SP2 --> 4; lost HPLJ error diffusion option

[Mike S.]

[Tried this on comp.dcom.printers without and replies, so...]

At work I have a desktop machine running Win2K and an ancient HP LaserJet
IIP (fully memory expanded) using the built-in Windows print drivers. To
get the most out of graphics on a low-resolution printer, I have been
using a graphics output setting that uses error diffusion for halftoning.

Recently my employer updated all machines, and in so doing my Win2K was
updated from SP2 to SP4. Immediately I noticed the printer outputting
graphics using a coarse fixed dot pattern. When I ran the printer control
panel applet for the IIP, the halftoning mode had been set to "auto" and
none of the other choices produces error diffusion output as before.

How can I get it back?

 

[Ghostrider]

[Tried this on comp.dcom.printers without and replies, so...]

At work I have a desktop machine running Win2K and an ancient HP LaserJet
IIP (fully memory expanded) using the built-in Windows print drivers. To
get the most out of graphics on a low-resolution printer, I have been
using a graphics output setting that uses error diffusion for halftoning.

Recently my employer updated all machines, and in so doing my Win2K was
updated from SP2 to SP4. Immediately I noticed the printer outputting
graphics using a coarse fixed dot pattern. When I ran the printer control
panel applet for the IIP, the halftoning mode had been set to "auto" and
none of the other choices produces error diffusion output as before.

How can I get it back?

Very interesting. I would have thought that HP would
have current Win2K drivers for the HP LJ IIP but this
does not seem to be the case. Driver support might be
only on the original Windows 2000 installation cdrom
for this very old printer. Cannot set the mode manually
on the printer itself?

OTOH, to install the original IIP drivers for Windows
2000, try deleting all of the current drivers from the
computer and the printer as well. Next, use the Add
Printers applet to re-install the IIP, using the Windows
2000 installation cdrom as the source for the printer
driver files.

 

[Mike S.]

[Tried this on comp.dcom.printers without and replies, so...]

At work I have a desktop machine running Win2K and an ancient HP LaserJet
IIP (fully memory expanded) using the built-in Windows print drivers. To
get the most out of graphics on a low-resolution printer, I have been
using a graphics output setting that uses error diffusion for halftoning.

Recently my employer updated all machines, and in so doing my Win2K was
updated from SP2 to SP4. Immediately I noticed the printer outputting
graphics using a coarse fixed dot pattern. When I ran the printer control
panel applet for the IIP, the halftoning mode had been set to "auto" and
none of the other choices produces error diffusion output as before.

How can I get it back?

Very interesting. I would have thought that HP would
have current Win2K drivers for the HP LJ IIP but this
does not seem to be the case.

Yes, HP did not develop drivers for this series beyond Win9X. I an fully
aware that the bundled MS drivers for many older printers has fewer
features, but why _remove_ them from working code as the result of a
service pack install? Does not make sense.

Driver support might be
only on the original Windows 2000 installation cdrom
for this very old printer. Cannot set the mode manually
on the printer itself?

The bitmap for graphics output is generated by the printer driver. There
is nothing on the printer that can be set which would affect this.

OTOH, to install the original IIP drivers for Windows
2000, try deleting all of the current drivers from the
computer and the printer as well. Next, use the Add
Printers applet to re-install the IIP, using the Windows
2000 installation cdrom as the source for the printer
driver files.

I don't think the .INF files are discrete files on the install CD (they
are in .CAB files IIRC) but I'll have a look.