PRB: "Printer Driver is Corrupted" Error Under Windows 95

ID: Q137954

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, version 2.6a

SYMPTOMS

When using raw-mode printing under Windows 95 and printing to a remote printer, it is possible to receive the error "Cannot write to device PRN" followed by the error "Printer driver is corrupted."

CAUSE

The user needs to capture the printer to a local port.

RESOLUTION

When you install a new printer under Windows 95, a dialog box appears asking "Do you print from MS-DOS-based programs?" Click Yes, and then click the Capture Printer Port button. Continue installing the printer by choosing the appropriate choices for the computer where you are installing the printer driver. At this point, raw-mode printing should work as it did under Windows version 3.1.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

When using raw-mode printing under FoxPro version 2.6 for Windows, FoxPro imitates the way an MS-DOS-based application prints. Under Windows 95, the printer, by default, does not capture the printer port. Windows 95 uses universal naming conventions (UNC) to find a remote printer.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Install a network printer under Windows 95 using the New Printer

   Wizard. Click No when asked, "Do you print from MS-DOS-based programs?"

2. In FoxPro, run the following code example to a Hewlett-Packard printer

   SET PRINTER ON
   ??? ""
   ? "I set the printer in raw mode"
   ??? CHR(27)+"(s3B"
   ? "I am printing bold"
   ??? CHR (27) + "(s0B"
   ? "Now it's not bold"
   SET PRINTER OFF
   SET PRINTER TO

The error message should occur at this point.

Additional reference words: 2.60a FoxWin KBCategory: kbprint kbprb KBSubcategory: FxprintRaw

Last Reviewed: October 15, 1995