PC Win SPlus: Err Msg: File Error: Cannot Find XXXX.DRV

Last reviewed: March 31, 1995
Article ID: Q128367
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Mail for Windows, versions 3.0, 3.2, and 3.2a
  • Microsoft Schedule+ for Windows, version 1.0

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to print from version 3.2 of Microsoft Mail for Windows or version 1.0 of Microsoft Schedule+ for Windows, and the default printer driver you are using is in the C:\WINDOWS directory, you will get the following error message,

   File error: Cannot find xxxx.drv.

where xxxx.drv is your default printer driver filename. (i.e. hppcl5e.drv)

If you choose OK or CANCEL, the message will disappear, and your file will print correctly.

CAUSE

When new or additional printers are added in Microsoft Windows versions 3.1 or Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11, the printer driver file will be put in the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM by default. This is the location that Mail for Windows and Schedule+ attempts to look for these drivers. If you move these drivers to another location (for example, \WINDOWS), you will get the above error.

RESOLUTION

Use one of the following steps to resolve this problem:

  • Move the .DRV file associated with your printer to the WINDOWS\SYSTEM subdirectory.

-or-
  • You can edit the following MSMAIL.INI or SCHDPLUS.INI line:

          Printer=HP LaserJet 4/4M,HPPCL5E,LPT1:
    

    Change it to:

          Printer=HP LaserJet 4/4M,C:\WINDOWS\HPPCL5E,LPT1:
    

MORE INFORMATION

When you attempt to print from Schedule+ or Mail for Windows, the program will look at the SCHDPLUS.INI or the MSMAIL.INI, and determine what printer driver is being used. Then the SCHDPLUS.PRT or MSMAIL.PRT file is checked.

The .PRT files are small, encrypted files that contain printer configuration information. They will be modified if the printer setup via Windows is changed. If the .PRT file gets deleted, Mail for Windows and Schedule+ will re-create it. The appropriate .DRV files are found in the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM subdirectory.

For additional information, please see the "Windows for Workgroups Resource Kit," pages 4-3 and 4-8.


Additional reference words: 1.00 3.00 3.20 3.20a
KBCategory: kbprint
KBSubcategory: MailPCWin MailPCWSPlus


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Last reviewed: March 31, 1995
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