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I remember something about that.
Here is what AI says. First, make sure that your network printer is set as the default printer. Having Microsoft Print to PDF set as the default causes this.
Let me know.
Tnx/73,
Dennis WN4AZY
Copilot
You said
When starting a visual foxpro app, I get an error saying it can't connect to a printer. There is an installed network printer
Copilot said
The printer error VFP shows at startup almost always comes from Windows not having a valid default printer at the moment the app launches — even if the network printer is installed.
VFP requires a default printer that responds immediately. If Windows has “Microsoft Print to PDF” set as default, or the network printer is offline/unreachable during startup, VFP throws the error.
I’ll give you a precise, ordered fix.
Fix: Set a reachable network printer as the default printer
01
Verify Windows sees the network printer
VFP errors if the printer exists but Windows cannot reach it at startup.
Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
Confirm your network printer appears in the list
Click it → ensure Windows shows Ready (not Offline)
02
Disable automatic default‑printer switching
Most Common Cause
Windows 10/11 often auto‑switches the default printer to the last one used, breaking VFP.
In Printers & scanners, turn OFF: Let Windows manage my default printer
This prevents Windows from silently switching to Print to PDF
Required for VFP apps that expect a stable default printer
03
Manually set the network printer as the default
VFP must see a valid default printer during startup.
In Printers & scanners, select your network printer → Manage → Set as default
Ensure the green checkmark appears on the correct printer
If the button is missing, Step 2 was not done
04
Confirm the default printer via command line
This ensures Windows actually committed the change.
Open Command Prompt and run:
wmic printer get name,default
The network printer should show TRUE under Default
If not, repeat Step 3
05
Restart the VFP application
VFP reads printer configuration only at startup.
Close VFP completely
Reopen your application
The printer error should be gone
Why this fixes it
Visual FoxPro does not tolerate:
No default printer
A default printer that is offline
A default printer that is a virtual device (Print to PDF, XPS)
Windows auto‑switching the default printer
Your network printer being “installed” is not enough — VFP requires it to be the default and reachable.
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