Is there a way to check if the LPT1 port is working? Win 95 Device Mgr indicates no conflict, yet I cannot print. I had a Ditto connected to LPT1 and used my NEC SS860 printer through the Ditto. Both worked fine. I connected the printer directly to the LPT1 and now it won't print. I receive the "error printing to LPT1" message. Some background info - Printer self test works - it prints fine. I've removed and reinstalled the printer and I'm using the latest printer driver. I've also removed the LPT1 port and let Windows reacquire. BIOS indicates it is set to 378H, IRQ 7, EPP mode (although I've tried all others too). I've also tried another printer cable. When I uninstalled Ditto I also removed all references to it from Registry. I've checked the sys files (win.ini, etc.) and there are no remaining references to the Ditto. I've scanned, defragged the sys and reinstalled Win95. Nothing has worked. BTW, printer works fine with another comp. Anyone out there have any other suggestions? I really need my printer to work with this comp - appreciate any advice!
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Printer won't print on LPT1
- Thread starter mercie
- Start date
salmonsteak
Technical User
I might try installing some older drivers and see if that fixes the problem.
It would be a bit of a coincidence if the port physically died just as you removed the Ditto, however just in case you can check it in DOS as follows
Create a small text file (test.txt) in the root directory of your hard drive (C
.
Restart your system in DOS and type the following 3 lines hitting enter after each line.
C:
cdtype test.txt >lpt1
This should send the text file directly to the printer without the necessity for any drivers, you may have to hit the Resume button on the printer to get the output. If your lpt1 port is faulty you will probably get an error message. All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.
Create a small text file (test.txt) in the root directory of your hard drive (C
.Restart your system in DOS and type the following 3 lines hitting enter after each line.
C:
cdtype test.txt >lpt1
This should send the text file directly to the printer without the necessity for any drivers, you may have to hit the Resume button on the printer to get the output. If your lpt1 port is faulty you will probably get an error message. All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.
- Thread starter
- #4
Salmonsteak, I'd be afraid to try old drivers since these worked fine for the past 2 years. But, Mulga, I did try your Dos suggestion. I agree with you about the oddity of such a coincidence, but I guess stranger things have happened! Now bear with me, please, because I've been away from that Dos screen for years.
I started up the comp and hit F8 which brought me to the screen that has the options for Safe Mode, C: prompt, etc. I chose "C prompt" option. I then got C:\> I did the cd\ like you said but it gave me the same response, C:\> I then typed as follows at the C:\> with spaces where indicated. C:\>type{space}test.txt>lpt1 It then brought me back to the C:\> but nothing printed.
Assuming I did this correctly (and correct me if I'm wrong), the logic would be that my lpt1 is toast???? Let me know what you think.
I started up the comp and hit F8 which brought me to the screen that has the options for Safe Mode, C: prompt, etc. I chose "C prompt" option. I then got C:\> I did the cd\ like you said but it gave me the same response, C:\> I then typed as follows at the C:\> with spaces where indicated. C:\>type{space}test.txt>lpt1 It then brought me back to the C:\> but nothing printed.
Assuming I did this correctly (and correct me if I'm wrong), the logic would be that my lpt1 is toast???? Let me know what you think.
Sorry,
There should be a space between test.txt and >lpt1, thus
type test.txt >lpt1
If nothing prints after a few seconds hit the resume button on the printer.
Usually if the port is faulty you will get an error message. The way to really test the port is to use a loopback plug with diagnostic software which a good computer service place should be able to do. All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.
There should be a space between test.txt and >lpt1, thus
type test.txt >lpt1
If nothing prints after a few seconds hit the resume button on the printer.
Usually if the port is faulty you will get an error message. The way to really test the port is to use a loopback plug with diagnostic software which a good computer service place should be able to do. All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.
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