Dos printing issue!! 1

[KimberTech]

Epson impact printer...prints local to system and across network with dos programs... no errors on another computer. Prints test page no errors.
Printing from dos is intermittently fails.
No error code. Only one port which is LPT1
Cable has been changed. Printer has been checked for errors and none found.

I need this system to print locally to this printer from two different dos based programs, both of which have their own batches for settings.

The dos support was installed when the printer was reinstalled....AGAIN>

I know I must be missing something....any ideas out there?
I have been working on this far too long.

The settings all look fine in printer properties, and what I am able to configure within the software packages looks good too....

It worked fine before, and for some "unknown" reason has stopped working.

Any help suggestions or advice most appreciated!

K

 

[bcastner]

Could you tell use your OS version?

See Bruce Sanderson, MS-MVP Printing, notes here:

http://members.shaw.ca/bsanders/printfromdos.htm

 

[KimberTech]

Thanks Bill...is Windows 98SE full version on the system that errs. The other systems that printed fine were 98 UPG and XP.

I have since resolved this, and the solution for future reference is:

Remove Norton Antivirus from the affected computer.

There is a scripting issue that prevents the batches generated by the dos based programs.

Norton apparently has a checkbox where script blocking can be turned off and then back on again.
The antivirus program does this by design and is not a bug.

It should be noted that this was Norton antivirus 2000, and had not been updated. There was no indication of it being installed except for the running process in task manager.
No icon was noted in the system tray, which is how I missed it at first.

Full details of the issue and resolution are found on the Symantec site below.

Thank you for your reply, your input on the site is invaluable.

K

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/pfdocs/2001011513333706

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[bcastner]

KimberTech,

A star for you. I have made a note of your workaround. I am certain this while help someone else.

Best wishes,
Bill

 

[bcastner]

If using XP as client OS, forum member EdFair first alterted me to possible issues in the BIOS setting of the parallel port.

See:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315325

And a more user friendly description of a possible problem:

http://www.compphix.com/xpprintprob.html

 

[KimberTech]

Excellent article.
Thanks for the extra information, this thread is now full of information for anyone with Dos printing trouble.

K

Before you post a question, use the search features of the site to see if your issue was previously addressed in a thread or FAQ.
For the best answers, post as many specific details as possible. Our answers are based on the information provided.