Unable to set default printer

[SimpleSi]

I've got a computer where I can't set the default printer - none of the available printers will accept being et to the default - I can work around this in most applications but publisher gets very upset at not being able to find a default printer (and the teacher is the most prolific user of publisher in the universe )

I tried deleting all files in the spooler folder and removing all drivers using the file | server properties window as per a previous thread - I re-added our networked printer and even tried a adding the generic txt file printer but I still can't set either as a default.

As its the class machine connected to smartboard with specific software for just that class (including the dreaded Abacus ) I don't want to have to clone it from another machine.

As usual with me - its just a standalone XP Pro not on a domain - single user - full admin rights.

regards

Simon

[FreelanceX]

Hi mate, thought I would try and help you. Did some searching and found a few things which may help:

1.Set the printer as default one in the registry:

The value is located at: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\ and the name is Device.

It would resemble one of the following:

\\SERVER\HPLASER,winspool,Ne00: or DESKJET,winspool,LPT1:

The Ne00 is a network port and LPT1 a local port as I am guessing you know.


2.Also, you could try The tool setprinter.exe which is included in Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit Tools. It is a command line tool.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9d467a69-57ff-4ae7-96ee-b18c4790cffd&displaylang=en

Setprinter.exe: Spooler Configuration Tool

C:\Program Files\Windows Resource Kits\Tools>setprinter /? and the detailled syntax is in rktools.chm Help file.

Hope one of these may work?

[Rawns]

Old thread I know but just had the same problem, and the reg key solution worked a treat! Thanks!

[round2it]

had this on server 2003

had to delete the administrator profile and the system recreated it on next boot

[liztra]

Thanks - the reg fix worked for me - the Windows key was missing altogether so exported it from a working user then imported it. Great