Solving Hard-to-Resolve Problems
The following instructions will help you troubleshoot Windows printing
problems using DOS.
Note
Before troubleshooting from DOS, make sure your printer can print a
self-test page. (See “Printing a Self-Test Page” earlier in this chapter.)
To establish basic communication to the printer, follow the steps below:
1 Exit Windows 3.1
x. If in Windows 95, choose Start, Shut Down, and
Restart the computer in MS-DOS® mode, respectively.
2 At the command prompt (for example, c:\), type: Dir>PRN and press
ENTER. This sends a directory of your hard drive to your printer.
3 See the chart below for recommended solutions.
Printer Status Response Solution(s)
Both the Data light and
the Ready light are on
steadily (not blinking).
Command prompt (c:\)
returned.
Press the Front Panel button.
You will receive a printout of your hard drive’s
directory.
Communication verified; return to Windows.
Data light comes on;
Ready light flashes.
Command prompt (c:\)
returned.
No action is needed. Communication has been
verified; return to Windows.
Printer is not
responding.
Flashing cursor;
command prompt (c:\)
not returned; keyboard
locked up.
Verify that the Ready light is on.
Hold down CTRL, then press and release Break
to free the keyboard.
Disconnect, then reconnect the parallel cable at
both ends.
Reboot your computer.
Ensure a direct connection to the printer.
Trying using a different parallel cable
(IEEE-1284), parallel port, or both.
Printer is not
responding.
DOS message: “Write
Fault error writing device
PRN.”
Verify that the Ready light is on.
Specify the port name when sending directory
(for example, LPT1).
Verify that the power cord and the parallel cable
are plugged into the proper ports.
Disconnect, then reconnect the parallel cable at
both ends.
Ensure a direct connection to the printer.
Trying using a different parallel cable
(IEEE-1284), parallel port, or both.
5-26 Troubleshooting and Maintenance EN
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