Err Msg: There are no Print Processors... Creating a Printer

Last reviewed: January 8, 1998
Article ID: Q105247

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to install a printer in Windows NT, you may receive one of the following error messages:

   There are no print processors

   -or-

   Print Processor is unknown

CAUSE

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

  • No print processor is specified in the Windows NT registry.
  • The print processor file (Winprint.dll) is missing or corrupt.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:

  1. Verify that the Winprint.dll file exists in the following folder:

          %SystemRoot%\system32\spool\prtprocs\w32x86
    

    If the Winprint.dll file is missing, use the following command to Expand the Winprint.dl_ file on your Windows NT Setup CD-ROM or Setup disks to Winprint.dll in the above folder.

    expand x:\i386\winprint.dl_ c:\winnt\system32\spool\prtprocs\w32x86

    Where x: is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive.

  2. Verify that the print processor is configured correctly in the Windows NT registry. To do so, follow these steps:

    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.

    a. Locate the following key in the Windows NT registry:

          HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
          \Environments\Windows NT x86\Print Processors\winprint
    

          If the Winprint key is not present, create it by clicking Add Key
          on the Edit menu. If Winprint.dll is not specified as the Driver
          value in the Winprint key, click Add Value on the Edit menu to
          create the Driver value using the following settings:
    

             Driver:REG_SZ:winprint.dll
    
          NOTE: It may be necessary to restart the computer after making these
          changes.
    


Additional query words: 3.10 3.50 3.51 4.00 installed
Keywords : ntprint NTSrvWkst kbprint
Version : 3.1 3.5 3.51 4.0
Platform : winnt


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Last reviewed: January 8, 1998
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