Error Printing to NetWare Printer w/Extended Character in Name

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you print to a NetWare network printer, you may receive the following error message:

   There was an error writing to LPTx: for printer (xxxxxx): There was
   a problem printing to the port. Check to make sure your printer is
   configured to use a valid port. This printer will be set to work
   offline. To save your print job in the local printer queue, click OK.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if the NetWare printer path contains extended characters.

RESOLUTION

Instead of mapping the printer port and then printing to the port, print to the print queue's Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers.

2. Use the right mouse button to click the icon for the printer you want to change, and then click Properties on the menu that appears.

3. On the Details tab, type the UNC path for the printer in the Print To The Following Port box.

4. Click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows 95. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.