Microsoft KB Archive/121908

= Unable to Browse or Connect to Microsoft Networking Print Server =

Article ID: 121908

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q121908



SYMPTOMS
In some cases Browsing and Connecting to Windows NT and/or Windows 95 Network Printers may not function correctly. The Browse list will be blank and if a direct path is entered for Connect To Printer, one of the following error messages appears:

Could not connect to printer. The printer name is invalid.

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Cannot locate network printer name



CAUSE
This problem is caused by the Order value in the Print\Providers section in the Registry not containing the correct entries. Rather than correctly listing "LanMan Print Services," "Microsoft Windows Network" is listed instead. This causes the LanMan Provider key, which specifies the dynamic-link library (DLL) to be used for LanMan print shares, to not be found and thus Print Manager is unable to Browse or Connect to Windows NT Printer Shares.



RESOLUTION
To correct both the Browsing and Connect to problems, change the Registry entry to the correct provider. In the Registry, use the following path:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Providers

In the Order value, remove the following entry:

Microsoft Windows Network

Then add the following entry:

LanMan Print Services

There may also be an entry for NetWare printer shares; that does not need to be removed or changed.

Additional query words: prodnt

Keywords: kbprint KB121908

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