DOS printer!

[NutmegCT]

Gentlemen -

One of our library volunteers uses an old DOS database app (PerfectFiler). I've got it running in a DOS window, under Windows XP. The volunteer prefers (!) that she keep using this DOS app.

The app outputs to an old Panasonic KX-P2023 dot matrix; in the DOS window, the app prints without problem to the Panasonic.

As the old dot matrix printer isn't going to last forever, and eventually will have mechanical problems ...

... is there a way to capture the DOS (LPT1) output from PerfectFiler, so it prints to a printer on our Windows network?

I've found several "DOS to network printer" apps which run under Netware or other network systems, but none specifically to capture DOS output and send to simple ol' Windows networking (the networked printer). The Win based apps on her computer output to the network printer fine. Of course, taking PerfectFiler's Panasonic driver output and getting it into the HP OfficeJet 7500 driver is a related issue.

Thanks.
Tom

 

[DrEntropy]

Just curious, is this PefectFiler authored with FoxPro by chance?

 

[NutmegCT]

Glad you asked. I went back and looked and realized it's actually PFSrofessionalFile, from the late 1980s.

That's what happens when I take a 30 year nap.

T.

 

[ecurie_ecosse]

RUMPELSTILTSKIN!!!

Stuart.

 

[Guest]

Why not just replace the volunteer with a newer model?

 

[NutmegCT]

Why not just replace the volunteer with a newer model?

She's the biggest donor!

T.

 

[Brooklands]

Why not just replace the volunteer with a newer model?

She's the biggest donor!

T.

Excellent reason...well thought out analysis Tom.

 

[DrEntropy]

Systems Analysts are a cagey bunch, Dave.

Just check out BOFH. :wink:

 

[DNK]

Das Boat

Dos Printer

 

[Gliderman8]

So are you saying Don that the printer gets a grade of below C-level?

 

[SilentUnicorn]

I used to assemble printers like that for a place called Centronix.

m


Wow- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centronics

 

[GregW]

Hi Tom,
Can you "print to file" then copy the resulting .prn file into Windows to print?

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks Greg. Never even thought of that.

If I can get the DOS app to print to a file, how would I get that file directly to the Windows printer?

Tom

 

[GregW]

Wait a minute. Try THIS

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks Greg! The printer is a stand-alone HP7500 with a built-in printserver. Will be interesting to try to find the "name" of the printserver, to follow that MS idea.

Also, I found "PrintFil" , which resides in memory on the Windows machine, and automatically re-routes LPT output to a designated printer (local or network). Actually finds the printers in the Windows machine's Printer Control Panel, and lets you choose which one for the DOS LPT output. Pretty cool.

Tom