Print DOS print jobs

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sarah
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Sarah

In Windows XP when I print to the printer ( LPT1:), from DOS, then my jobs
just sit in the print queue-they do not print. The status line says they are
printing, but they never print. After a few minutes the job 'deletes itself'
from the print queue. Every job has a chr$(12) (FF) at the end.
Sometimes it helps when I change the print processor from 'Raw' to 'Text'.
But when I restart the computer, it no longer works.
I can get it to work sometimes, but when I restart the computer it no longer
works.
I have this problem if I print to the local LPT1 and also if I share the
printer and use NET USE to map it.

Any ideas that do not involve printing to a file and then printing from a
third party program.
 
Sarah said:
In Windows XP when I print to the printer ( LPT1:), from DOS, then my jobs
just sit in the print queue-they do not print. The status line says they are
printing, but they never print. After a few minutes the job 'deletes itself'
from the print queue. Every job has a chr$(12) (FF) at the end.
Sometimes it helps when I change the print processor from 'Raw' to 'Text'.
But when I restart the computer, it no longer works.
I can get it to work sometimes, but when I restart the computer it no longer
works.
I have this problem if I print to the local LPT1 and also if I share the
printer and use NET USE to map it.

Any ideas that do not involve printing to a file and then printing from a
third party program.
Click to expand...

Sarah I don't know if I can offer any answers but just ask more questions:

Do you print from Windows programs as well?

Are you printing in a DOS window from the command line or a batch file or
from an MS-DOS program that prints to LPT1:?

If a command line or batch file is used what is the line used to print? Is
it a 'copy' to LPT1: or is it print.exe /D:LPT1:?

Is the printer really plugged into the parallel port LPT1: or is it a USB
printer mapped to LPT1: with NET USE? If it is a true parallel printer
plugged into LPT1: and the printer needs a bi-directional cable are you sure
you are using one.

Have you checked for updated printer drivers from the printer manufacturer
or checked the manufacturer's site/support for the issue?

Is sharing the printer over the network something you are doing just for
test or something you need to do for normal operation?

Personally, I notice some issues switching between Windows and DOS printing
using an EPSON LX-300+ dot matrix. These issues have to do with form
alignment and Draft/Enhanced font format. The applications never stop
printing though - they just print off alignment or in bold text when they
could print in draft. You mention restarting the computer, have you ever
tried turning the printer off then back on? In my case, this resets to
draft mode and allows me to reset form alignment.

John C.
 
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