information about this, see the relevant sections of the SAP online documentation. If the user selects this printer, he or she can choose any printer that is defined on his or her work center computer during the creation of a spool request. In most cases, the default printer is chosen. | 
