Windows Err Msg: The LPTx Port Is Currently Assigned... (87448)

SYMPTOMS

When you try to print from an MS-DOS-based application in Windows or Windows for Workgroups running in 386 enhanced mode, you receive the following error message:

The LPTx port is currently assigned to a DOS Application.
Do you want to reassign the port to Windows?

CAUSE

This error occurs when:

After Dark version 2.0 installed.

-or-
You are using the PRINTMAN.EXE file provided with the Hewlett-Packard (HP) 4L (71,024 bytes in size) with Windows for Workgroups.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem:

Set the Idle time on the printer port to 1 or 2, or change the device contention to NEVER WARN.

-or-
Remove After Dark.

-or-
Expand PRINTMAN.EX_ from the original Windows for Workgroups 3.1 or 3.11 disks.

Workaround 1

In the Main group, run Control Panel.
Choose the 386 Enhanced icon.
Select the correct printer port (for example, LPT1).
Change the Idle time from a default of 60 to 1 or 2.
Choose OK.

Workaround 2

In the Main group, run Control Panel.
Choose the 386 Enhanced icon.
Select the correct printer port (for example, COM1).
Set Device Contention to Never Warn.
Choose OK.

NOTE: Windows 3.1 and 3.11 do not include the option to set the device contention for LPT ports. To gain this functionality, you must obtain VPD386.EXE and install VPD.386. For more information about VPD386.EXE, query on vpd386 in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

MORE INFORMATION

After Dark is manufactured by Berkeley Systems, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.