Q125634: Printing to a File with a Network Printer

Article: Q125634
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): 
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 17-DEC-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows 95 
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SYMPTOMS
========

Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11 contains the following text in the
[ports] section of the WIN.INI file:

  ; A line with [filename].PRN followed by an equal sign causes
  ; [filename] to appear in the Control Panel's Printer Configuration
  ; dialog box. A printer connected to [filename] directs its output
  ; into this file. The file must be on one of your local drives; you
  ; cannot print to a network file.

In Windows 95, when you create a local printer connection to <filename>.PRN
there is no option to share the printer. You cannot share the printer even if
you add it to the WIN.INI file.

CAUSE
=====

Windows 95 does not provide support for sharing <filename>.PRN when
attached as a printer.

WORKAROUND
==========

To work around this behavior, follow these steps:

1. Double-click My Computer.

2. Double-click the Printers folder.

3. Double-click the Add Printer icon.

4. Use the Add Printer Wizard to add the Generic/Text Only printer as a local
  printer.

5. Use the right mouse button to click the Generic/Text Only printer, then click
  Properties on the menu that appears.

6. On the Details tab, click Spool Settings. In the Spool Data Format box, click
  RAW. Click the OK button.

7. Click OK.

8. Use the right mouse button to click the Generic/Text Only printer, then click
  Pause Printing on the menu that appears.

When you print to the Generic/Text Only printer, the print job is spooled to the
Windows\SPOOL\PRINTERS subdirectory as an editable temporary file with an .SPL
extension. A header file with an .SHD extension is also created. An .SHD file is
a "shadow" file that contains all the information the spooler needs to resubmit
a print job in the event that your computer restarts before the print job is
finished.

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin95search kbZNotKeyword3

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