In my basic program code there's a statement LPRINT.  It sends output
to a line printer or parallel port printer.  These days parallel port
printer has become an endangered species as they have been taken over
by UBS port based printers. My question is how do I go about either
modifying code (which is less desirable) or making some kind of
configuration change if any to fake an UBS printer as Line printer so
that the program will send the output to UBS port printer.  Thanks.

Price: $4.00

We have the same issues with older DOS programs where I work.  Here's what I did:

In my network we have Novell Netware servers although the procedure
would be very similar for you.

We enable LPR/LPD daemon on our Windows XP professional PCs.  Install
the USB printer.  Create _another_ instance of the USB printer and
rename it to "lp" or "hp" or someithg similar.

On the Netware server, I create a network printer via LPD and point
the IP address to the Windows PC in question.  Then at the PC I do a
"net use lpt1 \\myservername\printername"

Then, whever the DOS programs try to print directly to LPT1, the
printing gets redirected to the captured LPT1 printer which goes to
the server.  The server then prints via LPR to the PC.  It's a 'round
robin' approach but the network traffic is minimal.



It's possible that you could just use the USB printer w/o having to go
through the server.  Try something like "net use lpt1
\\mycomputername\printername"

Hi bschonec-ga ,

Thanks for your comments.  I left few details in my posting.  I'm not
on network.  I have a stand-alone Windows XP.  And my basic programs
are compiled on PowerBasic compiler.

You mentioned using the line code:

net use lpt1 \\myservername\printername

where do I add this line?  Could it be at the beginning of the program
and then recompile?  Appreciate your help.

Jagdish

I don't know if this will work but try going into the properties of
your printer in XP (Start->Printers->Right click->Properties),
clickthe 'Ports' tab. You can then see a list of selectable ports for
the printer. Scroll up to the top and select "LPT1", you may also find
a 'LPT1' port further down with the printer name.

Not sure what this does but you may find then works through DOS/Basic.

Here's the deal:

Programmers can no longer send bytes directly to printers.  So
commands like LPRINT and LLIST are obsolete.  You need to fake DOS to
allow it to send, and fake Windows to allow it to get to the printer.

Here are some ideas:

1) http://www.dosprn.com/
Not always pretty but can work.

2) Speaking of not always pretty, A programmed solution is to OPEN a
sequential disk file and use PRINT # rather than LPRINT, then when the
day is done, output your spooled file via Notepad, or some such. Know
that when you do this, what you get will probably still not be what
you wanted because of differences in fonts, page widths, page lengths,
pin-feed vs. cut sheet, embedded Esc sequences that trigger printer
control functions, etc.

3) Flea Market ==> Parallel cable, Dot Matrix Printer