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How to print to a network printer (TP781 and ASP)

PostPosted: 24 May 2007, 21:27
by Stan Hilliard
This procedure applies to Version 1.22 of TP781, and to version 1.26 of ASP. It is NOT needed for TP105 or TP414 version 3.0.

When run in Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows XP, these programs expect to print to a local printer. This is because they are running in a DOS window. If your program does not automatically print to the network printer, you will need redirect the output to the network's printer as follows.

Step 1
Create a text file that contains the line below.
X USE LPT1: \\NetworkPrinterName\

Replace "NetworkPrinterName" with the name of your network printer. You can determine that name by opening a DOS window and typing:
X USE [and return]

Save the file in the same folder as the sampling program's EXE file. Name the file with a .BAT extension name, such as redirect.bat. (8 characters maximum.)

Note -- on some systems:
1) The ":" might not be required after LPT1.
2) "X" might have to be replaced with "NET"

Step 2
Link the sampling program to the file that you just saved. With Windows Explorer, right-click its .EXE file in Windows Explorer and select [Properties], then select the tab labeled [Program].

Add these settings:
Cmd line: .\TP414.EXE
Working: .\
Batch File: .\redirect.bat (if that is the file name that you used.)

This procedure will cause the sampling plan program to recognize the network printer.