KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q93154: Printing to Non-Default Printer Causes Errors/Corrupt Output

Article: Q93154
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 28-SEP-1999

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

- Microsoft Windows versions 3.1, 3.11 
- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

If the PSCRIPT.DRV printer driver is installed for more than one type of
PostScript printer, printing to a non-default printer may cause printer errors
or corrupted printer output.

STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows and Windows for
Workgroups version 3.10 and 3.11. We are researching this problem and will post
new information here as it becomes available.

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

If your default printer is a PostScript printer using the PSCRIPT.DRV printer
driver, and you select another PostScript printer from within an application,
your printer output may be corrupted or you may receive printer errors if the
default printer driver is a color PostScript printer.

A common error message in this situation indicates an "Offending Command." This
error message will occur in a format appropriate to your printer (either printed
on a page or indicated by the front panel display of your printer).

WORKAROUND
==========

To work around the printer errors and corrupted printer output, use the Windows
Control Panel to select the printer you want to use as the default printer:

1. From the Control Panel, choose the Printers icon.

2. Select the printer you want to use to print your document and choose the Set
  As Default Printer button.

When you want to print to the other printer you will have to change the default
printer in the Printers section of Control Panel.

NOTE: If you choose the black and white PostScript printer as the default
printer, you will not experience these difficulties. If you select the black and
white printer as the default printer, you can select a printer from within an
application and the color commands will be issued to the printer correctly.

Additional query words: 3.10

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbAudDeveloper kbWin3xSearch kbWFWSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin310 kbWin311 kbWFW310 kbWFW311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11

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

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.