Windows: Tandy 2102 Prints Sixes or Random Characters

ID: Q81482

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows versions 3.0, 3.0a

SYMPTOMS

If you print with a Tandy 2102 dot-matrix printer with the IBM ProPrinter XL24 emulation in Microsoft Windows 3.0, the resulting output may appear as lines of sixes (66666, etc.) or other random characters.

Output from the MS-DOS level appears normal.

CAUSE

You are using a generic or an IBM parallel printing cable. This occurs because the cable, by design or modification, has pin 33 disabled. Windows uses this pin to help control printing.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, obtain a new Tandy Parallel Printer cable (catalog #26-0227). A possible workaround is to use the LPT1.OS2 port.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, contact Tandy technical support.

The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: 3.00 3.00a sixes 6's 6s 66

Keywords :
Version : WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :