Testing the Connection to a PostScript Printer

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This article was previously published under Q64859

SUMMARY

This article provides instructions for determining if your PostScript printer (such as an Apple LaserWriter) is connected properly to the computer.

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Microsoft Windows 3.1 installs TESTPS.TXT in your WINDOWS\SYSTEM subdirectory for testing your PostScript output. To use this file, copy it to the port connected to the PostScript printer. The following is an example:

copy c:\windows\system\testps.txt lpt1

The output at the printer should be a single page, with the following information in the lower-left corner:

Max Printer VM (KB):
Max Suggested VM (KB):
Baud Rate:
Data Bits:
Parity:
Stop Bits:
Flow Control:

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Windows 3.0 and 3.0a

At the MS-DOS command prompt, type the following:

COPY CON COMx:
showpage

NOTE: After each line (command) above has been entered, press CTRL+Z and then ENTER. COMx: refers to the physical port where the PostScript printer is connected. You can substitute COMx for COM1, COM2, LPT1, LPT2, and so on.

You will be returned to an MS-DOS command prompt. If the connection between the printer and the computer is good, a blank page ejects from the printer.

To test the processor of the PostScript printer, type the following commands at the MS-DOS command prompt:

COPY CON COMx:
initgraphics
/ZapfChancery-MediumItalic findfont 48 scalefont setfont
200 432 moveto
(This is a test) show
showpage

NOTE: After each line (command) above has been entered, press CTRL+Z and then ENTER. COMx: refers to the physical port where the PostScript printer is connected.

You will be returned to an MS-DOS command prompt. If the connection has been properly made, a sheet prints with the words "This is a test." KBCategory: kbprint
KBSubCategory:

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