Making xerox3a work on Linux (Ubuntu 18.04)

xerox3aLinux.md

Don't try to use ppd files, use the .deb driver

I spent at least 2.5 hours trying to hand-edit various ppd files I downloaded with strings suggested by this gist.

I consistently failed to print with Invalid accounting codes printed by the printer.

Instead, download the driver from Xerox.

sudo dpkg -i Xeroxv5Pkg-Linuxx86_64-5.20.626.4179.deb

Log into Gnome as root

In Ubuntu 18.04, it is ridiculously hard to run GUI applications based on X as root. Unfortunately, the xeroxprtmgr binary has a bad habit of silently exiting when it fails to connect to the X server. You can save yourself a lot of pain by logging into Gnome as root.

These instructions can help with enabling root login through the GUI.

Run binary from its own directory

The shared libraries are configured in a way that needs either setting LD_LIBRARY_PATH or running the xeroxprtmgr from its own directory.

cd /opt/Xerox/prtsys
# Notice the lack of sudo, because I assume you are logged in as root.
./xeroxprtmgr

Install the printer manually by typing in its domain name or IP address

Click on the button for adding printers and select Manual. Then type in the IP Address.

Add accounting codes with 'Xerox Standard Accounting' in the GUI

Scroll all the way to the right to the Configuration tab, and then click on Accounting.

Go to the "Configuration" tab, then click on "Accounting" button. In the Accounting window, choose:

1. "Xerox Standard Accounting" for Accounting System
2. "Do Not Prompt" for Accounting Prompt
3. "Default Group Account" for Default Account Type

Then, enter your group account number in Default User ID input box and click OK to set the options and exit.