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Q272387: Unable to Connect to Local LPT Port with NET USE Command, ‘Error

Article: Q272387
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 08-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
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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" (without the quotation marks)

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" (without the quotation marks)

  where (x) is the number of the LPT port.

3. Carry out the original NET USE LPTx \\servername\share command.

Additional query words:

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search
Version           : winnt:4.0
Issue type        : kbprb

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