Error Capturing Printer Port in Logon Script

• Microsoft Windows 95

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

When you are logging on to a Microsoft Windows NT domain from a Windows 95 workstation, you may receive the following error message when you are capturing an LPT port in the Windows NT logon script:

   The device does not exist on the network

CAUSE

This error can occur if all of the following conditions exist:

• A NET USE command is issued in the logon script to map an LPT port to a network printer.
• The LPT port does not physically exist on the local computer.
• The Spool MS-DOS Print Jobs option is enabled in the printer's properties. Note that this option is enabled by default.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the appropriate method to disable the Spool MS-DOS Print Jobs option.

Individual Printer

To disable the Spool MS-DOS Print Jobs option for an individual printer, follow these steps:

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

2. Use the right mouse button to click the printer, and then click Properties on the menu that appears.

3. Click the Details tab, and then click Port Settings.

4. Click the Spool MS-DOS Print Jobs check box to clear it.

Multiple Printers

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

To disable the Spool MS-DOS Print Jobs option for all printers on a Windows 95 workstation, add the two DWORD values

   DOSSpoolMask
   PrintersMask

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\control\Print\Printers

After you add these values, restart your computer.