Windows XP generic/text only driver

[agarn]

We have a couple of PCs in the shop printing to a Okidata 520 dot
matrix printer. Both Pcs were running Windows 98 using the
'generic/text' driver as printing speed is an issue and printout
quality is not. The PC that was connected to the 520 and sharing it
recently crapped out and was replaced with a shiny new P4 running
Winodws XP Pro. Printing from the old PC remains unchanged and the
results are exactly as they were before. Printing from the new one,
with the XP version of "generic/text', sends a form-feed at the end of
each print job. It also insists on skipping perforations even though I
have set it to 'continuous - no break' in the driver and also in the
printer's control menu. Is there a big difference between the XP and
98 version of 'generic/text'? Is there any way I can put the 98
version on the XP box? How can I make this beast bend to my will?

 

[Arthur Entlich]

This is a guess.

Even generic printer drivers use certain control codes, and therefore a
"printer language" or emulation mode. Back in the days when dot matrix
was all there was, most printers emulated IBM, Epson or HP standards,
while they may have also had their own built in printer language.

It is possible the XP driver is using one of these emulation modes that
the printer is not responding to (and often commands such as form feed,
carriage return and skip perforations are part of those codes).

Therefore check to see if either the driver choices allow (via different
driver or options) to select a printer language or emulation, and if so
try several. If not, check to see if the printer either through front
panel menu, or dip switches, offers any options in emulation, and test
those.

Hopefully, you will find a driver and printer emulation that will speak
a more complete language together.

Art