File and Printer Sharing error: "The network location cannot be reached"

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bill in Co.
  • Start date Start date
B

Bill in Co.

I'm trying to print a .prn file, using the copy command, to a USB printer,
and following the appropriate copy command syntax religiously.

I get this weird error, even after allowing my printer to be shared (and
giving it a share name, etc). Anyone know what's wrong? I've been
searching for the solution via Google, so far, no go.
 
I'm trying to print a .prn file, using the copy command, to a USB printer,
and following the appropriate copy command syntax religiously.

I get this weird error, even after allowing my printer to be shared (and
giving it a share name, etc). Anyone know what's wrong? I've been
searching for the solution via Google, so far, no go.
Click to expand...



Set the printer to Shared, and make note of the name that you give it.

Then go to Start | Run, and enter the line

NET USE LPT1 \\name of your computer\shared name of printer

You will now be able to issue the command

COPY /b \path\filename.prn LPT1:
 
That might be a problem if the OS is WinXP.
WinXP won't let you capture LPT1. You'll have to use LPT2 or LPT3 etc.
I'm not sure about Vista. I've never used it.

This might work too (if used on the same PC where the shared USB printer is
installed):
net use lpt2 \\127.0.0.1\printer
where printer = the name of shared printer
 
Bill in Co. said:
I'm trying to print a .prn file, using the copy command, to a USB printer, and
following the appropriate copy command syntax religiously.

I get this weird error, even after allowing my printer to be shared (and
giving it a share name, etc). Anyone know what's wrong? I've been
searching for the solution via Google, so far, no go.
Click to expand...


For a USB printer, try the following substituting the correct info for File.prn
along with the name of your computer and printer.

COPY /B File.prn \\computername\printer

Take a look at this article for references.

Printing a .PRN file
http://askbobrankin.com/printing_a_prn_file.html

Good luck

Nepatsfan
 
OK, that's the error I made. Thanks.
I used the /B (binary copy switch) AFTER the file name, instead of BEFORE
the file name. Seems kinda weird that one switch (/B) goes BEFORE the
file name, but that seems to work. (Well, on second thought, maybe it's
not so weird. I'll have to think about that. :-)

And I didn't have to use LPT1 or LPT2 or "NET USE", fortunately (which
simplifies things). (Why not, I have no idea, but this works).

Thanks to all.
 
Back
Top