Nonstandard LPT Port Names Disable Access to Shared Printers

 Last reviewed: October 19, 1995
Article ID: Q138370
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you are trying to connect to a shared network printer, the Network button in the Connect dialog box may be unavailable, preventing you from connecting to a network printer.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if a port with a nonstandard name is being used on the local computer.

RESOLUTION

Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to edit the Win.ini file. Edit the LPT settings in the [Ports] section of the file to read as follows: 

   LPT1:=
   LPT2:=
You can add additional ports if necessary.

MORE INFORMATION

When you cannot connect to a network printer, use Print Manager or the Printers tool in Control Panel to verify that the port in use has a standard LPTx name. You cannot connect to shared printers if you are using a nonstandard LPT name (including LPTx.DOS). Note also that you cannot use COM ports to connect to network printers.

KBCategory: kbprint kbnetwork
KBSubcategory: win31 wfwg
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.11 gray grey

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Last reviewed: October 19, 1995
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