Printing XyWrite

["John M. R. Bruner" jmrb@xxxxxxxx]

I'm new to this forum, so kindly bear with me if this subject has already
been addressed.  And don't assume great computer expertise on my
part.


Need some computer help, please.  It's a problem with a new printer,
HP Laserjet 1020.


For 23 years I've been using a DOS-based word processing program,
XtWrite.  Currently in use is XyWrite III Plus, Version 3.57. 
For printing, I've enjoyed an NEC Silentwriter 2, Model 90. 
Connected to Printer Port LPT 1, you could talk to it in Postscript or,
with an internal switch, talk to it in Laserjet IIP.  Set for
Postscript or HP Laser, it nicely printed documents created with
XyWrite. Trouble is, the NEC became obsolete.  The very high-priced
printer cartridge is simply no longer reliably available.  (I was
warned years ago that this would be the case: no more cartridges once
those on the shelf were used up.  Remanufactured cartridges had
proved unsatisfactory.)


The HP Laserjet 1020 looked as though it would be a suitable
replacement.  And, indeed, it will print email, Excel, Word, Family
Tree, The New York Times' crossword, etc.  But it won't print
XyWrite!  Note that the computer and printer are connected by USB
cable (in contrast to the former LPT1).  But when I tell XyWrite to
print a file that is on the screen, XyWrite says "printer
error" and declines further cooperation.


Interestingly, when I try to shut down XyWrite, after a failed attempt at
printing, it announces: "Printer still active.  Do you really
want to quit?"


Oh, yes, from the printer set-up menus I can send a test page to the
printer.  So they are communicating - but not properly.


I have gone through hours of experimentation to no avail.  I feel
there must be something obvious that I'm overlooking in my computer
naivety.  A driver, maybe?


Yes, I'll gladly enlist a professional geek.  But I have the feeling
that there is a simple, but not conventional, solution that may be known
to others in  our very talented and dedicated community of XyWrite
users..


Thanks.


        Jack
Bruner