Printer Connections can be LPT1 through LPT9 (106681)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
This article was previously published under Q106681

SUMMARY

Windows NT allows printer connections using ports LPT1 through LPT9 when using the NET USE command from the command prompt.

In Windows NT Help it states that the devicename parameter used with the NET USE command allows devicenames LPT1: through LPT3:. This is not totally correct. It is possible to use devicenames LPT4: through LPT9: as well.

Under Windows NT Help/Command Reference/Net Use, the Devicename parameter states the following:

devicename

Assigns a name to connect to the resource or specifies the device to be disconnected. There are two kinds of devicenames: disk drives (D: through Z:) and printers (LPT1: through LPT3).

This implies that printer devicenames can only be LPT1: through LPT3:, however, devicenames can actually be through LPT9:.

NOTE: Some MS-DOS applications may not be able to access printer devicenames greater than LPT3:.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/20/2003
Keywords:kbnetwork KB106681
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