Q90889: Problems Printing Graphics Using LPTx.OS2 or COPY Command

Article: Q90889
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 16-OCT-1999

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

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

SUMMARY
=======

If you print a graphic or bitmapped image to a FILE or LPTx.OS2, part of the
output may be truncated. This article discusses possible workarounds for this
problem.

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

Printing to a FILE
------------------

When you print a graphic or bitmapped image to a FILE, the CTRL+Z character may
exist in the FILE. Because the CTRL+Z character is misinterpreted by the printer
as an end-of-file marker, part of the graphic image is truncated. Adding the /b
(binary) switch corrects this problem. The syntax for the command is as
follows:

- COPY <filename.ext> LPTx: /b

  -or-

- COPY <filename.ext> COMx: /b

Note: This command must be entered at the MS-DOS prompt; it cannot be entered
from within a virtual machine inside Windows.

Adding the /b switch tells the printer that the file is in binary format. As a
result, all the data, including CTRL+Z, is treated as part of the graphic
image.

Printing to LPTx.OS2
--------------------

LPTx.OS2 option does not invoke the /b switch. To print a graphics image, you
must print the graphics image to a FILE with the following steps:

1. In the Control Panel window, choose the Printers icon. Choose the
  Configuration button, and select FILE: as the printer port.

2. Choose the print option within the Windows application from which you are
  trying to print.

3. When you are prompted for a filename, name the file using standard MS-DOS
  conventions. The file is then placed in the current WINDOWS directory. You
  may also choose to include a full path before the filename to save the file
  to a path of your choice.

4. Exit Windows.

5. Move into the WINDOWS directory, or the path specified in step 3, and type
  the following:

   - COPY <filename.ext> LPTx: /b

     -or-

   - COPY <filename.ext> COMx: /b

Additional query words: msdos win30 3.00 3.00a

======================================================================
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.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986-2002.