Write Fault Error Printing from MS-DOS-Based Programs

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:

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

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

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.

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