KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q81319: Cannot Print from Windows 3.0, 3.0a Accessory Applications

Article: Q81319
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 08-DEC-1999

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows versions 3.0, 3.0a 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

The Microsoft Windows accessory applications (Write, Notepad, Paintbrush, and so
on) cannot print.

CAUSE
=====

A compressed or otherwise invalid Windows printer driver corresponding to the
default printer is in the Windows directory.

NOTE: Applications not located in the Windows directory do not demonstrate this
problem.

For example, if the current default printer is a Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet
II, and HPPCL.DRV is in the Windows directory in compressed format, none of the
accessory applications can print. In addition, you can't choose the Setup button
from the Printer Setup dialog box (on the File menu in each accessory
application).

RESOLUTION
==========

Delete the compressed driver file from the Windows directory and make sure an
uncompressed version is in the Windows SYSTEM directory.

MORE INFORMATION
================

When this situation occurs, the Windows accessory applications exhibit the
following symptoms:

Notepad, Cardfile, Calendar
---------------------------

- The Print command on the File menu is unavailable (dimmed).

- Choosing Printer Setup from the File menu and then choosing the Setup button
  yields the following error message:

  Cannot find printer or printer driver

Write
-----

- The Print command on the File menu is unavailable (dimmed).

- Upon opening Write, the following error message immediately appears:

  Cannot print; check to ensure that your printer is installed correctly and
  your disk has sufficient available space.

- Choosing Printer Setup from the File menu and then choosing the Setup button
  yields the following error message:

  Cannot use printer; use Setup to install a new printer-driver file.

Paintbrush
----------

- The Print command in the File menu is unavailable (dimmed).

- When you choose Printer Setup from the File menu, the default printer is
  omitted from the list of printers.


Additional query words: greyed dimmed grey dim disabled inactive 3.0 3.0a accessories gray grayed

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin3xSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin300 kbWin300a
Version           : WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.