Using UNC Redirection in the WIN.INI [Ports] Section

• Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

Microsoft Windows and Windows for Workgroups support the use of the universal naming convention (UNC) for entries in the [ports] section of the WIN.INI file.

Because Windows supports the UNC, you can take advantage of UNC redirection, which means that you can use a network resource without formally connecting to it by means of a NET USE command or through use of a program to access network resources, such as File Manager or the Control Panel Printers icon.

UNC redirection is supported by Microsoft LAN Manager versions 1.1 and later and by 100-percent LAN Manager compatible networks.

MORE INFORMATION

Standard printer connections using UNCs give you easier access to network printers, allowing you to choose from a list of printers, rather than browse the network or have a handwritten list.

Using UNC in the WIN.INI [ports] Section

This example uses a server called ACCOUNT1, and a printer share called HPIIID. The UNC name in this case is \\ACCOUNT1\HPIIID.

To print to a network printer without formally connecting to it, do the following:

1. Open the WIN.INI file in an ASCII text editor (such as Windows Notepad).

2. Add the line \\ACCOUNT1\HPIIID= to the [ports] section as follows:

         [ports]
         LPT1:=
         LPT2:=
         \\ACCOUNT1\HPIIID=
         ...
   

3. Run Control Panel.

4. Choose the Printers icon and choose the Connect button.

5. Select the new port called \\ACCOUNT\HPIIID.

NOTE: When this port is selected in the Printers Connect dialog box in Control Panel, the Network button is dimmed (unavailable). When a standard LPT port is selected, the Network button is available again.

Some applications may not be able to understand UNC redirection.