How to: Redirect a DOS Application Print Job to a Network Printer (245017)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
This article was previously published under Q245017

SUMMARY

This article describes how to print a document from an MS-DOS-based program to a printer connected to another workstation on the network. Because MS-DOS-based programs support ports LPT1 through LPT3, you can redirect print jobs on port LPT2 to the network printer.

MORE INFORMATION

At the command prompt, type the following line

NET USE LPT2: \\computer name\share name of printer

where computer name is the name of the print server, and share name of printer is the name of the printer share.

When you print a document from an MS-DOS-based program to port LPT1, the document is printed to the local printer attached to the computer. If you type the command 'NET USE LPT2: \\SHOP2\EPSONLQ' and then print a document to port LPT2, the document is redirected over the network to the Epson printer attached to the SHOP2 server.

NET USE redirections are stored in the registry by user, not by computer. Therefore, each user who wants to send documents to a printer attached to another workstation on the network needs to issue this command.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/27/2002
Keywords:kbinfo KB245017
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.