Also add the Jabella edition Version 1.84 based on DosBox 0.72

I could load the program, but when trying to print it said the printer was not ready.

I had the following in the config file for this version:

print_timeout=2000
LPT1=copy %s LPT1 >Nul

I did a test from the dos prompt and was able to do a dir > lpt1 and it printed, so it seems printing was available via LPT1, but when telling it to go to LPT1 via the application for an HP Laserjet Plus it would say printer not ready.

Just passing on more details.

Does it start in an unmodified SVN build?

Here is what I had stated in the first post of this topic:

I can run an old 1989 DOS based program called Professional Write 2.1 on the DOSBOX 0.74, but of course there is no printing which is needed.

and

Again everything works on the 0.74, but no printing is available.

So yes... it will start in the unmodified SVN build. Unless I am misunderstanding what you mean by unmodified SVN build. I think you are referring to DOSBOX 0.74.

Greg

It's funny, I've seen about a million posts here like this about printing support in DOSBox, yet it still hasn't been integrated as a feature in any of the official builds. I understand that DOSBox was originally made for running DOS games, and NOT business applications, and that the unofficial megabuild supports it, but I still think that just for the sake of convenience, the official build of DOSBox should get printer support. 😀

The issue is host support. I doubt there would be much of an issue with including support for printing to a file (except of course for it not having to do much with games) but supporting printers connected to the host across all supported host OS's would likely be an issue and not something we'd have alot of fun supporting with dumb questions because as we all know printing is the bane of all IT.

Things like this for business use would probably be better spun off into a "paid support" kind of thing since there's no sense in providing free stuff for businesses because they are too lazy or cheap to recode their app or use a newer app.

DOSBox is a labor of love because the devs like providing a solution for gamers to play DOS games that they can't run anymore it's not to provide a free ride for businesses.

DosFreak wrote:

The issue is host support. I doubt there would be much of an issue with including support for printing to a file (except of course for it not having to do much with games) but supporting printers connected to the host across all supported host OS's would likely be an issue and not something we'd have alot of fun supporting with dumb questions because as we all know printing is the bane of all IT.

Things like this for business use would probably be better spun off into a "paid support" kind of thing since there's no sense in providing free stuff for businesses because they are too lazy or cheap to recode their app or use a newer app.

DOSBox is a labor of love because the devs like providing a solution for gamers to play DOS games that they can't run anymore it's not to provide a free ride for businesses.

That's an interesting point, and I definitely see what you're getting at with the host support issue, though I do think that even a print-to-file option would be nice. The way I see it, DOSBox would just print to a PNG or PDF file, then that file could be printed in another program. 😀

though I do think that even a print-to-file option would be nice.

Fine, think that and be happy.

an unmodified SVN build is the current source of dosbox, but without printing support. (DOSBox has changed since 0.74)

DOSBox WAS not made for running DOS games. It IS made for running DOS games.
Nothing changed.

Qbix wrote:

DOSBox WAS not made for running DOS games. It IS made for running DOS games.
Nothing changed.

A small typo. Qbix means DOSBox WAS not intended to run APPLICATIONs.

well actually, the point I was trying to make had relation to this

I understand that DOSBox was originally made for running DOS games

Wanted to point out that "was" is the wrong verb. Nothing changed. DOSBox is made for running DOS games

How about you guys argue about the merits of printing in your own post about the merits of printing.

As the original poster I provided what I thought was a fair amount of detail and was expecting either some guidance or politely saying it could not be done.

I just found out about DOSBOX 3 days ago and it has been a good solution for 4 of the 5 old DOS apps I needed to help a client run... even though it was conceived with DOS Gaming in mind.

I understand it was built with gaming in mind so I don't expect a miracle.

I also understand there seems to be folks here that think asking about printing is stupid and dumb. If that is you... then move on and show a little class.

h-a-l-9000: Thank you for your original reply and hopefully you may have some further thought. As I have studied this I believe this one application may be using direct hardware access? I think this, because it will load under the Jabella edition, but doesn't see a printer... even though I can send print to the printer via dir > lpt1 or other commands. At this point I have convinced the customer to run this in XP Mode (windowed) until he retires the program so I don't want you to go to any further effort unless you are like me and like to find out why something doesn't work.

I want to thank the authors of DOSBOX and the enhanced versions for their time and diligence in making the program. I will indeed be using it with some older games I desire to play again... but it certainly has been helpful with a few of my old clients who must have fullscreen DOS apps running under WIN 7 x64.

Thanks

or politely saying it could not be done.

Of course it may be possible to be done, but i pretty much hate every second thread
being about some stupid special purpose application that requires printing to pop up
here on the board, just because companies or strange individuals think that the
easiest way to get their stuff fixed is to complain here rather than spending money
on upgrading their hardware/software.

And those two people who have a game that has some funny printing aspect may
happily play another game.

Of course it may be possible to be done, but i pretty much hate every second thread being about some stupid special purpose application that requires printing to pop up here on the board, just because companies or strange individuals think that the easiest way to get their stuff fixed is to complain here rather than spending money on upgrading their hardware/software.

And those two people who have a game that has some funny printing aspect may happily play another game.

I don't recall complaining to anyone myself... (although others may have). I politely requested some assistance and hoped another user may have found a solution to a similar problem by enhancing DOSBOX beyond the basics like h-a-l-9000 has done or other authors have done.

As I have read futher the megabuild may solve the problem inconjunction with the special port driver, but the app wouldn't successfully load with megabuild which is what I was hoping to resolve. In either case I have an alternative my client will accept.

Thanks for your time.

In either case I have an alternative my client will accept.

Great.

Good luck gsaunders and thanks for your patience and professionalism 😀

As Qbix said the unmodified SVN version is not 0.74.

The SVN Builds page of the DOSBox Wiki discusses the difference between plain and "enhanced" SVN builds: http://dosbox.com/wiki/SVN_Builds

As Qbix said the unmodified SVN version is not 0.74.

Even though the customer has a solution I like solving problems.

So....

Is there an windows install / executable somewhere of the latest SVN (un-enhanced) or do I have to build this?

If I have to build this then I'll check the forums / DOSBOX sites on how to do it.

Thanks.