MODE Command: "Printer Output Is Not Being Rerouted"

ID: Q134992

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When using the MODE command (a command line redirector for MS-DOS-based applications) to map a printer on a COM port to an LPT port, the following error may occur:

Status for device LPT1:
Printer Output is not being rerouted

This error occurs even though the following correct syntax is used at the command prompt:

MODE LPTn:=COMm:

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the network redirector instead of the MODE command. For example, create and share a printer. At the MS-DOS prompt, type the NET USE command to map the appropriate port to the share UNC name, as in the following example:

NET USE LPT1: \\server\printshare

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Additional query words: prodnt redirect reroute LPT1 LPT2 LPT3 COM1 COM2 COM3 system utility

Keywords : kbother kbbug4.00 ntprint ntdosap
Version : 4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type :