WD2002: Error Message: Cannot Print Because There Is No Default Printer Selected. Please Select a Printer. (329846)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2002
This article was previously published under Q329846

ERROR MESSAGE

When you try to print, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot print because there is no default printer selected. Please select a printer.
NOTE: Microsoft Office XP has built-in functionality that makes it possible for you to get more information about difficult-to-troubleshoot alerts or error messages. If you want to enable this functionality for this and other error messages in Office XP, download the Office XP "Extended Alerts Button add-in" file. To do so, visit the following Microsoft Office Update Web site:

http://office.microsoft.com/downloads/2002/extalert.aspx

NOTE: If you reached this article by clicking the Web Info button in an error message, you already have Customizable Alerts enabled.

THINGS TO TRY

There Is No Default Printer Driver Installed

If you do not have a default printer, use the Add Printer Wizard to install one:
  1. Click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes.
  2. Double-click Add a Printer, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
Some printers have their own installation routines that bypass the Add Printer Wizard. If so, follow the instructions in your documentation.

NOTE: If your printer model is not listed in the Manufacturers and Printers boxes, visit the following Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) Web site for an updated driver:

http://www.microsoft.com/hwdq/hcl/search.asp

If your printer is not on the HCL, contact the printer manufacturer for drivers and instructions.

The Printer Driver Is Damaged and Requires Reinstallation

To complete this procedure, you must have your Windows XP CD-ROM or the printer driver from the printer manufacturer.
  1. Click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes.
  2. Right-click your default printer, and then click Delete. If you are prompted to remove extra files, click Yes.
  3. Double-click Add a Printer, and then follow the instructions on the screen to reinstall your printer driver.

There Is a Damaged Entry in the Windows Registry

  1. Click Start, click Printers and Faxes, and then double-click Add a Printer.
  2. Click Next, and then click Local printer attached to this computer.
  3. Click to clear the Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play Printer check box, and then click Next.
  4. Click LPT1 port, and then click Next.
  5. In the Manufacturers box, click Generic.
  6. In the Make/Model or Printers box, click Generic/Text Only, and then click Next.
  7. In the Printer Name box, type TEST.
  8. Under Do you want to use this printer as the default printer, click Yes.
  9. Click Next, and then click Do Not Share this printer.
  10. Click Next, and then click No under Do you want to print a test page.
  11. Click Next, and then click Finish.
  12. Click Start, click Printers and Faxes.
  13. Right-click the Generic/Text Only printer or your other existing printer, and then click Set as Default.
  14. Right-click your original printer, and then click Set as Default.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:11/17/2005
Keywords:kbdownload kbdta kberrmsg kbprb kbprint WD2002 KB329846
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