Network compliant output device, information processing apparatus, control method therefor, computer program on computer-readable storage medium, and network system which determine alternative network compliant output device

Abstract

According to this invention, when a network device is made to leave from a network, the network device transmits a network leaving message containing information specifying an alternative network device inputted in advance. This makes it possible for a client using the network device to automatically install a printer driver corresponding to an alternative network device. For this purpose, a printer as a network device stores in advance alternative printer information specifying an alternative printer. When an instruction to make the printer leave the network is provided for maintenance or the like, the printer broadcasts a Bye message containing alternative printer information to the network. The client, who has used the printer, stores the alternative printer information. In printing, if an alternative printer is successfully found by a search, and the corresponding printer driver has not been installed, the client executes setup processing for installation.