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Q138370: Nonstandard LPT Port Names Disable Access to Shared Printers

Article: Q138370
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 03-OCT-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

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

When you are trying to connect to a shared network printer, the Network button
in the Connect dialog box may be unavailable, preventing you from connecting to
a network printer.

CAUSE
=====

This behavior can occur if a port with a nonstandard name is being used on the
local computer.

RESOLUTION
==========

Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to edit the Win.ini file. Edit the LPT
settings in the [Ports] section of the file to read as follows:

     LPT1:=
     LPT2:=

You can add additional ports if necessary.

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

When you cannot connect to a network printer, use Print Manager or the Printers
tool in Control Panel to verify that the port in use has a standard LPTx name.
You cannot connect to shared printers if you are using a nonstandard LPT name
(including LPTx.DOS). Note also that you cannot use COM ports to connect to
network printers.

Additional query words: 3.10 3.11 gray grey

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbAudDeveloper kbWin3xSearch kbWFWSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin310 kbWin311 kbWFW310 kbWFW311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11

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