Err Msg: Could Not Connect to the Printer...

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause

    serious, system-wide problems that may require you to
    reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot
    guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of
    Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own
    risk.

SYMPTOMS

When connecting to a printer in Print Manager, you may receive the following error message:

   Could not connect to the printer: The remote procedure call failed
   and did not execute.

CAUSE

This error message is caused by the default printer entry in the Registry database not updating properly if multiple printers have been added or removed.

NOTE: To locate the default printer information in the Registry, use the Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE) to find the following registry key:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Printers
   Default:REG_SZ:\\printer share\printer name

RESOLUTION

To eliminate the error message, choose OK in the message box, then log off and log on to the system.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.1 and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Remove all printers from Print Manager by choosing Remove Printer from the Printer menu.

2. Log off and log on to the machine.

3. In Print Manager, install a network printer by choosing Connect To Printer from the Printer menu.

4. Log off and log on to the machine.

5. Open Print Manager and choose Remove Printer from the Printer menu.

6. Connect to another printer, different from the first printer added in step 3.