"brbgtgp" wrote:

Changing a User's Default Printer in the Registry
See Article ID: 156212

HKCU \Software \Microsoft \Windows NT \CurrentVersion \Windows

Device Reg_SZ Data (here you make the device changes.)

Note: You will see the Devices folder under the CurrentVersion with the list
of printer devices installed, their spooler and connection type.




"Geekeezer" wrote:


I am having the "Can't set a default printer problem" as well. It comes
into play with me, not on a network, but all the time. The major issue,
as I saw posted somewhere else here, is with programs like Adobe Reader
(Acrobat) that only print to a default printer. In other words I can't
print PDFs. That is a real PITA as I
am a REALTOR and PDFs are my WORLD. I did see an answer by "Alan" that
mentioned some "HKEY-BLAH BLAH BLAH," But there was no info about what
to do with it. I am not a registry savvy guy. Its a new machine and the
manufacturer was no help either! This has been going on for several
months. Should I just go buy an Apple?


--
Geekeezer


So I encountered same thing today, unable to print acrobat reader.

There are a few things you should look for... This applies from win2K until
vista
HKCU\Software\Microsoft \Windows NT \Current Version \Windows

If you do not have the Windows key, borrow from a friend.
Right-click then Export the key...
Go to original workstation then double-click on printer.reg this will apply
the tree into the hive.

or Copy below into a notepad.exe and rename printer.reg
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows]
"DebugOptions"="2048"
"Documents"=""
"DosPrint"="no"
"Load"=""
"NetMessage"="no"
"NullPort"="None"
"Programs"="com exe bat pif cmd"
"device"="Any printer name1,winspool,Ne01:"

OK. So let's move on to changing values. Let's look into Devices or
PrinterPorts
Verify your device listed.

example
Any printer name4 REG_SZ winspool, Ne03;
Any printer name3 REG_SZ winspool, Ne02;
Any printer name2 REG_SZ winspool, Ne01;
Any printer name1 REG_SZ winspool, Ne00;

In the windows key, right-click "device" then modify...
in Value data field, enter below
Any printer name1,winspool,Ne01:

Where it says "any printer name1" look into your system devices and pick one
that applies to you. (please do not stick your head inside the computer.)

ALT+F4 to close