Serial Printers May Print Garbage During Windows NT Startup (105249)
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 Q105249 SYMPTOMS
If a printer is attached to the serial port (COMx) of a system running
Windows NT, the printer may eject blank pages or print garbage during
the startup of Windows NT.
CAUSE
When you start Windows NT, NTDETECT gathers information on the
hardware that is installed in the system. One of the functions that
NTDETECT performs is a search for the pointing device (usually a
mouse). In the course of this process, data is sent to the serial
ports. This data may be interpreted by the printer as incoming
information upon which to act. Depending on the baud rate setting and
the particular printer attached, this may result in the ejection of
printed pages with random characters or unprinted pages.
WORKAROUND
To work around this problem, make sure that the power is off on the
printer before you start Windows NT. After Windows NT is loaded, then
turn the printer back on.
You can also specify "/noserialmice:com(n)" on the BOOT.INI file.
STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.1 and
Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1. This problem has been corrected in
the latest U.S. Service Pack for Windows NT and Windows NT Advanced Server
version 3.1. For information on obtaining the Service Pack, query on the
following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):
| Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 11/20/2003 |
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| Keywords: | kbbug kbfix kbsetup KB105249 |
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