Microsoft KB Archive/813611

= You have to install a printer before you can perform printer-related tasks in Outlook 2003 =

PSS ID Number: 813611

Article Last Modified on 9/1/2004

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Office Outlook 2003

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SYMPTOMS
When you try to print an e-mail message from Outlook 2003, you may receive an error message that is similar to the following:

Before your can perform printer related tasks, such as page setup or printing a document, you need to install a printer. Do you want to install a printer now?



CAUSE
This issue may occur if you do not have a printer installed, or if you do not have a printer set as the default printer.



RESOLUTION
Note If you are running Microsoft Outlook 2002 from a remote server (Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Terminal Server Edition), you may have to contact your network administrator for more information about this issue. See the article in the &quot;References&quot; section of this article for more information about printers and terminal services.

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Add a Printer
If you do not have a printer installed, use the Add Printer Wizard to install a printer:
 * 1) Click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes.
 * 2) Click Add a Printer, and then follow the Add Printer Wizard instructions.

Note Some printers have their own installation routines that bypass the Add Printer Wizard. If this occurs, follow the instructions in your printer documentation. If you are using Outlook from a Windows Terminal Server, you may not have the required administrator permissions to add a printer.

Method 2: Set a Default Printer
If you have one or more printers installed, but Outlook cannot locate a printer, set one of your printers as the default printer:
 * 1) Click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes.
 * 2) Right-click the printer that you want to make the default printer, and then click Set as Default Printer.
 * 3) Click OK.

Method 3: Remove and Reinstall Your Printer
If you have a default printer installed but Outlook cannot locate it, remove, and then re-install the printer:
 * 1) Click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes.
 * 2) Right-click the problem-causing printer, click Delete, and then click Yes.
 * 3) In the left pane, click Add a Printer, and then follow the Add Printer Wizard instructions. When you are prompted to replace existing files, click Yes.
 * 4) Click OK to close each dialog box.

