Unable to Browse or Connect to Microsoft Networking Print Server

 Last reviewed: September 23, 1997
Article ID: Q121908

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

SYMPTOMS

In some cases Browsing and Connecting to Windows NT and/or Windows 95 Network Printers may not function correctly. The Browse list will be blank and if a direct path is entered for Connect To Printer, one of the following error messages appears: 

   Could not connect to printer. The printer name is invalid.
  • or -

    Cannot locate network printer name

    CAUSE

    This problem is caused by the Order value in the Print\Providers section in the Registry not containing the correct entries. Rather than correctly listing "LanMan Print Services," "Microsoft Windows Network" is listed instead. This causes the LanMan Provider key, which specifies the dynamic-link library (DLL) to be used for LanMan print shares, to not be found and thus Print Manager is unable to Browse or Connect to Windows NT Printer Shares.

    RESOLUTION

    To correct both the Browsing and Connect to problems, change the Registry entry to the correct provider. In the Registry, use the following path:

    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.

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Providers
    In the Order value, remove the following entry: 

       Microsoft Windows Network
    Then add the following entry: 

       LanMan Print Services
    There may also be an entry for NetWare printer shares; that does not need to be removed or changed.

    • Additional query words: prodnt
    Keywords : ntprint NTSrvWkst kbprint
    Version : 3.5 3.51 4.0
    Platform : winnt

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    Last reviewed: September 23, 1997
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