Write Fault Error Printing from MS-DOS-Based Programs

 Last reviewed: August 28, 1995
Article ID: Q130716
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you try to print from an MS-DOS-based program in Windows 95, you may receive the following error message: 

   Write fault error writing device LPT1
   Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail?

CAUSE

This error can occur if the printer has been placed in Work Offline mode.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, follow these steps to disable the Work Offline setting:

  1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, then click Printers.

  2. Double-click the icon for the printer you want to print to.

  3. On the Printer menu, click Work Offline to disable the setting.

Note that you can re-enable the Work Offline setting by repeating these steps.

MORE INFORMATION

This error is likely to occur on notebook computers that are removed from and rejoined to a docking station. When a notebook computer is undocked, the printer is automatically placed in Work Offline mode.

The Work Offline mode disables MS-DOS spooling for the local port. If there is not a printer physically attached to the computer, printing from an MS-DOS-based program generates the error message stated above.

KBCategory: kbprint kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: wpp95 win95
Additional reference words: 95

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: August 28, 1995
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.