Slow Network Printing from MS-DOS-Based Programs

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you print from an MS-DOS-based program, it may take from 60 to 90 seconds before printing begins, causing the program to pause. Quitting the program causes printing to begin immediately.

This behavior may also occur when you use the PRINT SCREEN key in an MS-DOS-based program.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if the MS-DOS-based program does not close the printer port. By default, Windows 95 waits 45 seconds after the program stops sending information before printing the document.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, add the following lines to the appropriate sections of the System.ini file, and then restart your computer:

   [Network]
   PrintBufTime=10

   [IFSMGR]
   PrintBufTime=10

These settings are in seconds. The lower the value you use, the sooner the document is printed. If you do not receive any printout, or documents are printed over multiple pages, the settings may be too low. Increase the settings until documents are printed correctly.

MORE INFORMATION

The entry in the [Network] section controls the network printing timeout using the real-mode redirector (outside of Windows 95). The entry in the [IFSMGR] section controls the network printing timeout using the protected- mode redirector (within Windows 95). By default, this value is set to 45 seconds.

Note that these settings may affect local as well as network printing.