Cannot Print from Windows 3.0, 3.0a Accessory Applications (81319)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.0
This article was previously published under Q81319

SYMPTOMS

The Microsoft Windows accessory applications (Write, Notepad, Paintbrush, and so on) cannot print.

CAUSE

A compressed or otherwise invalid Windows printer driver corresponding to the default printer is in the Windows directory.

NOTE: Applications not located in the Windows directory do not demonstrate this problem.

For example, if the current default printer is a Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet II, and HPPCL.DRV is in the Windows directory in compressed format, none of the accessory applications can print. In addition, you can't choose the Setup button from the Printer Setup dialog box (on the File menu in each accessory application).

RESOLUTION

Delete the compressed driver file from the Windows directory and make sure an uncompressed version is in the Windows SYSTEM directory.

MORE INFORMATION

When this situation occurs, the Windows accessory applications exhibit the following symptoms:

Notepad, Cardfile, Calendar

  • The Print command on the File menu is unavailable (dimmed).
  • Choosing Printer Setup from the File menu and then choosing the Setup button yields the following error message:
    Cannot find printer or printer driver

Write

  • The Print command on the File menu is unavailable (dimmed).
  • Upon opening Write, the following error message immediately appears:
    Cannot print; check to ensure that your printer is installed correctly and your disk has sufficient available space.
  • Choosing Printer Setup from the File menu and then choosing the Setup button yields the following error message:
    Cannot use printer; use Setup to install a new printer-driver file.

Paintbrush

  • The Print command in the File menu is unavailable (dimmed).
  • When you choose Printer Setup from the File menu, the default printer is omitted from the list of printers.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/19/2005
Keywords:KB81319
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