Printing from DOS via XP

Printinfg From DOS

I'm using a Dell Dimension 2400 tower system running Windows XP, Service Pack2. I have a legacy programe (positively antedeluvioan) written in Basica, with the appropriate compiler loaded. The program directs the printer output to LPT1, to which is attached a Samsung ML1210 laser printer defined as the default printer. An Epson C86 is attached to a USB port. Neither printer is shared with any other computer or network.

The program is basically a number-cruncher for low speed (model aircraft) aerodynamics and functions perfectly until I try to print out the results (the results are correctly displayed on the screen). The printer "wakes up ", buzzes for a while and then goes back to sleep without printing anything.

This program has worked perfectly (and prints out) through 3.1, 95 and 98, why does it not work through XP and how can I fix it? Please remember my low intermediate status and keep it simple!

Baffled of Northumberland

AKA Noel Stephenson

 

Try 'Print to file' in the print function, and you will have to give the 'printout' a file name, and you must then remember the file location on the hard drive. It should have a .prn extension.
Then, in the cmd or command prompt window, use the command
copy [path]filename.prn prn. Of course the path is only necessary if you don't do
cd [location of the .prn file] .

Note: square brackets indicate optional parameters.

 

It is my understanding that Microsoft made a decision to support only Visual Basic for Dos and later (Visual Basic for Windows, Visual Studio, etc.) when they brought out Windows 2000. This means that BasicaA, QuickBasic, Basic7 were basically left for dead as far as full compatibility support. There are several hacks in the 'wild' designed to be used as shells in which attempts were made to increase compatability. Try googling if you still want this. Of course, you can always set up a dual boot system with Win98 and XP and still run your old stuff on the Win98 side.
I extensively written Basic code programs for my engineering jobs but eventually had to go and convert all my engineering apps into the Visual Studio packages. (I didn't know what hassle was until I started using Visual Basic 6. I am full-blown lost in the dot-net versions.)
Sorry ... but .... it's probably better that the dead are buried.

Good Luck
Top Dog

 

Printing from DOS

Thanks for all of the above tips. Progress so far is;

a. Thanks to my whizz-kid son, I;ve already been using the screen capture/copy to Word system, which works, but is clumsy.

b. XP obviously supports Basica with the compiler, because the program runs!

c. It looks as if the problems lie with the printers. It took a lot of research before I got a definite answer that the Samsung ML 1210 (and all other Samsungs , as far as I can find out!) does NOT support DOS printing. Strike 1.

c. Currently trying to find out if the Epson C86 will support DOS. The printer, although advertised as USB, does have a parallel port, so I'm going to try that next.

d. Failing all the above, I still have an ancient Epson LX80 dot-matrix, which may do the job simply. Just takes up more room in my tiny study and would need a switch-over box so that I can continue using the Samsung Laser.

e. This is all getting a bit out of hand for a program that I use infrequently - but IS important when I do use it! Purchase of new hardware or software would not be cost-effective for this infrequent use.

Aren't computers wonderful? Will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again

Noel

 

Have you tried an app like DOS PRINT.
http://www.dosprn.com/index.htm

It is shareware but should help you do what you need to do.

 

shot in the dark = printer properties/advanced and set 'print directly to printer'

if u'r basica program is outputting to a specific printer language, that may be u'r issue. a laser is not a dot matrix.


another thought but not complete cuz my memory is bad

u COULD examine the c:\windows\system.ini file and insert a 'printers' section w/ a line setting a port up as lpt1.dos and then point the laser to that. it's the 'old' method of getting dos level progs to print to win printers and may not be applicable and certainly will be a hassle.

if u'r really desperate, i can find some old docs on 'howto' and post em but ... it'll take me a while.

 

There is an 2K/XP hack called UserPort that allows old dos basic programs direct access to i/o ports. It defeats the built-in Microsoft device i/o protection in 2K/XP and supposedly, every dialect of basic (previous to VBDOS which doesn't need this) will print directly to a LPT connected printer. It may look a bit complicated to set up, but if you really insist on running your stuff in XP take a look here ..
http://www.writelog.com/support/lpt_port_support_on_windows_nt.htm

Good Luck and be careful with this ...
Top Dog

 

I have printed in DOS and XP Pro with SP2 using the instructions given in my previous post on several occasions. No need for any other software. Use the Run window to call up cmd.