HPPCL5A.DRV: Different Settings and Ports, Same Output

ID: Q93180

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

If you install the HPPCL5A.DRV printer driver twice to maintain different printer configurations for different ports, the configuration differences are ignored.

For example, if you want to configure your HP LaserJet III for two paper sizes, so you do the following:

Install the HP LaserJet III on LPT1 and configure it for 8.5 by 11 inches.

Install the HP LaserJet III again on LPT2 and configure it for 8.5 by 15 inches.

In most cases, this allows you to switch quickly between paper sizes without changing the printer configuration. You simply choose LPT1 or LPT2. However, for all printers supported by the HPPCL5A.DRV printer driver, configuration differences are ignored. If you follow the previous example, regardless of the selected port, your printer always prints 8.5-by-11-inch pages.

CAUSE

This is caused by a problem in the printer driver.

WORKAROUND

The only possible work around for this problem is to install a different printer driver to each port. In the previous example, if you had installed an HP LaserJet IIID on LPT2, you would then gain the desired functionality of a different paper size on each port.

NOTE: The enhanced features of the HP LaserJet IIID should not be used as they are not supported by an HP LaserJet III.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows version 3.1. We are researching this problem and will post new information here as it becomes available.

Additional query words: 3.10 windrv 3.11

Keywords :
Version : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :