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Fixing “/usr/lib/cups/backend/smb failed” error in Ubuntu

By admin | January 16, 2010

CUPS server showing error

CUPS server showing error

The new setups for printing has been modernized in Ubuntu 9.10 and 9.04 work perfectly most of the time, but sometimes a misbehaving script or update decides to have its own mind and messes up all the permissions for CUPS to work properly. Here is a guide to restore the former printing versatility before the mess-up.

To fix the permission errors:

sudo chown root -hR /usr/lib/cups/backend
sudo chmod 755 -hR /usr/lib/cups/backend
sudo aa-complain cupsd
sudo chmod a+x /usr/lib/cups/backend/smb
sudo chmod a+x /usr/lib/cups/backend

Also make sure your Windows printer is actually accessible in order to prevent further access issues. In addition, to access the CUPS web interface just navigate to http://127.0.0.1:631/. When it asks for your password, use your Linux login.

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Topics: Linux | 7 Comments »

7 Responses to “Fixing “/usr/lib/cups/backend/smb failed” error in Ubuntu”

  1. Ken Lyons Says:
    April 27th, 2010 at 10:56

    Thank you so much, my printer was down for 3 days after I added CUPS-PDF, and now I realize that while I was getting it to work (and needing permissions things), that it broke SMB.

    I cut and pasted, made a script and now the ‘Windows Printer via SAMBA’ option has returned.

    Thanks again, your a life saver.

  2. 0x4a6f4672 Says:
    April 28th, 2010 at 05:15

    Yes, same problem here. Your solution worked. Thanks.

  3. Guillermo Says:
    June 17th, 2010 at 09:13

    Thank you very much!!!! It solved instantly my smb printing config problem.

  4. Chris Says:
    March 19th, 2012 at 16:46

    I’ve had 64 bit Kubuntu 10.041LTS installed on my laptop for over a year and could never connect to my samba network printer. My Fedora desktop always worked fine. Your permission fix resolved the problem. Thank you very much! It’s too bad it took me so long to find your web site.

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