Nonstandard LPT Port Names Disable Access to Shared Printers (138370)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows 3.1
- Microsoft Windows 3.11
- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
This article was previously published under Q138370 SYMPTOMS
When you are trying to connect to a shared network printer, the Network
button in the Connect dialog box may be unavailable, preventing you from
connecting to a network printer.
CAUSE
This behavior can occur if a port with a nonstandard name is being used on
the local computer.
RESOLUTION
Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to edit the Win.ini file. Edit the
LPT settings in the [Ports] section of the file to read as follows:
LPT1:=
LPT2:=
You can add additional ports if necessary.
MORE INFORMATION
When you cannot connect to a network printer, use Print Manager or the
Printers tool in Control Panel to verify that the port in use has a
standard LPTx name. You cannot connect to shared printers if you are using
a nonstandard LPT name (including LPTx.DOS). Note also that you cannot use
COM ports to connect to network printers.
| Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 12/5/2003 |
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| Keywords: | KB138370 |
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