Connecting to WFWG or Win95 Printer Causes "Port Name is Invalid" Error
ID: Q121074
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The information in this article applies to:
-
Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
-
Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server
-
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
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Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
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Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
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Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
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Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
SYMPTOM
When trying to connect to a printer shared by a Windows for Workgroups or
Windows 95 computer, one of the following errors may appear when you enter
the network path or port name:
\\servername\sharename is an invalid port name
-OR-
Could not connect to the printer: The system cannot find the
file specified
-OR-
"Test Page failed to print. Would you like to view the print trouble
shooter for assistance? The filename, directory name, or volume label
syntax is incorrect."
CAUSE
These messages are erroneous and occur if the Windows for Workgroups
or Windows 95 printer share is password protected. If you attempt to
connect to the share by doing a NET USE from the command line, you receive
this (correct) message:
The password is invalid for \\servername\sharename
You are then allowed to enter the password of the share.
RESOLUTION
Try one of these procedures:
- Remove the password protection from the WFWG or Win95 printer share.
- Make a connection to the share using the command prompt, entering the
correct password using the following syntax:
NET USE LPTx \\computernamne\printername [password]
Next, using Print Manager or the Printers folder, create a new printer
using the redirected LPT port.
For related information see Knowledge Base article Q103747 or query on
this phrase in the Knowledge Base:
invalid port name
STATUS
Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in
the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.
Additional query words:
wfw wfwg prodnt 3.10 3.11 lanman share level security
Keywords : ntprint NTSrvWkst
Version : :; WINDOWS:2000; winnt:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type :