The prnport
command in Windows is used to create, delete, configure, and list standard TCP/IP printer ports from the command line. This tool is valuable for automating printer port management and streamlining network printer setup, particularly in enterprise or corporate network environments where multiple printers need to be managed efficiently.
What is the prnport Command?
The prnport
command allows you to manage TCP/IP printer ports in Windows. With it, you can create and delete standard TCP/IP ports, configure settings such as IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols, and even control SNMP settings. It is especially useful for administrators managing multiple network printers in complex environments.
Main Uses
- Create/Delete TCP/IP Printer Ports: Set up or remove standard TCP/IP ports required for network printers.
- List Printer Ports: Display all connected TCP/IP printer ports.
- Configure Port Settings: Adjust IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols for printer ports.
- Enable/Disable SNMP: Manage SNMP settings for printer ports to monitor network printer statuses.
How to Use the prnport Command
The prnport
command enables efficient management of TCP/IP printer ports used by network printers. You can automate network printer setups and streamline the configuration process across multiple machines.
Basic Syntax
prnport [-a | -d | -l | -g | -t] [-s <Servername>] [-r <Portname>] [-o {raw|lpr}] [-h <Hostaddress>] [-n <Portnumber>] [-m {e|d}] [-i <SNMPindex>] [-y <Communityname>] [-u <Username> -w <Password>]
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
-a | Create a new TCP/IP printer port. |
-d | Delete an existing TCP/IP printer port. |
-l | List all TCP/IP printer ports on the system. |
-g | Display settings for a specified TCP/IP printer port. |
-t | Configure settings for a specified TCP/IP printer port. |
-s <Servername> | Specify the remote computer hosting the printer. Defaults to the local machine if not specified. |
-r <Portname> | Required. Specify the name of the port to manage. |
-o {raw | lpr} | Specify the protocol to use (raw or lpr ). |
-h <Hostaddress> | Specify the IP address of the printer to configure the port. |
-n <Portnumber> | Specify the port number (default is 9100). |
-m {e | d} | Enable or disable SNMP. |
-i <SNMPindex> | Specify the SNMP index (if SNMP is enabled). |
-y <Communityname> | Specify the SNMP community name (if SNMP is enabled). |
-u <Username> -w <Password> | Provide credentials to access the printer-hosting computer. |
/? | Display help for the command. |
Example Usages
- Create a TCP/IP Printer Port
Create a new standard TCP/IP printer port using a specified IP address and port number.
prnport -a -r "IP_192.168.1.100" -h 192.168.1.100 -n 9100 -o raw
Description: This command creates a TCP/IP port for a network printer with IP address 192.168.1.100
, using port 9100
and the raw
protocol.
- Delete a TCP/IP Printer Port
Remove an unused or obsolete TCP/IP printer port.
prnport -d -r "IP_192.168.1.100"
Description: Deletes the TCP/IP port named IP_192.168.1.100
.
- List All TCP/IP Printer Ports
Display all TCP/IP printer ports currently configured on the local or remote computer.
prnport -l
Description: Lists all TCP/IP printer ports on the local machine. Use the -s
option to list ports on a remote server.
- View Port Configuration
Display the configuration settings for a specified TCP/IP printer port.
prnport -g -r "IP_192.168.1.100"
Description: Shows the current settings for the port IP_192.168.1.100
.
- Change Port Protocol and Port Number
Modify the protocol and port number for an existing TCP/IP printer port.
prnport -t -r "IP_192.168.1.100" -o lpr -n 515
Description: Changes the protocol to lpr
and sets the port number to 515
for the port IP_192.168.1.100
.
SNMP Settings
The prnport
command allows you to enable or disable SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) for printer ports and configure SNMP settings for network monitoring.
- Enable SNMP
Enable SNMP with a specified community name and index for a TCP/IP port.
prnport -t -r "IP_192.168.1.100" -m e -i 1 -y "public"
Description: Enables SNMP on the port IP_192.168.1.100
with SNMP index 1
and community name public
.
- Disable SNMP
Disable SNMP for a TCP/IP printer port.
prnport -t -r "IP_192.168.1.100" -m d
Description: Disables SNMP for the port IP_192.168.1.100
.
Practical Applications of the prnport Command
Automating Network Printer Setup Scripts
In environments with multiple network printers, the prnport
command can be incorporated into scripts to automatically create and configure printer ports. This saves time when setting up new printers across a network.
@echo off
prnport -a -r "IP_192.168.1.100" -h 192.168.1.100 -n 9100 -o raw
prnport -a -r "IP_192.168.1.101" -h 192.168.1.101 -n 9100 -o raw
Description: This batch script automatically creates two TCP/IP printer ports for network printers with IP addresses 192.168.1.100
and 192.168.1.101
.
Managing Remote Printer Ports
You can also manage printer ports on remote computers, making it easier for network administrators to configure and troubleshoot printer issues on different systems.
prnport -l -s \\server
Description: Lists all TCP/IP printer ports on the remote computer \\server
, providing a clear overview of the ports in use.
Important Considerations
- Administrator Privileges Required: Creating, deleting, or configuring printer ports requires administrator rights. Ensure that you run the command prompt as an administrator.
- Correct IP Address: Ensure that you enter the correct IP address when setting up a port. Incorrect IP addresses will result in failed printer connections.
- SNMP Settings: When enabling SNMP, ensure that the correct index and community name are configured for accurate network monitoring.
When to Use the prnport Command
The prnport
command is useful for managing network printer TCP/IP ports efficiently. It is ideal for network administrators managing multiple printers across a network who need to create, configure, or remove ports, especially in large enterprise environments.
Conclusion
The prnport
command is a powerful tool for managing TCP/IP printer ports in Windows, making it easier to configure and maintain network printer connections. Whether you’re managing a single printer or handling a large fleet of printers in a corporate environment, this command simplifies port setup and management. By integrating prnport
into scripts, you can automate printer setup tasks and ensure consistent configuration across multiple systems.
Thank you for reading!
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