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DOSBox 0.73 with AutoCAD11 - - cannot print to LPT1

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First post, by CurlySue

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Hi all,

I am a newbie to DOS-emulators and am very happy to be a new DOSBox user.

About 2 years ago, I finally moved from Windows 98SE to Windows XP. I did not have a choice with a new PC, I had to go with XP SP2.

My BIGGEST disappointment with the Windows XP operating system had to do with my 1991 version of AutoCAD11, a DOS-based program. For years I successfully ran AutoCAD11 in DOS-mode with Windows 98SE, but I could not do the same with XP SP2.

About six months ago, I discovered how to create a bootable Windows 98SE USB drive and copied AutoCAD11 and associated files to it. It works quite nicely, but it is a bit slow and locks up from time to time.

Yesterday, I decided to download and install DOSBox 0.73 and after about an hour of messing around, including modifying the dosbox-0.73.conf file, I managed to get AutoCAD11 to run from my HDD - in full screen mode.

This was a HUGE victory for me and while I am very pleased to finally be able to run my AutoCAD11 directly from my HDD in Windows XP SP2 with DOSBox 0.73, I cannot print to LPT1. As a result, I have to copy files to the bootable USB drive for printing and that is a hassle.

I spent a few minutes looking through the GUIDES associated with this forum, but could not find anything specifically dealing with printing other than the following:

Windows 3.1x DOSBox Guide

Windows 3.1x in DOSBox
-----Troubleshooting-----
- In some applications the font looks strange. It seems to get better if you install *any* printer in Windows 3.x (no matter that you can't use it).

If I understand the above statement, running Windows 3.1X in DOSBox, you cannot print.

I am not running Windows 3.1x or any other O/S in DOSBox. Once opened, I simply run the AutoCAD11 executable and thats it. In fact, after learning about the [autoexec] section in the dosbox-0.73.conf file, now when I click on the DOSBox 0.73 icon, I am taken immediately into my AutoCAD11 program and main screen.

Currently, my printer is connected to LPT1 and DOSBox 0.73 appears to be configured to LPT1, but I cannot print to it.

It would be GREAT if I could print to LPT1 with DOSBox and therefore I sincerely appreciate anyones guidance in this area.

Many thanks in advance for your comments, suggestions and recommendations.

CurlySue

Reply 1 of 7, by eL_PuSHeR

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Get some unofficial printing-enabled DOSBox version. Search the forum for clues.

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Reply 2 of 7, by CurlySue

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Given MiniMax's response to srinivas' posting, found here...LPT1 printer connection for foxpro

"Printing is not supported in standard DOSBox, but there are some patches on the loose on the Internet that will provide it." it appears that I am not going to be able to print without one of these "patches" on the loose.

Has anyone found one of these "patches" that works with DOSBox 0.73 allowing printing to LPT1 (or configurable)?

Thanks again!!

CurlySue

UPDATE

I found asgard's post...printer patch states, "I have just made the old virtual printer patch (from sourceforge, dated 2004) to work with vanilla DosBox 0.72 on Linux."

Unfortunately, I am not running Linux and cannot find his patch.

Reply 3 of 7, by MiniMax

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Printing from DosBox (LPT1)

DOSBox 60 seconds guide | How to ask questions
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Reply 4 of 7, by CurlySue

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Thank you, MiniMax.

After an hour of trial an error, I managed to succeed using HAL9000's Megabuild 4 [MB4]. My old 1991 DOS version of AutoCAD11 rises once again to run smoothly and print perfectly (now) in Windows XP SP2.

Having spent $2500 USD on this software in 1991, now that I can use it virtually seamlessly with Windows XP, it may finally pay for itself by the time I am forced to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 7. For now, however, I am extremely pleased with DOSBox 0.72 and the printing options associated with HAL9000's MB4.

Thanks again!!

CurlySue 😁

Reply 5 of 7, by ph_elec

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Hi all. Also have problem with a Hardvare lock on LPT1. How to get access through DOSBOX?? Have tried everything, dent work. I have DOSBOX MB5, there is a configuration file where there is a possibelity to change LPT1 LPT2 LPT3, they all are disabled, but what shout we write ? Have tried ENABLE ENABLED copy devLPT1.prn LPT1 >Nul, but dont't work. When starting DOS box, it say
Invalid type for LPT1, what to do ????? HELP HELP, else my old Schema dos program from 1989 works great in dosbox, but it have to have acces to the dongle on LPT1. Thanks Per

PH

Reply 6 of 7, by TeaRex

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LPT dongle support is harder to get right than plain old LPT printing support. It might simply not work in any DOSBox build because of e.g. timing issues. Round-trip times is something no emulator can really get right.

tearex

Reply 7 of 7, by h-a-l-9000

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parallel1=reallpt

How about reading the documentation that comes with MB5?

1+1=10

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