Printing to DOS...need your help please

[daveleau]

QWe have a DNA sequencing program that plots a graph in DOS. We need to print this file but are running into problems. I was advised to take the printer off the network and install it on a networked system's LPT port. I set up a print server (Pentium 90) with an extra LPT port. LPT1 has a HP895cse and LPT2 has a Apple Laser Writer 16/600. The Apple can print to DOS and I grabbed a driver that we have used to do so before. I installed the printer (and answered yes to the question about printing to DOS) but whenever we print to DOS (using the command: "copy text.txt lpt2" and command "copy text.txt \\prntserv\apple") This is of course without the quotes. All that happens is the light on the printer starts blinking. We can succesfully print from DOS using the Edit, but we need to print from the command line.

Help is greatly needed and appreciated.
Thanks
Dave

[This message has been edited by daveleau (edited 04-03-2001).]

[OuTpaTienT]

Try adding /b to the end of the command.

Like "copy text.txt lpt2 /b"

[daveleau]

Thanks Out but I still get no printer response except for the blinking light (showing that it recieved and is spooling the file).

I have tried this at teh windows dos prompt and aftrer rebooting to DOS.

Thanks
dave

[Julio]

Dave, did you try and print a simpler file like config.sys or autoexec.bat.
Perhaps there is something within the file that is causing you grief

[Ironforge]

I have had some similar problems at work.. (back when we used to use DOS based programs)

This might not help you at all, but with some DOS print jobs.. you need to hit the form feed button on your printer (while it is recieving data) in order for it to print..

The printers were network printers captured to LPT1 (\\server\ptr - LPT1)

Oh, that's another thing.. I have also run into trouble printing from DOS using anything but LPT1.. half the time If I just switched from LPT2 to LPT1 it would work fine.. try this out.. if it works maybe invest in a switch box for LPT1..

[daveleau]

Thanks. I switched it from LPT2 to LPT1 and stilll get nothing. The light blinks for about 3-4 minutes and then stops with nothing.

I will try the otehr command though.

Dave

[OuTpaTienT]

hmmmm, this file you need to print...is it strictly a text file?

If so, try this instead of COPY:

PRINT /D:lpt2 text.txt

[OuTpaTienT]

well....?

[BFlurie]

Dave, try hitting the "any" key (space bar) right after you send the print command.

[daveleau]

Still no dice. Haven't tried the any key yet, but will first thing. It used to work when it was on another system, so I now know it is at least possible. If key pressing after printing doesn't work, then I will try it ont he old system it was connected to and see if it works there...

Any other ideas?

Thanks
Dave

[Ironforge]

Dave,

You might want to check in the BIOS what mode the Paralell port is in..

some printers are picky when it comes to DOS..

try switching between available modes.. [extended, bi-directional, etc..]

[Steve R Jones]

Try going into the printer properties and use the "capture" option. Also go into spool setting and change the data format to RAW.

[daveleau]

Tried both EMF andf RAW

Also tried BIOS settings but this old P90 has very little config options int he BIOS. I am going to try it on the old system it was on and see how that goes on Tuesday.

Thanks guys
Dave