How to Delete and Recreate a Network Printer Port in Microsoft Windows Environments

ENUS32190

Overview

This article provides the following:

Deletion of an existing non-functioning port.

Creation of a new Lexmark Enhanced port using either a Lexmark Enhanced Port or Standard TCP/IP port.

Related article links that may be helpful in diagnosing "Not Communicating" or "Failed to Print" errors.

Before you begin

You should not consider recreating the network printer port until you have verified that the printer is communicating over the network.

Tests to confirm communication with the printer include:

Ping test. This will require printing the printer's network settings page to obtain the IP address of the printer.

Verify the Status value shows Connected on the network settings page.

Verify embedded Web server access by entering the printer's IP address into your Web browser's address field; i.e., http://10.10.10.10.

Procedure: Deletion of Existing Port

Step

Action

Open the Printers or Printer and Faxes folder and locate your printer icon. To do this:

In Windows XP, click Start > Settings > Printer and Faxes, or Start > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes.

In Windows Vista, Windows 7, click Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Printers.

In Windows 8:

Modern UI	Desktop
From the Start page, swipe up from the bottom of the screen or position your cursor on the bottom perimeter of the screen and right-click. Click All Apps. Click or tap Control Panel, and then click on View Devices and Printers under Hardware and Sound. (Category view)	Right-click in the lower-left to display the advanced user shortcuts. Click or tap the Control panel, and then View Devices and Printers.

Right-click on the printer icon

and select Properties from the drop-down menu.

Click on the Ports tab.

IMPORTANT! Make sure the port is not active before deleting it. Failure to deselect the port will result in a Selected Port Cannot be Deleted message.

To deselect a port:

Slide the scroll bar to the top of the list of the printer ports.

Place a checkmark next to any alternate ports such as LPT1, USB001, LPT2, File, etc.

Click Apply.

IMPORTANT! If you have any other drivers installed that point to the same port, you will need to repeat this deselect procedure for each driver before port deletion is allowed.

Return to the port that requires deletion and place a checkmark next to it.

Click on Delete Port.

Click Yes to the confirmation message to complete the process. Click No if you change your mind or have discovered an alternative reason for the print failure.

Continue on to creation of the new port creation below, or select a different port and then click OK. Click here for an illustrated view of this procedure.

Procedure: Creation of the New Port

Before you begin

It may be beneficial to print a network settings page to identify the IP address or host name of the printer. NOTE: The host name is identified by the first part of the fully qualified domain name; e.g., gregor.dhcp.hello.com.

This example utilizes Lexmark Enhanced Communications Software, which installs the Lexmark Enhanced TCP/IP port (monitor).Thissoftware is selectable during the original software driver installation on the PC.

You can create a port using a MS Standard TCP/IP port, but you will lose some bi-directional communication functionality. You may also lose such benefits as the Lexmark Status Messenger, which identifies and assists in resolving many common printer ailments.

Step

Action

Open the Printers or Printer and Faxes folder and locate your printer icon. To do this:

In Windows XP, click Start > Settings > Printer and Faxes, or Start > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes.

In Windows Vista, click Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Printers.

sdf

Modern UI	Desktop
From the Start page, swipe up from the bottom of the screen or position your cursor on the bottom perimeter of the screen and right-click. Click All Apps. Click or tap Control Panel, and then click on View Devices and Printers under Hardware and Sound. (Category view)	Right-click in the lower-left to display the advanced user shortcuts. Click or tap the Control panel, and then View Devices and Printers.

Right-click on the printer icon

and select Properties from the drop-down menu.

Click on the Ports tab.

Click on Add Port.

Under Available Port Types, select Lexmark Enhanced TCP/IP port,andthenclick New Port.

Enter a Port Name that best identifies this printer, such as location, owner name, organization name, or other identifier. Keep the port name under 14 characters and avoid special characters or spaces.

Under Enter a single IP address or host name,type in the printer's IP address or host name as displayed on your network settings page.

Alternative: If the IP address or host name is visible under Choose a device from the list, you can make your selection using this method.

Host Name Requirement: DNS must be active on the network and you will have to verify that you can ping the host name.

Click OK and observe that your cursor changes to an hourglass as the port creation proceeds.

You will return to the Available Port Types window if port creation is successful. Click Close.

Critical! Confirm that the newly created port has a checkmark next to it, and then click Apply.

Optional:Click on the General tab, and then click Print test page to confirm successful printer communication. Click here for an illustrated view of this procedure.

Standard TCP/IP port path: Select Standard TCP/IP port in step 5 > New Port > Add...Wizard > Next > Enter PrinterName (host name) or IP address and port name > Next > Finish.

Other helpful articles

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Contacting Lexmark

If you require additional assistance, please close this window and locate

Get In Touch with Lexmark! for contact information.
NOTE: When calling for support, you will need your printer model/machine type and serial number (SN).

Please be near the products described in this article to expedite the support process and reduce callbacks.

LEGACY ID: HO3468

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