Forum Discussion

TenOC's avatar
TenOC
Nomad
Feb 09, 2023

Install "Generic / Text Only" printer on port

I have an old program that worked well with Windows 7. The company that made the program is no longer in business. No help available on the Internet. This program requires a virtual printer. The instructions are

Install "Generic / Text Only" printer on port C:\FILEPORT.PRN.

I have searched Google for how to do this with an up-to-date Windows 10 laptop with no joy.

See the attached screenshot when I attempt to create this local printer. I get an access is denied error.
1. On explorer, go to C:\windows\system32\spool
2. Right click PRINTERS, select Properties
3. Click the Security tab
4. Click Edit
5. Click Add
6. Click Advanced
7. Click Find Now
8. Choose "NETWORK"
9. Click OK
10. Grant NETWORK Full Control


Click For Full-Size Image.



Click For Full-Size Image.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Feb 09, 2023
    You can still get "Generic Text only" printers. Though you may need to haunt thrift stores.

    This printer MIGHT do it
    https://www.pcliquidations.com/p92-okidata-microline-184-turbo?gclid=CjwKCAiA0JKfBhBIEiwAPhZXDzqJQvFSttgf1c4k00x3bY2p3zzOvY8VfCZY0k0YGP2RpY5RsYRAkhoCJ6sQAvD_BwE

    I also found some "Vintage Daisy Wheel Printers" for sale
    Not sure the Commodore one will work for you (Depends on if it uses ASCII or Commodore Ascii) but the others should. I used to use one. Very nice print.
  • Tom_M1's avatar
    Tom_M1
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2023
    The OP is talking about a virtual printer. He's not looking for a printer.
  • BobsYourUncle's avatar
    BobsYourUncle
    Nomad
    Feb 10, 2023
    Can you possibly do a workaround by selecting Microsoft Print to PDF as your printer? This will invoke the Windows save to PDF menu.
    Then you have a digital copy of it which can be printed from anything, anywhere, as Adobe Reader is free and works with any PDF document, allowing you to physically print to paper from any printer.
  • TenOC's avatar
    TenOC
    Nomad
    Feb 10, 2023
    BobsYourUncle wrote:
    Can you possibly do a workaround by selecting Microsoft Print to PDF as your printer? This will invoke the Windows save to PDF menu.
    Then you have a digital copy of it which can be printed from anything, anywhere, as Adobe Reader is free and works with any PDF document, allowing you to physically print to paper from any printer.


    I tried that --- NO joy.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Feb 10, 2023
    Thinking back to my DOS days

    Can you "Print to file" then print with most any utility like Notepad or Wordpad?
  • TenOC's avatar
    TenOC
    Nomad
    Feb 10, 2023
    wa8yxm wrote:
    Thinking back to my DOS days

    Can you "Print to file" then print with most any utility like Notepad or Wordpad?


    I can print to file, but when I then print the file is not in the correct layout on the page.

    The program requires a virtual printer. I THINK the program prints to the VIRTUAL printer first then it "converts" or re-formats the output into a different layout and then automatically print to the default windows printer.

    It appears the program does what you suggested automatically and in addition it put the report in the correct layout on the page.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Feb 10, 2023
    Yes Windows writes to a file (Called a buffer) and then to the printer naturally.

    But I've never used a "Virtual Printer" just Print > "File name.txt"

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