Generic/Text Print Driver

I'm using WinXP Pro and need to add a printer w/the Generic/Text-only dirver...but cannot locate it. It seems that Microsoft omitted this driver w/XP. Is it available anywhere?

 

There's one available. In the control panel, open printers and faxes. Click on add a printer. On the first page of the wizard tick the line that says "local printer attached to this computer ". Then, remove the checkmark next to "automatically detect an install my plug and play printer ". Click the next button and then, in the box where you select the port select File: (Print to File). Then on the next page in the box where you select the manufacturer, select generic and on the right side under printers make sure generic / text only is selected. The rest will be self explanatory.

 

Thanks for that information, Zander. The only problem I see is that it chooses my Local Settings folder to print the file. Any fix for that so it will go to the desktop, for example?

 

Abraxas
Have you tried to use it for something else other than the test page you make during the install? I ask this because I remember when I first installed it, the test page I made went to my local settings folder, but ever since, anything I've used it for has always ended up on my desktop without any intervention from me. I know you can save it in the location of your choice if you type the path in when naming the file. That's the best I can do for you right now because up until now, I've never had any reason to find out how it chooses the default location. I've been happy with it landing on the desktop. If you haven't tried it for something other than the test page, try it again with something else and see what happens.

 

OK. I've played with this a bit more and from what I can tell it seems to be dependent on which app you're using at the time. The only time I've really used it was for an occasional web page for one reason or another. Anyway, I tried it with a few other apps and it seems that unless you specify the path in the name of the file, it gets saved to the location the app chooses. Some saved it to the folder they were installed to and some saved it in documents and settings\username. One app put it in the my documents folder. Seems the only way to make sure is to specify a path while naming the file.

 

Thanks. You're right that I didn't try it for anything but the test page.

 

Abraxas - IMO and FWIW (man, do I know how to hedge a reply ) it is not ever a good idea to store stuff in your desktop. Shortcuts, fine but real stuff, I wouldn't if I were at all fond of it.

Too many OS tricks being used to make the desktop folder behave the way it does to suit my tastes.

 

I would agree the desktop's not a good place to store stuff but I'll ocassionally save a download or an attachment in an email to the desktop. I only do it when I know it's something I just want to have a quick look at. Take a peek and delete. If I decide I want to keep it, I move it somewhere else.