Setting up an auto-print routine

[Frank Hubble]

Hi.. first time on this forum so here goes.
I am trying to set up a .prn file to automatically print to a shared network
printer everytime I start my computer.
The reason for this is that I run large format inkjet machines (plotters)
whose print heads clog up if they are not 'exercised' frequently. It's the
old 'use it or lose it' problem.. the only problem is when I lose it, these
large print heads cost me a fortune.

So my plan is simply this;
1. Print a specific test pattern on the plotter only print it to file (e.g.
c:\testprint.prn)
2. Send this file to the plotter either on a scheduled basis or on windows
start-up.

I come from the era of the Dos prompt, so I have no problem with '1.' or
indeed with a command like
copy c:\testprint.prn //192.168.1.5/w7200
I just have no idea how to schedule this to happen in Windows automatically
(either on start-up or, even better, scheduled at a particular time of day).
Any thoughts?

 

[Ron Badour]

See Help on the start menu and search on: Schedule Tasks. Read the
Scheduled Tasks Overview. You can also use the startup folder on the start
menu to run a task at boot. I suspect you will need either a script or a
..bat file to accomplish the actual printing.

 

[Bob I]

put a shortcut to your bat file in the Startup folder in "Programs".

 

[Frank Hubble]

Thanks folks.. I think the batch file alternative might be frustrated by the
need to specify IP settings etc. but the
windows script option looks the way to go. I'll do some reading and give it
a try.
Frank