When You Try to Print, Error Message Says 'Network Name Cannot Be Found' (269431)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q269431

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to print to a printer connected to a local port, you may receive the following error message:

Error writing to "printer_port": for document "document_name:" The network name cannot be found.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when the local printer port is mapped as a network drive.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, delete the relevant key in the registry.

MORE INFORMATION

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry


WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.


  1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32).
  2. Navigate to the following registry location:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Network
  3. Select the printer port (LPT or COM port) that is mapped as a network drive.
  4. Click Edit, and then click Delete. When you are prompted to confirm deletion of the registry key, click Yes.
  5. Quit Registry Editor, and then restart the computer.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/11/2002
Keywords:kbprb KB269431
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.