Microsoft KB Archive/940723

= Error message when you try to print a document in Windows Server 2003: &quot;The print spooler was unable to connect to your printer&quot; =

Article ID: 940723

Article Last Modified on 8/16/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)

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SYMPTOMS
When you try to print a document in Microsoft Windows Server 2003, you receive the following error message:

The print spooler was unable to connect to your printer. This can be caused by your printer being turned off, the cable being unplugged, or connected to a VPN which will block access to your local network. Your document will print when the printer becomes available.

Additionally, you cannot continue to print the document unless you click OK.

Note You do not receive this error message every time that you try to print a document in Windows Server 2003.



CAUSE
This problem occurs if the HP Standard TCP/IP Port Monitor cannot query the printer.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, create a standard TCP/IP printer port for each printer that uses the HP Standard TCP/IP Port Monitor. Then, change the printer to use a standard TCP/IP printer port. To do this, follow these steps:  In the Print Server Properties dialog box, click the Ports tab. Click Add Port. Click Standard TCP/IP Port, and then click New Port. The Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard starts. Follow the steps in the wizard to add a standard TCP/IP printer port. Configure the printer to use the standard TCP/IP printer port that you created. To do this, follow these steps:  Right-click the printer, click Properties, and then click the Ports tab. Click to select the check box that is next to the standard TCP/IP printer port that you created, and then click OK.</li></ol> </li></ol>

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.

Keywords: kbwinservperf kbfileprintservices kberrmsg kbtshoot kbprb KB940723

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