I am setting up Mandriva 2007 on a computer for a friend and unfortunately they've already bought a Lexmark Z817 printer (which needless to say is unsupported). I have been reading of ways to get around this from the Lexmark site.
They suggest installing LPRng, which I have done.
Then to use "Klpq" to switch printing subsystems from CUPs to LPRng.
On Mandriva 2007 Klpq is an unknown command, so I have gotten no further.
Incidentally, they then go on to say -
Start LPRng by "/etc/init.d/lpd restart"

I can't see a way of inactivating CUPs or of telling Mandriva to use this other system.

Please could someone help as I don't wish to give them the wrong idea about Linux - they're rather unconvinced by my explanation that just going out and buying the first printer you come across is a little reckless. (Worry not, I didn't actually put it like that!)

You can reconfigure the printer to use LPRng in the KDE Control Center (System > Configuration > Control Center in the menu system). You must first make sure the LPRng package(s) are installed.

Open KCC

Expand Peripherals in the menu tree (left)

Select Printers under Peipherals in the menu tree (left)

Click the Administrator Mode button (bottom).

Enter the root password when required.

Select the print system to be used in the Print system currently used drop down bar (bottom right)

Click the OK button.

These changes should be system wide, and should persist unless changed at some point in the future.

HTH,