PRN File Not Printing

I have just bought a new computer and need to use the 'print to file' option. I have a Laserjet 1000 printer. When I click the print to file box it will set up a PRN file just as I was doing in Win98se, which I had set up manually and it worked very well.

When I go to the PRN file to print it and double click, I am asked for the program that set up the file to be able to open it. When I give it that program name which is usually MS Word, it will open it in binary form rather than sending it to the printer.

I looked in the file types and there is not a PRN type listed. Do I need to set up a PRN file type and if so, how do I know what to put in the setup fields.

Any help appreciated

Daniel

 

Try dragging and dropping the *.prn file onto your printer shortcut icon.

Or perhaps try using spool32.exe

 

I tried dragging the file to a printer shortcut and it said that it could not print. I assume you meant to create a shortcut from the printer driver in 'Printers and Faxes' in Control Panel.

I tried changing the name of the .prn file to 'spool32.exe' and it did something but did not print. It opened a window and closed rapidly, but nothing happened.

Daniel

 

I had not tried this for a few OS versions and assumed it would be easy and similar to older systems. Well you are correct and it is not. Not really sure why either.

copy filename.prn lpt1 /b might work. The /b switch tells the device to expect a binary file.

I don't have a local printer so can't test it but associating c:\windows\system32\print.exe with .prn files might fix you up if your printer is connected to LPT1.

This looks like it might help you. Haven't tried it though.

And Another possible.

One more utility that says it will do the deed and is free is Here.

 

If freeware doesn't do it.....you asked for a file association:

http://www.ittips.com/index.php?page=index_v2&id=545&c=11

By the way I didn't mean for you to rename the *.prn. I suggested that you try to open it with spool32.exe. In other words when double clicked upon and the popup box that asks for you to choose which program to use, browse to spool32.exe. Make sure that the box is unchecked that allows you to always use this program yada-yada....

And if Newts command doesn't do it try this version:

copy /b filename.prn lpt1

(substituting filename.prn for the actual name of the prn file.)

 

Thanks to both of you

I will try some of your suggestions tomorrow and let you know.

Daniel

 

copy /b filename.prn lpt1

Oops. Ann, did I goof the switch location?

COPY [/D] [/V] [/N] [/Y | /-Y] [/Z] [/A | /B ] source [/A | /B]
[+ source [/A | /B] [+ ...]] [destination [/A | /B]]

The above made me sorta assume you could place the /b switch several places with about the same effect. But I didn't try it so could easily have given a string that wouldn't have worked. Thanks.

 

It looks like the program PRNPRINT will do what I need to do. However, I am not sure what you are suggesting when you say to use a command.

Daniel

 

==To clearup confusion on the command copy /b .prn lpt1====

*open a dos command prompt box

*clear it by typing cd\ and hitting the enter key

*now type EITHER (To Newt ) command previously given

NOTE*I did test this as best as I could on my own computer, the problem is I have no printer on my LPT port. Printers are networked shared and are not directly connected to myself. However the command did function without a fault so I assume if I had a printer on my lpt1 port, it would have printed.

Also I had to type the full path to my *.prn for it to be found or move it to drive:\ . What a pain!!! If the freeware works I suggest you grab it and run.....REPEAT with gusto...Grab it and run!

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I have also experimented with a couple of other work arounds such as adding a generic "print to text" printer to use for those times when you wish to "print to file ". This allows you the ability to open the *.prn in a wordprocessor_of_choice afterwards and print from there. (*so long as graphics are not an issue.)

Another: was a recipe for making the *.prn a *.pdf and again having the ability to open and print from that... Repeat yet again, "What a pain "!

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I don't know why Xp has lost the ability to drag a *.prn to the printer icon. I may look into this later.

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Peek in here once in a while and perhaps someone who has faced this dilemma can or will have come up with a better plan.

Until then please update this post with the results of the software or any work around you have discovered.

===============
TO NEWT:
Of course you were right on the /b binary switch being muti-placed. Looks like I got smacked by the teachers ruler, again!

While I wasn't able to truly test the print job, moving the /b switch around (per syntax directions) seemed to work regardless. At least I did not get an error on the command. Only excuse is, this was the syntax example I have scribbled in my Tip-Notes. Whenever I see this command referenced to, via links, it is in this form, copy /b yada-yada. I guess it's a case of "monkey see monkey do ".....

 

I am planning to stay with the PRNPRINT utility as it is doing what I need to do and it is simple.

Thanks for all your help

Daniel