"Local Port Not Present" Error Printing From Word

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, version 6.0

SYMPTOMS

When you print in Word for Windows, you may receive the following error message:

   The current printer is connected to the LPTx: port. This
   port is not present on the computer. Do you wish to
   attempt to print anyway?

CAUSE

When you print a document in Word for Windows, Word 6.0 checks for the presence of the port to which the printer is connected. Word checks for the printer port using the same method as Windows Control Panel. With some configurations, however, Word incorrectly concludes that the printer port is not present. This happens when a printer port device--such as a network interface adapter or other file sharing device that connects to the printer port--uses the same port to which your printer is configured. Because another device is using this port, Windows incorrectly concludes that the port is not available for printing, even though the configuration prints correctly.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word for Windows. This problem was corrected in version 6.0a of Word for Windows. Word 6.0a does not check for the presence of the port before printing, so the above error no longer occurs. If the printer port is truly not present, Windows Print Manager displays an error message notifying you of the condition.

To obtain Word 6.0a, call the Microsoft Order Desk at (800) 360-7561 and request Word version 6.0a for Windows. If you are outside the United States, contact your local subsidiary. To locate your subsidiary, see the Microsoft World Wide Offices Web site at:

   http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/default.htm