How to enable the LPR command in Windows 7

The LPR command can be a useful feature when troubleshooting printing problems.  If you're not sure if a specific issue is originating from the printer itself or from the print driver, sending an LPR print job can help to narrow down the source of the problem.

Sending an LPR print job is very easy from the Windows command prompt.  However, on some systems, the LPR feature may not be enabled.  If you try to use LPR and you get a message stating that it's an invalid command, you may need to enable LPR on your computer.  These instructions show you how to enable LPR on a Windows 7 computer.

- Open the Control Panel.  You can either click on it from the Start menu, or type "control" in the Search bar and click on it when it comes up.

- Select Programs and Features.

- Select Turn Windows features on or off (on the left side of the window).

- Click the "+" next to Print and Document Services.

- Select LPR Port Monitor.

- Select OK.

It may take a few minutes for Windows to enable the feature, but once it's completed you should be able to use the LPR command.