VOGONS

Search

Common searches

Unable to print from DOS

Topic actions

First post, by Subjunctive

Posted on 
User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie

Hi, everyone. I'll make this short and sweet:

DIR > PRN
"Write fault error writing device PRN"

This is an IBM PC Convertible with the serial+parallel attachment; the printer is a C. Itoh 8510. I can tell that the printer is being detected on some basic level, because if I have it already on while the computer boots, it does a little hiccup as DOS starts up.

I can use the printer on another computer, so I know it's not that. PRN is supposed to be LPT1 on the Convertible as long as you don't have the portable-printer attachment, which I don't; nevertheless, I've tried SET PRN=LPT1 and SET PRN=LPT2 with no success.

I feel like I must be missing something terribly basic here. Any ideas? 😀

Reply 1 of 3, by stamasd

Posted on 
User metadata
Rank l33t
Rank
l33t

Did you try DIR > LPT1?
Is the parallel port known working (tested with another device)?

I/O, I/O,
It's off to disk I go,
With a bit and a byte
And a read and a write,
I/O, I/O

Reply 2 of 3, by Subjunctive

Posted on 
User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie

DIR > LPT1 gave the same result.

I haven't tested this particular parallel port with another device, so I know it's possible that it's malfunctioning; there was some kind of fundamental communication with the computer, though, when it hiccuped as I booted. It feels like the problem must be at the software level...

Reply 3 of 3, by Subjunctive

Posted on 
User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie

So, I connected this printer to a completely different DOS machine and got exactly the same results.

I should clarify that the "other computer" I'd gotten it working with before was an Apple II. Both of the DOS PCs I've tried have given me the problem I described before.

I've seen a historical photo of this exact printer connected to an IBM 5150, though, so presumably it's possible.

Am I just missing something really fundamental here? DIP switch? Driver? I've Googled like mad but can't find any useful information...

Go to top of page Go to top of page
Back to General Old Hardware
Close window
Close window