Connecting to WFWG or Win95 Printer Causes "Port Name is Invalid" Error

ID: Q121074

The information in this article applies to:


SYMPTOM

When trying to connect to a printer shared by a Windows for Workgroups or Windows 95 computer, one of the following errors may appear when you enter the network path or port name:
\\servername\sharename is an invalid port name
-OR-
Could not connect to the printer: The system cannot find the file specified
-OR-
"Test Page failed to print. Would you like to view the print trouble shooter for assistance? The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect."

CAUSE

These messages are erroneous and occur if the Windows for Workgroups or Windows 95 printer share is password protected. If you attempt to connect to the share by doing a NET USE from the command line, you receive this (correct) message:

The password is invalid for \\servername\sharename

You are then allowed to enter the password of the share.


RESOLUTION

Try one of these procedures:

  1. Remove the password protection from the WFWG or Win95 printer share.


  2. Make a connection to the share using the command prompt, entering the correct password using the following syntax:
    NET USE LPTx \\computernamne\printername [password]

    Next, using Print Manager or the Printers folder, create a new printer using the redirected LPT port.


For related information see Knowledge Base article Q103747 or query on this phrase in the Knowledge Base: 


   invalid port name


STATUS

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Additional query words: wfw wfwg prodnt 3.10 3.11 3.10 lanman share level security 


Keywords          : ntprint NTSrvWkst 
Version           : WinNT:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        :

Last Reviewed: February 9, 1999