prnport.vbs - Windows Print Port Management Script

Category: System-EXE-Files | Date: 2025-03-03

prnport.vbs: Windows Print Port Management Script

Introduction:

prnport.vbs is a Visual Basic Script (.vbs) file included with Windows operating systems. It's part of the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) scripting library, specifically designed for managing TCP/IP printer ports. It is not an .exe file, but it's frequently encountered in the context of system administration and troubleshooting related to printing, so its inclusion in a system file encyclopedia is warranted. It resides in the %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\<locale> directory (e.g., C:\Windows\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US). It is used in conjunction with cscript.exe.

Purpose and Functionality:

prnport.vbs provides command-line functionality for:

  • Creating TCP/IP printer ports: This is its primary function. It allows administrators to create new printer ports that communicate with printers over a TCP/IP network.
  • Deleting TCP/IP printer ports: Removes existing TCP/IP printer ports.
  • Listing TCP/IP printer ports: Displays a list of configured TCP/IP printer ports on the system.
  • Getting printer port configuration: Retrieves detailed configuration information for a specified printer port.
  • Configuring printer port settings: Modify settings like Host Address, Port Number, SNMP settings, etc..

It achieves this by interacting with the Win32_TCPIPPrinterPort WMI class.

Is it a Virus? / Can it Become a Virus?

prnport.vbs, in its original form as provided by Microsoft, is not a virus. It's a legitimate and essential system script. However, like any script file, it could be modified or replaced by malware. Here's how to distinguish:

  • Location: The legitimate prnport.vbs should reside in %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\<locale>. If you find it elsewhere, it might be suspicious. However, be aware that copies can legitimately exist in other locations if they were intentionally placed there, but this is uncommon.
  • Digital Signature: While .vbs files are not typically digitally signed, you can check the script's contents. If you open it in a text editor (like Notepad) and it appears obfuscated or contains unusual commands, it could be malicious. Do not run a suspicious script!
  • Antivirus Scan: A reputable antivirus program should be able to detect a modified or malicious version of prnport.vbs.

How to Use prnport.vbs (Usage Examples):

prnport.vbs is used from the command line (Command Prompt or PowerShell), executed by the Windows Script Host (cscript.exe). You generally need administrative privileges to use it. The basic syntax is:

cscript prnport.vbs <options>

Here are some common usage examples:

  1. List all TCP/IP printer ports:

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -l [-s <server_name>] * -l: Specifies the list operation. * -s <server_name>: (Optional) Specifies the remote server to query. If omitted, it defaults to the local machine.

  2. Create a new TCP/IP printer port:

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -a -r <port_name> -h <host_address> -o <protocol> [-n <port_number>] [-m <community_name>] [-q <queue_name>] [-s <server_name>] [-i <SNMP_index>] [-y <Device Type>] * -a: Specifies the add (create) operation. * -r <port_name>: The name you want to give to the new port (e.g., "MyPrinterPort"). * -h <host_address>: The IP address or hostname of the printer. * -o <protocol>: The protocol to use. Usually raw or lpr. * -n <port_number>: (Optional) The port number. Defaults to 9100 for raw and 515 for lpr. * -m <community_name>: (Optional) The SNMP community name (if SNMP is enabled). Defaults to "public". * -q <queue_name>: (Optional) The LPR queue name (if using LPR). Often "lp" or "print". * -s <server_name>: (Optional) The server on which to create the port. Defaults to the local machine. * -i <SNMP_index>: (Optional) The SNMP index (usually 1). * -y <Device Type> : (Optional) Specifies the device type for SNMP. Values could be other, unknown, printer, modem, etc.

    Example (Create a standard raw port):

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -a -r IP_192.168.1.100 -h 192.168.1.100 -o raw

  3. Delete a TCP/IP printer port:

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -d -r <port_name> [-s <server_name>] * -d: Specifies the delete operation. * -r <port_name>: The name of the port to delete. * -s <server_name>: (Optional) The server from which to delete the port.

    Example:

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -d -r IP_192.168.1.100

  4. Get details about a specific printer port:

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -g -r <port_name> [-s <server_name>] * -g: Specifies the get operation. * -r <port_name>: The name of the port to query.

    Example:

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -g -r IP_192.168.1.100

  5. Change the Host Address of a printer port: cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -t -r <port_name> -h <new_host_address> [-s <server_name>]

    • -t: Specifies the configure (update) operation.
    • Other options are the same as in the "create" command, allowing you to modify other settings as well.

    Example:

    cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -t -r IP_192.168.1.100 -h 192.168.1.101

Getting Help:

For a complete list of options and their descriptions, use the -? switch:

cscript %SystemRoot%\System32\Printing_Admin_Scripts\en-US\prnport.vbs -?

Important Considerations:

  • Error Handling: prnport.vbs doesn't provide very detailed error messages. If a command fails, check the Event Viewer (Application and System logs) for more information. Look for events related to WMI or printing.
  • Firewall: Ensure that your firewall (both on the client and the printer) allows communication on the necessary ports (typically 9100 for raw and 515 for LPR).
  • Printer Compatibility: Verify that your printer supports the chosen protocol (raw or LPR). Most modern network printers support raw printing.
  • Permissions: You must have administrative privileges to run prnport.vbs and modify printer port settings.
  • Locale: Replace "en-US" with your system's locale if it's different.

Conclusion:

prnport.vbs is a valuable command-line tool for managing TCP/IP printer ports in Windows. While it might seem a bit daunting at first, understanding its basic syntax and options can significantly simplify printer administration and troubleshooting. Remember to always verify the script's authenticity if you have any doubts, and use a reputable antivirus program to keep your system secure.