How to Print to Network Printer from MS-DOS-Based Programs

ID: Q154498

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

This article describes how to print to a network printer from an MS-DOS- based program in Windows NT. By default, most MS-DOS-based programs print directly to either LPT1 or LPT2. However, the output is not automatically routed across a redirector to a print share unless you use one of the following methods.


MORE INFORMATION

Method 1

Establish a persistent connection using NET.EXE. To do so, use the following syntax at a command prompt: 


   net use lpt<x>: \\<printserver>\<sharename> /persistent:yes

Method 2

Print directly to the printer share by using the following syntax at a command prompt: 


   print /d:\\<printserver>\<sharename> <drive>:\<path>\<filename>


Because Novell NetWare's CAPTURE command is not supported in Windows NT 4.0, use the following command to map the LPT port to a Novell NetWare printer queue: 


   net use lpt<x> \\server\queue


If the LPT port is redirected successfully, the following message should appear: 


   The command completed successfully


To disconnect persistent LPTx connections, use the following syntax: 


   net use lpt<x> /delete


NOTE: When attempting to use the CAPTURE command, the following error may be returned (The error message may vary depending on the version of NetWare): 


   CAPTURE-4.01-923: An unexpected error has occurred: 255 (00FF).
   (SPOOL.C: [426])


For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q156429Supported 16-bit Utilities and NetWare-Aware Applications

Netware is manufactured by Novell, Inc., a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

Additional query words: capture port LPT1 LPT2 LPT3 


Keywords          : kbenv kbprint nthowto ntprint 
Version           : WinNT:3.1,3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: February 25, 1999