Q90889: Problems Printing Graphics Using LPTx.OS2 or COPY Command

Article: Q90889
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 16-OCT-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows versions 3.0, 3.0a 
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SUMMARY
=======

If you print a graphic or bitmapped image to a FILE or LPTx.OS2, part of the
output may be truncated. This article discusses possible workarounds for this
problem.

MORE INFORMATION
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Printing to a FILE
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When you print a graphic or bitmapped image to a FILE, the CTRL+Z character may
exist in the FILE. Because the CTRL+Z character is misinterpreted by the printer
as an end-of-file marker, part of the graphic image is truncated. Adding the /b
(binary) switch corrects this problem. The syntax for the command is as
follows:

- COPY <filename.ext> LPTx: /b

  -or-

- COPY <filename.ext> COMx: /b

Note: This command must be entered at the MS-DOS prompt; it cannot be entered
from within a virtual machine inside Windows.

Adding the /b switch tells the printer that the file is in binary format. As a
result, all the data, including CTRL+Z, is treated as part of the graphic
image.

Printing to LPTx.OS2
--------------------

LPTx.OS2 option does not invoke the /b switch. To print a graphics image, you
must print the graphics image to a FILE with the following steps:

1. In the Control Panel window, choose the Printers icon. Choose the
  Configuration button, and select FILE: as the printer port.

2. Choose the print option within the Windows application from which you are
  trying to print.

3. When you are prompted for a filename, name the file using standard MS-DOS
  conventions. The file is then placed in the current WINDOWS directory. You
  may also choose to include a full path before the filename to save the file
  to a path of your choice.

4. Exit Windows.

5. Move into the WINDOWS directory, or the path specified in step 3, and type
  the following:

   - COPY <filename.ext> LPTx: /b

     -or-

   - COPY <filename.ext> COMx: /b

Additional query words: msdos win30 3.00 3.00a

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin3xSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin300 kbWin300a
Version           : WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a

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