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Printing stumper - Dos based program, Wi

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by donalda-m

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Any ideas on the cause/solution for partial prints of a document using a dos-based program, running on a Win 98 Second Edition machine, and printing to a HPLJ4+ printer?

The program (which is run from a shortcut to batch file) supposedly just does a dos print (copy to lpt port or UNC name). A 40 page document will print fine over the network, including to other HP4 printers, but prints only 6-8 pages on the local printer when using the program to print. Printing the document to a file andthen to the printer from dos works fine.

What I've tried so far, gleaned from past experience and HP web site solutions:
-Tried HP4+, HP4, and HP400 deskjet printer driver
-Deleted and reinstall printer in the application and in Windows.
-Change graphics mode to raster
hp4/plc5 printer codes in the application
-Changed spool data format to RAW from EMF
-Disabled bi-directional printing
-Set to print directly to printer instead of spooling
-Installed Standard and lpt1.dos printer ports (instead of ecp pri

11 replies

by al hedstrom

Don -

On the printer side stay with the driver for the printer model and keep the graphics at vector. In the properties dialog, turn on Spool DOS print jobs in the Port Settings. I also suggest looking at that offending DOS application. It sounds like its print configuration may be contributing to the problem.

Al Hedstrom

by donalda-m

Everything suggested was present when I started, and many other customers of ours using the same version of this program are not having this problem.

by icrovop

I would suspect that you are having a dos memory (under 640K) memory error. Try putting these lines in your config.sys file (create one is there isn't already one there.)

Dos=high,umb,auto
device=c:\windows\himem.sys
device=c:\windows\emm386.exe noems
buffershigh=13

Another thing to try is to replace the printer cable with a newer and higher quality cable. Newer printer ports are more susceptible to the noise coming from a low-quality cable.

by tecalote

In W98, go to the Printer settings and change the Transmission Retry to a higher setting. Try 60 to see if that helps, higher if necessary.

by dennis2841

Run a test print from the printer(not from windows) and see how much ram the printer has.
Then make sure your windows print driver properties are set to the same amount of ram.

by joetech3

Partial printouts can be caused by insufficient printer RAM, particularly those that are printed in graphics mode.

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