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Error message when you try to install a shared printer in Windows Vista: "Windows cannot connect to the printer" or "The specified Print Monitor is unknown"

Article ID: 937697

Article Last Modified on 8/2/2007

APPLIES TO

Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Ultimate
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Starter
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition

SYMPTOMS

You try to install a shared printer when you have User Account Control (UAC) turned off in Windows Vista. However, you may receive an error message that resembles one of the following.

Message one

Windows cannot connect to the printer.

Message two

The specified Print Monitor is unknown

This problem occurs after you click Install driver in the Printers dialog box. This problem may occur if the printer driver has a language monitor as part of the driver package.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method one

Configure the Point and Print policy to allow all users to install the driver without enabling UAC. "All users" includes the built in administrator. To do this, follow these steps:

Click Start, type gpedit.msc in the Start Search box, and then click cmd in the gpedit.msc list.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue.

Under User Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, expand Control Panel, and then click Printers.
Right-click Point and Print Restrictions in the right hand pane, and then click Properties.
Click Enabled.
If you do not want to restrict users to specific print servers, click to clear the Users can only point and print to these server check box.
If you do not want to restrict users to print servers in their own forest, click to clear the Users can only point and print to machines in their forest check box. You do not have to add any servers when you click to clear this check box.
In the Security Prompts area, select Do not show warning or elevation prompt in the When installing drivers for a new connection box and in the When updating drivers for an existing connection box. These settings enable the print drivers to be installed without credential or elevation prompts.

Method two

Turn on User Account Control, and then install the shared printer.

For more information about how to turn on User Account Control, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/58b3b879-924d-4e08-9358-c316055d3eae1033.mspx

Note User Account Control can help you prevent unauthorized changes to the computer. User Account Control works by prompting you for permission when a task requires administrative rights. These tasks include installing software and changing settings that affect other users.

We do not recommend that you turn off User Account Control.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

Keywords: kbtshoot kbprb kbexpertiseinter KB937697

Microsoft KB Archive/937697

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