Unable to Connect to Local LPT Port with NET USE Command, 'Error 85: Local Device Is Already in Use' (272387)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
This article was previously published under Q272387

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to use the NET USE command to connect to a local LPT port,you may be unable to do so, and you may receive the following error message:

Error 85: local device is already in use.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when the LPT port is currently connected to a print share.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, disconnect the LPT port and try again.

MORE INFORMATION

Follow these steps:

  1. To see whether the LPT port is in fact currently connected to a print share, type the following at a command prompt:

    NET USE
  2. If the LPT port is currently connected to a print share, type the following command to disconnect the LPT port from the print share:

    NET USE LPT(x) /D

    where (x) is the number of the LPT port.
  3. Carry out the original NET USE LPTx \\servername\share command.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/8/2001
Keywords:kbprb KB272387
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.