Re: configure Xywrite for USB printer?

[Harry Binswanger hb@xxxxxxxx]

> We recently installed Xywrite on a new system and cannot print ... we
> think this might be because Xywrite expects the printer to be on
> LPT1. Unfortunately, the system requires a USB printer. Xywrite works
> well, except for printing, and the printer works well, except for Xywrite.
>
>
> Can anyone help?
> Thank you!


If you are NOT using XP, it's difficult--best to move the file (by copy and
paste if there's no formatting) to a Windows program (e.g., Notepad).


But you say a "new system" so it's probably XP. So here's what you do.

First you need a .PRN file for the printer you're using. It doesn't have to
be very specific. For instance I have an inkjet printer purchased in 2005,
but I use an old .PRN file:


HPDJ660C.PRN

If it's a laser printer, try an old HP laser printer .PRN file. It'll
probably work. You can get the file above at:

http://users.datarealm.com/xywwweb/#PriPo

(search for "Updated Hewlett-Packard DeskJet")


In Xy, open up the SETTINGS.DFL file (assuming you have Xy4--if it's Xy3,
it's in your .prn file I think). Near the bottom, you'll find a section
with printers, beginning with PP: followed by a number. Increment that
number by 1. Then add a new printer on an (virtual) LPT port greater than
1. I have:


LPT2[tab character]c:\xy\hpdj660c.prn[tab character]description

Where I wrote, above, "description" you enter however you wish to name (for
your personal use--wording unimportant) this printer. Mine says: 6100 on
Harry's computer.


Then save SETTINGS.DFL. Issue the command:

load settings.dfl <--- with the full path, so Xy can find it to load.

Next, you have to do the Windows part of the setting up.

Open a DOS window (Start/All Programs/Accesories/Command prompt).

Enter:

net use

That will give you a display of how the ports are currently assigned. And
you'll use it after we make the change, to make sure it worked.


Now the crucial command. Enter something of this form (using my command as
an example):


net use lpt2 \\Fury\HP_6100 /Persistent:Yes

You may have chosen LPT3 or LPT4 (don't use LPT1). The "\\Fury" is the
network recognized name of your computer. I assume you know how to find out
what yours is. I don't believe you need to actually have a local network
set up, but maybe you do. If so, I hope you either have one or can set it up.


The "HP_6100" is the "sharing name" you assigned on the network for the
printer in question. You can find what it is by going to Start/Printing and
Faxes and right clicking on the printer in question, to get its Properties.
Go to the Sharing tab in Properties. That's the name to use.


Okay, after you've done the correct NET USE command, issue a blank NET USE
and see what comes up. If "unavailable" comes up then do:


net use lpt2 /DELETE (or instead of lpt2, whatever lpt port)
then re-install (i.e., try NET USE use per above, with the appropriate
variation until you get it right.)


It's complicated, but if the gods are with you, it takes only 5 minutes and
you can print.


Oh, if there's more than one printer attached to Xy, use the SETP command
in Xy to select which one you want to print to in any given case.


Good luck,
Harry


Harry Binswanger
hb@xxxxxxxx