Setting the Default Printer in Windows 2000 by Using the Registry (271257)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
This article was previously published under Q271257
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

SUMMARY

This article describes how to set the default printer by modifying the registry.

MORE INFORMATION

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.

To set the default printer in the registry, follow these steps:
  1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
  2. Locate and click the following registry key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows

  3. Click the following value:

    Device=Printer1,winspool,LPT1:

  4. On the Edit menu, click Modify, replace the first value (Printer1) with the name of the printer that you want to set as default, and then click OK.
  5. Quit Registry Editor.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/26/2006
Keywords:kbenv kbinfo kbprint KB271257
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