How to Print to Network Printer from MS-DOS-Based Programs (154498)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
This article was previously published under Q154498
For a Microsoft Windows XP version of this article, see 314499.

SUMMARY

This article describes how to print to a network printer from an MS-DOS- based program in Windows. 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 lptx: \\printserver\sharename /persistent:yes

Method 2

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

print /d:\\printserver\sharenamedrive:\path\filename

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 lptx \\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 lptx /delete

NOTE: When attempting to use the CAPTURE command, the may receive the following error message (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:

156429 Supported 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.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/14/2003
Keywords:kbhowto kbprint KB154498
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