dos problems in Win2000

[nicholas]

After I configure the LPT1 port in Win2000 , I can use the
net use lpt1 and print from dos. If I open a windows
program and print I cannot go back to the dos program and
print. I get the error "unable to open specified port" If
I reboot the PC this cycle is repeated. I am aware of the
8.3 naming convention. The priner name does not exceed 8
characters. I am using an HP laserjet5 as a local printer.
One other item. The dos printing works on all other PC's
in the network running win2000 and all the PC's are
identical dell's to this one. What a mystery? Should I
reload Win2000 again? Or am I missing something? I have
set up this printer as all the others.

 

[Wolf Kirchmeir]

=>The dos printing works on all other PC's
=>in the network running win2000 and all the PC's are
=>identical dell's to this one. What a mystery?

Occasionally "identical" machines have subtle hardware
differences - Dell sources its parts from many suppliers,
and parts are continually upgraded. This _may_ cause
mysterious glitches - W2K and W2K drivers are very hardware
sensitive. Or there may simply be a flaky part -- Dell
maintains low prices by using customers as part of quality
control phase.

You could try reinstalling W2K on this machine, or else get
a really really good tech to do a hardware diagnostic -
that _may_ sniff out the problem for you, but that is
rarely the same as finding a cure. If reinstall doesn't
work, and you don't want to pay for the tech's work, it may
be cheaper in the long run to replace the machine. Dell may
replace it for you, even, if you make enough grumpy noises.


HTH&GL