How to Install PPD Files From Postscript Printer Manufacturers

Last reviewed: November 7, 1997
Article ID: Q142057
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51

SUMMARY

Windows NT supports PostScript printers that uses industry-standard PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files. Windows NT installs PPD files using PRINTER.INF. This article provides detailed instructions on how to modify PRINTER.INF so that you can install PPD files obtained from print device manufacturers.

MORE INFORMATION

To install PPD files from print device manufacturers:

  1. Obtain the OEMSETUP.INF from the DDK in the \WINNT.NT\WINNT351.DDK\DDK\SRC\SETUP\INF\PRINTER directory. Rename the file to PRINTER.INF.

    -or-

    Obtain PPDInst.exe from the Microsoft Software Library. For more information about how to obtain this file, see the "To Obtain the PPDInst.exe File" section at the end of this article.

  2. Create a file called DISK1. The content does not matter. The Setup procedure only checks to make sure it exists. If you perform the installation on a non-Intel (x86) computer, name the file CDROM.W.

  3. Copy DISK1 (or CDROM.W), the PRINTER.INF file and your PPD file to a floppy disk or a sub-directory on your hard disk.

  4. Copy PSCRIPT.DLL, PSCRPTUI.DLL and PSCRIPT.HLP from an existing Windows NT installation to the floppy disk or the sub-directory on the hard disk. If you install support for Intel-based (x86) computers, look for these files in the following directory:

          %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32\SPOOL\DRIVERS\W32X86\1
    

  5. The PRINTER.INF file installs support for one particular printer: the HP LaserJet IIISi. To install support for your printer, do the following:

    a. Change each reference of RASDD to PSCRIPT and RASDDUI to PSCRPTUI.

    b. Modify the following section using a text editor, such as Notepad:

             [Files-PrinterData]
             hppcl5ms = 1,hppcl5ms.dll , SIZE=999
    
          Change the file name (for example: HPPCL5MS.DLL) to match the name
          of the PPD file of your printer. HPPCL5MS is an identifier and it
          does not require any change for your new PPD file name.
    
       c. If you change the identifier, you must also change it in the
          [Options] section below:
    
             [Options]
             "HP LaserJet IIISi" =   rasddui,  hppcl5ms,  rasdd
    
          Change HP LaserJet IIISi to match the name of your printer. To
          determine the name, open the PPD file for your printer using a text
          editor and search for the NickName. If you have changed the
          identifier above, then you must change it in the following section:
    
             [OptionsTextENG]
             "HP LaserJet IIISi"              = "OEM HP LaserJet IIISi"
    
    

  6. In the [ProductType] section, make sure that STF_PLATFORM is correctly set for your computer, as follows:

           STF_PLATFORM = x
    

        where x is Mips, I386, Alpha or PPC (PowerPC).
    

  7. If you are not installing the PPD file on an Intel-based computer, change the following line in the [Source Media Descriptions] section from DISK1 to CDROM.W:

          1  = "OEM Disk (PRINTER)"  , TAGFILE = disk1
    

  8. Start Windows NT Print Manager. From the Printer menu, select Create Printer.

  9. Enter the printer name and select a port.

  10. For Driver, select Other. Enter the drive and path of the printer

        driver disk (the same directory on step 3 above).
    

  11. In the Select Driver dialog box, select the driver and click OK.

  12. In the Windows NT Setup dialog box, enter the drive and path of the

        printer driver disk (the same directory on step 3 above) and click
        Continue.
    

To Obtain the PPDInst.exe File

You can find PPDInst.exe (size: 20166 bytes) 
                        , a 20K self-extracting file, on the following
services:
  • Microsoft's World Wide Web Site on the Internet

          On the www.microsoft.com home page, click the Support icon.
          Click Knowledge Base, and select the product.
    
          Enter kbfile PPDInst.exe (size: 20166 bytes) 
                                  , and click GO!
          Open the article, and click the button to download the file.
    
    
  • Internet (anonymous FTP)

          ftp ftp.microsoft.com
          Change to the Softlib/Mslfiles folder.
          Get PPDInst.exe (size: 20166 bytes) 
    

- Microsoft Download Service (MSDL)
      Dial (425) 936-6735 to connect to MSDL
      Download PPDInst.exe (size: 20166 bytes) 

For additional information about downloading, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q119591
   TITLE     : How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online
               Services


Additional query words: 3.50 3.51 prodnt
Keywords : nthowto ntprint NTSrvWkst kbprint
Version : 3.50 3.51
Platform : winnt


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Last reviewed: November 7, 1997
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