USB virtual printer port

None of these processes restored the VIRTUAL PORT that used to be there. The printer was always installed on the USB001 virtual port, and it worked. The only options I can find are LOCAL PRINTER or TC/PIP PRINTER. Neither one of these choices will work with my printer that is connected to the computer's USB port. I keep seeing that Windows will automatically install devices connected to the USB port. That is not happeneing. I am so frustrated. I need to restore the virtual port, and nothing is telling me how to do that. I have spent hours on this. I need to print my husband's medical history to take to the hospital for his surgery. PLEASE.

Hi Malley,

I would suggest you to perform system restore to the date it was working fine.

 System Restore

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows7/products/features/system-restore

Hope this helps!

Hi Malley,

What is the make and model of the printer?

Method 1: Try the Printer troubleshooter, which will attempt to automatically diagnose and fix your problem.      

· Open the Printer troubleshooter by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting. Under Hardware and Sound, click Use a printer.

Method 2: Next, try updating the printer driver on your computer. Printer problems sometimes stem from out-of-date driver software, and can be solved by installing—or reinstalling—the latest driver.

Hence, I would also suggest you to remove the hardware, uninstall the software and drivers, then reboot the system and reinstall the latest drivers for the printer from the manufacturer’s site and check.

Refer this link for more information:

Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly**http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly**

Method 3: To restart the Print Spooler service

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

1.    Open Administrative Tools by clicking the Startbutton, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type administrative tools, and then click Administrative Tools.

2.    Double-click Services.  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

3.    Right-click the Print Spooler service, and then click Properties.

4.    On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.

5.    If the service is not already running, under Service status, click Start, and then click OK.  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Also refer to the links: A network printer is displayed incorrectly as offline on a computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2713128

The new printer status is "Offline" after you delete a print queue and then restart a Windows-based computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2027593

Note: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article:Back up the registry in Windows 7

Do get back and let us know the status of the issue, I will be glad to help you further. We, at Microsoft strive towards excellence.