DOS Printing - One More Time

[Guest]

Let's try this again. I've spent several days on Microsoft, HP and Dell
forums trying to find a solution. I've found one that works, but it doesn't
"stick" when the computer is reset.

SYSTEM: Dell Dimension 4300, Windows XP Home (upgraded from Me), HP LaserJet
1200 physically attached to LPT1, two Local Printers installed - one on DOT4
as Plug-and-Play-installed by XP and one on LPT1 installed by me via Add
Printer Wizard, LPT1 printer is default, latest HP drivers download and
installed, PCL 6 Driver being used (although experimentation with PCL 5e and
4+ drivers produced same result).

PROBLEM: Cannot print from DOS application or from Command Prompt. Can
print from Windows apps (on both printers with any of the drivers).

SOLUTION (the only one that has worked): Change Port Settings in Device
Manager to "use any interrupt" and check the box for "Legacy PnP".

SITUATION: Can print from DOS when Port Settings changes are first made.
After computer reset cannot print from DOS, even though the changed Port
Settings in Device Manager remain as changed.

REQUEST: Will somebody, somewhere, take this situation to a technical
resource level that can provide a definitive explanation and "lasting"
solution.

 

[Guest]

Oh Boy - my apologies to all who have tried to help in my previous post. THE
PROBLEM IS SOLVED and I (or rather an installed program) caused it!

I had a program called Click to Convert that installed its own "printer"
(so-called). I had removed the program but could not delete its printer
until I discovered there were print jobs in its queue. Once I cancelled the
jobs and deleted this printer, I could print from DOS.

Furthermore, I can print from DOS WITHOUT the Port Settings changes and with
EITHER the printer on LPT1 or the one on DOT4 as the Default Printer.

I've wasted several days on this. Hopefully, I haven't led anyone down a
blind and bad path.