How to Print to Network Printer from MS-DOS-Based Programs

ID: Q154498

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server, version 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

SUMMARY

This article describes how to print to a network printer from an MS-DOS- based program in Windows NT. By default, most MS-DOS-based programs print directly to either LPT1 or LPT2. However, the output is not automatically routed across a redirector to a print share unless you use one of the following methods.

MORE INFORMATION

Method 1

Establish a persistent connection using NET.EXE. To do so, use the following syntax at a command prompt:


   net use lpt&lt;x&gt;: \\&lt;printserver&gt;\&lt;sharename&gt; /persistent:yes

Method 2

Print directly to the printer share by using the following syntax at a command prompt:


   print /d:\\&lt;printserver&gt;\&lt;sharename&gt; &lt;drive&gt;:\&lt;path&gt;\&lt;filename&gt;

Because Novell NetWare's CAPTURE command is not supported in Windows NT 4.0, use the following command to map the LPT port to a Novell NetWare printer queue:


   net use lpt&lt;x&gt; \\server\queue

If the LPT port is redirected successfully, the following message should appear:


   The command completed successfully

To disconnect persistent LPTx connections, use the following syntax:


   net use lpt&lt;x&gt; /delete

NOTE: When attempting to use the CAPTURE command, the following error may be returned (The error message may vary depending on the version of NetWare):


   CAPTURE-4.01-923: An unexpected error has occurred: 255 (00FF).
   (SPOOL.C: [426])

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

Q156429Supported 16-bit Utilities and NetWare-Aware Applications

Netware is manufactured by Novell, Inc., a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

Additional query words: capture port LPT1 LPT2 LPT3

Keywords : kbenv kbprint nthowto ntprint
Version : WINDOWS:2000; winnt:3.1,3.5,3.51,4.0; :3.1
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type : kbhowto