print to file (pcl files)

[onetime]

Does anyone know how to setup a Novell 4.2 print queue so that all print jobs sent to this queue print to a file (print to file)? This may require some type of print manager software. After the jobs are saved to a file, I will convert these print files (HPPCL) to a PDF format.

 

[TheLad]

Why don't you just use the Adobe Writer print to file on the workstation? It would be far easier to do this from the workstation and it saves messing around with Print Queues? -----------------------------------------------------
"It's true, its damn true!"
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[onetime]

The reports are coming from a DOS windowed application (Novell server and win98 clients). The application can only print reports to Novell print queues or LTP port1&2. We are trying cut down on the legwork required from our customer reps who are currently faxing these reports to clients. We want to email or distribute these reports via the web.

 

[JockMullin]

Hi, Onetime

Even so, it's still easier at the workstation.

Since it is a DOS app, in DOS before starting the app use the CAPTURE command to cause the client to spool the output to a disk file rather than a print queue.

This could be included in a batch file that starts the DOS app. For example:

@echo off
cls
echo Now capturing to a file
capture /l=1 /cr=<filepath>\<filename> /na
echo Now calling batch file for DOS app
call <DOS App Batch File>
echo Now terminating all captures in effect
endcap all
exit

Note that the filepath must point to a drive
mapped on the Novell server, and of course the
user must have sufficient rights to create
files there. capture.exe is in the public
directory on the sys volume so a search drive
should be mapped there or the program should
be copied to the local folder with the app.
/l=1 will capture lpt1, 2 for lpt2 3 for 3.
/na means no auto endcap.

Best regards
Jock

 

[onetime]

Thanks Jock! This is a good start.

I agree that doing this at the client side is easier to get running. I was looking for a server side solution for ease of maintenance.

I would rather the user be prompted to input a filename rather than all reports being sent to one file. Any suggestions?


Terry

 

[JockMullin]

Hi, Terry.

In that case what I would do is write a little program that prompts the user for the file name, and then writes the batch file which does the capture and calls the DOS app.

This would then involve two batch files, one called by the invoking shortcut which would run the little prompt the user program and create the capstart.bat file with the user's preferred file name substituted for <filename> and then run capstart.bat.

So, the shortcut would run a batch file something like:

@echo off
cls
echo GETFNAME.BAT begins
echo Delete prev batch file (if any)
del capstart.bat
echo Prompt user for file name & write new capstart.bat
getfname
echo Test to see if capstart.bat was created
if not exist capstart.bat exit
capstart
echo This line should never get executed

The capstart.bat file would be the same as in my previous message, except <filename> would now be supplied by the operator.

Best regards
Jock

 

[DanMc]

If you want a server-side solution you are probably going to need to create it yourself. Last year I was poking around in the NDK and I recall seeing sample code for a print server and the old RPrinter spooler.