How to Capture a Jet Direct Printer to an LPT Port

Background Information:
A printer with a Jet Direct card is installed as a network node with an IP address (similar to any other workstation).

Due to DOS limitations, an LPT port cannot be captured to an IP address. It must be captured to a \\Server\Share configuration.

Avmain can only print to LPT ports or Novell Print Queues

Problem:
If a Novell Print Queue is not an option, how can a Jet Direct Printer be made available to Avmain?

Resolution:
In simple terms, the printer needs to be installed on a workstation and then shared out. That workstation will then act as a de facto print server. All other workstations (including that same workstation) can then capture LPT ports to the shared printer.

Details:

• First: Install the Jet Direct printer.
  Windows 95/98:
  In order to allow a Windows 95 / 98 workstation to install a Jet Direct Printer, the HP Jet Direct Software must be installed on that workstation. Running the software will install the printer. It is imperative that the proper drivers be installed for the printer in question.

  Windows NT/2000/XP:
  The HP Jet Direct software can be run to install the printer or the printer can be installed on a TCP/IP printer port

  How to install a Jet Direct printer to a TCP/IP printer port

  Start the "Add Printer Wizard". Click Next Select "Local Printer" Do not "Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play Printer". Click Next Under "Select Printer Port", chose "Create a New Port" and then slide down and select "Standard TCP/IP Port". Click Next The "Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port" Wizard will start. Click Next Enter in the Jet Direct IP address (Accept the default Port Name). Click Next Under "Device Port", select "Parallel 1". Click Next Click Finish The process will return to the Add Printer Wizard Note: It may take some time to get the port configured and installed) Finish selecting the printer Make and Model and installing the printer Make sure the printer is Shared out and write down the name it is shared as Finish installing the printer and print a test page to ensure that it worked correctly

• Second: Capture a port to that printer.
  Windows 95/98:
  
  • Open up the printer Dialogue box (Start > Settings > Printers)
  • Right click on the desired printer and select Properties.
  • Click on the Details Tab
  • Copy the data in the "Print to the Following Port" field (Highlight the data, right click and select Copy)
  • Click on the button "Capture Printer Port"
  • Select the desired LPT port in the "Device" field.
  • Paste the previously copied date into the "Path" field.
  • Make sure the "Reconnect at Logon" box is checked.
  • Click OK all the way out of the Printers Dialogue box.

  Windows NT/2000/XP:
  To capture LPT ports on these workstations use the Net Use Command. The syntax is as follows: Net Use LPTx: \\workstation\printername /persistent:yes

  So, if a printer is shared as LASER on a workstation named PHEONIX and it should be captured to LPT1, the command would be as follows: NET USE LPT1: \\PHEONIX\LASER /PERSISTENT:YES

  Any workstation can use this command. A workstation's LPT port can be captured back to a printer shared off that same workstation.