dos print command prints 21 copies of a file.

[nelsonm]

Hi all,

I just rebuilt an Acer and a Dell computer using the oem XP Pro install disc. I applied all of the MS updates and service packs.

The odd thing is that while in DOS, sending a file to the printer either from some application or printing the file itself via the dos print command gets me 21 copies of the file. The text file that has only 3 words in it and it's being sent to an installed HP 4050 laser printer attached via the parallel port. The same thing happens on both computers!

However, when i print the same file while in windows to the same printer, i get one copy.

Have anyone seen this behavior before?

 

[iptech]

What's the syntax you're using?

 

[nelsonm]

I'm using ">print test.txt".

however, i get multiple print copies even when printing from an old dos accounting application. The accounting program lets me print a report but i keep getting multiple copies of what should be a one page report.

 

[nelsonm]

Never mind!

After printing the printers entire configuration page, i discovered that the "copies" parameter was set to 21!

The printer like most printers have extensive menus and sub menu's. I guess i missed it the first time through.

Also, in windows, the print command overrides the printers settings. In DOS, the print command uses the printers settings. I didn't get that at first and it confused me a little.

While i feel a little stupid for not figuring it out sooner, at least i figured it out.

Thanks anyway.

 

[Lone99star]

What is this DOS you speak of?

 

[mkeathley]

Great Job.

We need more techs who can figure out things like this

 

[iptech]

Great Job.

We need more techs who can figure out things like this

Are you living in a pre-Windows era of a previous century? There are very few programs in use nowadays that rely upon direct printing, almost all will use the Windows sub-system.

This was in any case an error at user level, not a technical issue.