Q105419: Sharing Printers on Serial Ports in Windows for Workgroups

Article: Q105419
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 3.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 01-OCT-1999

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY
=======

Microsoft Windows for Workgroups does not support sharing communications (COM)
ports. However, it is possible to share a printer connected to a COM port.

When you share a printer, Windows for Workgroups does not share the printer port.
The printer queue is shared. In other words, Windows for Workgroups is sharing
the software supporting the port, not the device connected to the port.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The mechanism for sharing a printer on a COM port is the same as it is for a
printer on a parallel port:

1. Install the appropriate printer driver and connect it to the desired COM
  port.

2. Open Print Manager.

3. Select the printer on the COM port that you want to share.

4. From the Printer menu, choose Share Printer As.

5. Select Re-share At Startup if desired.

The printer queue is now shared and can be accessed across the network by other
machines.

Additional query words: 3.10 3.1 3.11 sharing communications port

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbAudDeveloper kbWFWSearch kbWFW310 kbWFW311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986-2002.