How to Print .prn or .ps Files with Windows 95/98

ID: Q158081

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows 98

SUMMARY

This article describes how to print files containing raw printer data (.prn or .ps files) in Windows. These files are created by printing from a program to a file using a PCL or PostScript printer driver. .prn files are typically created using a PCL printer driver; .ps files are typically created using a PostScript printer driver.

MORE INFORMATION

To print from a command prompt, type the following line

copy <path><filename.ext> LPT<x> /B

where <x> is the correct LPT port number (such as LPT1).

To enable Drag and Drop Printing for .prn or .ps files, follow these steps:

Using any text editor (such as Notepad), create a file called Printer.bat and add the following line

copy %1 lpt<x> /b

where x is the correct LPT port number (such as LPT1).

Save the file in the Windows folder.

Start Windows Explorer, and then click Options on the View menu.

On the File Types tab, click New Type.

In the Description Of Type box, type Printer.

In the Associated Extension box, type PRN or PS as appropriate for your printer driver.

Click New.

In the Action box, type print.

In the Application Used To Perform Action box, type:

c:\windows\printer.bat

Click OK.

Click Set Default.

Using Windows Explorer, locate the Printer.bat file in the Windows folder. Use the right mouse button to click the file, and then click Properties on the menu that appears.

Click the Program tab, and then click the Close On Exit check box to select it. Click OK.

Using the right mouse button, drag the Printer.bat file to the desktop, and then click Create Shortcut Here on the menu that appears.

NOTE: If you are printing to a network printer, you must redirect an LPT port to your network printer. For information on how to capture a port for your network printer, see the "To Capture a Printer Port" topic in Windows Help.

After you follow the above steps, you can print .prn or .ps files using any of the following methods:

Drag a file onto a printer icon.

Drag a file onto the Print.bat shortcut on the desktop.

Use the right mouse button to click a file, and then click Print on the menu that appears.

Double-click the file.

NOTE: For correct output, you must create the file using the same printer type as the printer you plan to use to print the file. In other words, you must send a file created with a PCL printer driver to a PCL printer; a file created with a PostScript printer driver must be sent to a PostScript printer.


Keywords          : kbprint win95 win98 
Version           : 95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: January 29, 1999