Microsoft KB Archive/870969

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How to troubleshoot general printing problems in Windows 98 and in Windows Millennium Edition (Me) when you are using Office products

Article ID: 870969

Article Last Modified on 8/8/2006


APPLIES TO

  • Microsoft Access 2002 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Access 2000 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Excel 2002 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Excel 2000 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft FrontPage 2002 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft FrontPage 2000 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Office XP Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Office 2000 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Office 97 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook 2002 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook 2000 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft PowerPoint 2002 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Project 2002 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Project 2000 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Publisher 2002 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Publisher 2000 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003
  • Microsoft Word 2002 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Word 2000 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Office Excel 2003
  • Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003
  • Microsoft Office Outlook 2003
  • Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003
  • Microsoft Office Publisher 2003
  • Microsoft Office Word 2003
  • Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003
  • Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition 2003
  • Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003
  • Microsoft Office Basic Edition 2003
  • Microsoft Office Access 2003



SUMMARY

This article contains troubleshooting information that you can use for printing problems in Microsoft Windows 98 and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) when you are using Microsoft Office products.


Table of contents

INTRODUCTION

This step-by-step article describes how to troubleshoot printing problems in Microsoft Windows 98 and in Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) when you are using Microsoft Office products.

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MORE INFORMATION

This article may not describe all the hardware-related problems that you can experience. To view more articles about how to troubleshoot hardware-related problems, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/w98?sid=460


Note This article does not provide information about how to troubleshoot printing problems over a network, but it does provide important basic troubleshooting steps that you can use to help diagnose your printing problems. The troubleshooting steps that are listed in this article may also help you verify that your network printing problem is not caused by a localized problem.

For additional information about how to troubleshoot network printing problems, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

243075 How to troubleshoot network printing problems


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Troubleshoot printing problems

Check your printer hardware

Many printing problems can be caused by hardware-related problems. Before you try complex troubleshooting methods, verify that the following hardware-related problems are not causing your printing problem:

  • Verify that your printer is connected to a working power source.
  • Verify that your printer is correctly connected to your printer port. The cable must be seated correctly in the printer port on your computer and at the printer.
  • Verify that your printer has paper or other appropriate printing media available, and that it is not jamming the printer.
  • Verify that your printer contains a sufficient supply of ink or toner to work correctly.
  • If your printer has an online or offline setting or button, verify that your printer is online.
  • Reset your printer by turning it off and then turning it back on after 5 to 10 seconds. Many printing problems occur when the memory of the printer is full.
  • Verify that you have followed all the installation instructions that your printer manufacturer provided.
  • If your printer documentation includes any troubleshooting information, follow those troubleshooting steps.
  • Perform a self-test on the printer if you can. These "self-diagnostic" tools can frequently resolve or diagnose basic problems with your printer hardware. The method for performing a self-test is different for different printers. It is best to view your printer documentation for instructions about how to perform a self-test.


Note If the printer self-test does not work, your printer may be damaged, or it may require servicing. Contact your printer manufacturer for more assistance.

  • If another computer is available, verify that your printer works correctly when it is connected to that computer. If your printer does not work correctly even when connected to another computer, your printer may be damaged and may require servicing.

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Verify the printer property settings

Incorrect printer property settings may cause the following problems:

  • Poor output.
  • Incomplete output.
  • Your printer does not print at all.

Verify that your printer property settings are configured as recommended by your printer manufacturer. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
  2. Right-click the printer that you want to verify the property settings for, and then click Properties.

Verify that all your printer properties are configured as recommended by your printer manufacturer. To do this, view the documentation that is included with your printer, or contact your printer manufacturer.

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View the Printers.txt file

Both Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) include a text file that is named Printers. The Printers file contains information about known printing problems, and may help you solve your printing problems.

Windows 98



To view the Printers.txt file in Windows 98, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click Start, and then click Explore.
  2. In the left pane, expand My Computer, expand (C:), and then click Windows.
  3. In the right pane, double-click Printers.
Windows Millennium Edition (Me)



To view the Printers.txt file in Windows Millennium Edition (Me), follow these steps:

  1. Right-click Start, and then click Explore.
  2. In the left pane, expand My Computer, expand Local Disk (C:), and then click WINDOWS.
  3. In the right pane, double-click PRINTERS.

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Print a test page

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
  2. Right-click the printer that you want to print a test page from, and then click Properties.
  3. Click the General tab, and then click Print Test Page.
  4. Click Yes if the test page printed correctly.

If the test page did not print correctly, continue to troubleshoot for help resolving the printing problem.

If you cannot print a test page, or if you cannot print in several or in all your Microsoft Windows programs, you may have one of the following problems:

  • A printer driver problem.
  • A Windows problem.
  • A hardware problem.
  • A connectivity problem.

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Print a test document from Notepad or from WordPad

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Notepad or click WordPad.
  3. Type This is a test document, and then click Print on the File menu.

If your printer prints a page that contains the words "This is a test document", your printing problem may be specific to one program. If your printing problem is specific to one program, try the steps that are listed in the "Resolve printing problems that only occur in one program" section. If you cannot print successfully from Notepad or from WordPad, try the steps that are listed in the "Print at a command prompt" section and in the "Print to the Lpt1.dos port" section.

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Test different printer drivers

A minor problem with the printer driver can affect printing. To determine whether the printer driver is the cause of the problem, test different printer drivers.

Note For some versions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may require access to the Windows installation CD-ROM or access to a network drive that contains the Windows installation files.

Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition (Me)



To test a printer driver on Windows 98 or on Windows Millennium Edition (Me), follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
  2. Double-click Add Printer, and then click Next.
  3. Click Local printer, and then click Next.
  4. In the Manufacturers list, click Generic, and then click Next.
  5. In the Available ports list, click FILE, and then click Next.
  6. Under Do you want your Windows-based programs to use this printer as the default printer?, click Yes, and then click Next.
  7. Click No, and then click Finish.
  8. When the printer driver installation is completed, open a document in Microsoft Word, and then click Print on the File menu.
  9. In the Folders list, click My Documents, type Test.prn in the File name box, and then click OK.

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Print at a command prompt

To determine that your printer hardware is connected correctly, and that your printer can receive instructions from the computer by copying a file to your printer, print at a command prompt.

Windows 98



To print at a command prompt in Windows 98, follow these steps:

  1. Verify that the printer is turned on and is online without any printer errors.
  2. Verify that no printer sharing devices or daisy-chained devices are connected between the computer and the printer.
  3. Restart your computer. When your computer finishes the Power On Self Test (POST), press and hold down the CTRL key.
  4. On the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup menu, click Safe mode command prompt only, and then press ENTER.
  5. At the command prompt, type copy c:\windows\mouse.txt lpt1, and then press ENTER.

Note The copy c:\windows\mouse.txt lpt1 command is for a standard printer. For a laser printer, use the following command:

copy c:\windows\mouse.txt lpt1 /b


These commands assume that your printer is connected to the LPT1 port. The LPT1 port is the typical default printer port. If your printer is connected to a different printer port, substitute that printer port number in the command. For example, replace "lpt1" in the command with the printer port that you are using. Also, these commands assume that you have a Mouse.txt file in the Windows folder. If you do not have a Mouse.txt file in the Windows folder, try to substitute the License.txt file, the Support.txt file, or the Config.txt file. For example, replace "mouse.txt" in the command with any one of these text files from the Windows folder.

Note By default, the License.txt file, the Support.txt file, and the Config.txt file are located in the Windows folder.

These commands copy a file to the printer. If the file is not printed, or if you receive a "Write Fault" error message, there may be a problem with the printer port, the printer cable, or the printer. You may want to try to use a different printer cable. Or, if you can, test with a different printer. Also, if you verify that you can print at a command prompt but not from Windows-based programs, try the steps that are listed in the "Verify that you can print from Windows-based programs" section.

When you copy a file to some inkjet printers or to some laser printers, you may have to press the Form Feed key or the Resume key after the printer receives the print job. The printer may not eject the paper if you do not press the Form Feed key or the Resume key.

For additional information about Windows 98 startup, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

178548 No "Starting Windows 98" message at startup




Windows Millennium Edition (Me)



To print at a command prompt in Windows Millennium Edition (Me), follow these steps:

  1. Verify that the printer is turned on and is online without any printer errors.
  2. Verify that no printer sharing devices or daisy-chained devices are connected between the computer and the printer.
  3. Start your computer by using the Windows Millennium Edition (Me) startup disk.
  4. On the Microsoft Windows Millennium Startup menu, press SHIFT+F5.
  5. At the command prompt, type copy c:\windows\mouse.txt lpt1 , and then press ENTER.

Note The copy c:\windows\mouse.txt lpt1 command is for a standard printer. For a laser printer, use the following command:

copy c:\windows\mouse.txt lpt1 /b


These commands assume that your printer is connected to the LPT1 port. The LPT1 port is the typical default printer port. If your printer is connected to a different printer port, substitute that printer port number in the command. For example, replace "lpt1" in the command with the printer port that you are using. Also, these commands assume that you have a Mouse.txt file in the Windows folder. If you do not have a Mouse.txt file in the Windows folder, try to substitute the License.txt file, the Support.txt file, or the Config.txt file. For example, replace "mouse.txt" in the command with any one of these text files from the Windows folder.

Note By default, the License.txt file, the Support.txt file, and the Config.txt file are located in the Windows folder.

These commands copy a file to the printer. If the file is not printed or you receive a "Write Fault" error message, there may be a problem with the printer port, the printer cable, or the printer. You may want to try to use a different printer cable. Or if you can, test with a different printer. Also, if you verify that you can print at a command prompt but not from Windows-based programs, follow the steps that are listed in the "Verify that you can print from Windows-based programs" section.

When you copy a file to some inkjet printers or to some laser printers, you may have to press the Form Feed key or the Resume key after the printer receives the print job. The printer may not eject the paper if you do not press the Form Feed key or the Resume key.

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Print to the Lpt1.dos port

When you print to the Lpt1.dos port, it is similar to printing to a file and then copying the file to the printer port. To print to the Lpt1.dos port, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
  2. Right-click the printer that you want to use, and then click Properties.
  3. Click the Details tab, and then click Add Port.
  4. Click Other, click Local Port in the Click the type of port you want to add list, and then click OK.
  5. In the Enter a port name box, type Lpt1.dos, and then click OK.
  6. Click Apply, and then click OK.

Note Printing to the Lpt1.dos port may be slower than printing to the standard LPT1 port. Because printing to the Lpt1.dos port uses low-level DOS commands to send a print job to the printer, not all the available wiring or lines in the port and in the printer cable are used. Because of this, if you are successful printing to the Lpt1.dos port, there may be a problem with the printer port or with the printer cable. If you cannot print to the Lpt1.dos port in Normal Mode, restart your computer in Safe Mode, and then print to the Lpt1.dos port.

For Windows 98, restart your computer, press and hold down CTRL after your computer finishes the POST, and then click Safe Mode on the Startup menu.

If you can print to the Lpt1.dos port in Safe Mode, follow the troubleshooting steps that are listed in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

For additional information about how to perform a clean boot procedure, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

192926 How to perform clean-boot troubleshooting for Windows 98


267288 How to perform a clean boot in Windows Millennium Edition


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Verify that you can print from Windows-based programs

If you can print at a command prompt, but you cannot print from any Windows-based program, there may be a problem with the spool settings or with bidirectional communication. To determine whether this is the cause of your problem, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
  2. Right-click the printer that you are trying to print to, and then click Properties.
  3. Click the Details tab, click Spool Settings, and then click Print directly to the printer.


Note If the local printer is shared, the Print directly to the printer option is turned off. To turn on the Print directly to the printer option, remove the sharing for the local printer.

  1. If your printer supports bidirectional communication, click Disable bidirectional support for this printer.


Note Bidirectional printing relies on the 1284 IEEE specification. If your printer cable does not comply with this specification and is not of reasonable length, bidirectional printing does not work in Windows 98.

  1. Click OK two times.
  2. Try to print from Notepad or from WordPad.
  3. If you can print from Notepad or from WordPad, try different combinations of spool settings and bidirectional support until you find a combination that works. Try to disable bidirectional RAW and EMF spool data format settings. Also, try bidirectional support with the RAW spool data format.


Note RAW is the only spool data format that is supported for PostScript printers.

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Resolve printing problems that only occur in one program

If your printing problem only occurs in one program, this generally indicates that your problem is specific to that program, and is not a problem with Windows or with your printer hardware. If you can print from Notepad, from WordPad, and from other programs, use the following methods to narrow down the printing problem in your program:

  • Think about what exactly is the printing problem. For example, does your program print graphics correctly, or are you having problems with just one font?
  • Does the problem occur in only one document or in all documents in the program? As a test, try to print a blank page from the program. If this prints correctly, the program may have problems with memory or with fonts.
  • Are you using a 32-bit or a 16-bit program? 32-bit programs use the system registry to obtain information, while 16-bit programs may use .ini files. If you are having a printing problem with a 16-bit program, you may have to modify an .ini file to handle the program.
  • Remove and then reinstall the program. For information about how to do this, view the documentation that is included with your program.
  • Contact the manufacturer of the program for specific settings or for possible known problems with their program that might affect printing. Also, many programs require upgrades or updates to work correctly. Therefore, verify that you are using any appropriate updates that are available for your program.

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Examine the Windows fonts

Important When you work with any version of Windows, always make sure that you install the latest service pack. Several font problems were corrected in service releases. For more information about service releases for your version of Windows, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/




In Windows, a font is the name of a typeface. Fonts have styles, such as italic, bold, and bold italic. You use fonts to display text on the computer screen and to display text when you print.

Windows provides the following three basic font technologies:

  • Outline fonts

    TrueType fonts and OpenType fonts are outline fonts that are rendered from line and curve commands. An OpenType font is an extension of TrueType fonts. TrueType fonts and OpenType fonts can be scaled and rotated. TrueType fonts and OpenType fonts look good in all sizes and on all output devices that are supported by Windows.

    Windows provides a selection of OpenType fonts, including Arial, Courier New, Lucida Console, Times New Roman, Symbol, and Wingdings.

    Type1 by Adobe Systems Inc., is an outline font that is designed to work with PostScript printers. The Type1 font can be scaled and rotated. Windows fully supports Type1 fonts.

    Note The exact number of TrueType fonts that you can install varies, depending on the length of the TrueType font names and the length of file names.

    For additional information about TrueType font limits, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    131943 TrueType font limits in Windows 95/98/Me

  • Vector fonts

    Vector fonts are supported because a number of programs still use them. Vector fonts are rendered from a mathematical model. They are used primarily with plotters. Windows supports the following three vector fonts:
    • Modern
    • Roman
    • Script
  • Raster fonts

    Raster fonts are supported because a number of programs still use them. Raster fonts are stored in files as bitmap images and are created by displaying a series of dots on the screen and on paper.

If your printing problem appears to be related to fonts, turn on the Print TrueType as graphics feature, and then test to verify that your problem is resolved. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
  2. Right-click the printer that you want to use, and then click Properties.
  3. Click the Fonts tab, click the Print TrueType as graphics feature, and then click OK.
  4. Test to verify that your printing problem is resolved. If your printing problem is not resolved, repeat steps 1 through 3 to turn off the Print TrueType as graphics feature.
  5. Click the Fonts tab, click Download TrueType fonts as bitmap soft fonts, and then click OK.
  6. Test to verify that your printing problem is resolved.

For additional information about troubleshooting TrueType fonts, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

133732 Missing TrueType fonts in Fonts folder or programs


254766 Unable to open or print fonts correctly



When you troubleshoot font problems in Windows, you may have to turn off Adobe Type Manager (ATM) from Windows.

Note If you have a different font manager program installed, you may have to turn off the program.

For additional information about how to disable Adobe Type Manager from Windows, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

69692 Disabling Adobe Type Manager from Windows



If you determine that the font is damaged, remove and then reinstall the font.

To remove a font, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Fonts, and then click the font that you want to remove.


Note To select more than one font, hold down the CTRL key, and then select each font.

  1. On the File menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.

To reinstall a font, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Fonts, and then click Install New Font on the File menu.
  3. In the Drives list, select the drive that contains the font that you want to install.
  4. In the Folders list, double-click the folder that contains the font that you want to add.
  5. In the List of fonts list, select the font that you want to add, and then click OK.


Note To add all the fonts that are listed, click Select All, and then click OK.

For help with removing or installing a font in Windows, contact Microsoft Windows Technical Support or contact the vendor that supplies the font.

For additional information about how to contact your font vendor, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

65416 Hardware and software vendor contact information, A-K


60781 Hardware and software vendor contact information, L-P


60782 Hardware and software vendor contact information, Q-Z




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Examine the printer fonts

Most programs that support printing let you choose among different fonts. Printers that offer the widest assortment of fonts include laser, ink-jet, and dot-matrix printers. These types of printers support a fixed set of resident fonts that you can expand by installing font cartridges or by loading fonts from software and include the following:

  • Internal printer fonts


Internal printer fonts (resident fonts) are used most frequently by laser, dot-matrix, and ink-jet printers. Internal fonts are always available for printing because they are preloaded in the printer's memory (ROM). Cartridge fonts are stored in a cartridge or in a card that plugs into the printer.

  • Downloadable printer fonts


Downloadable printer fonts are sets of characters that are sent from the computer to a printer's memory when the fonts are required for printing. Also named soft fonts, downloadable fonts are used most frequently with laser printers and other page printers, although some dot-matrix printers can also use them. It is a good idea for users who use downloadable fonts and who print to Windows print servers to have these fonts installed locally to increase the printing speed.

Notes

  • For each document that you print, Windows may have to send the required screen and the downloadable fonts to the printer. To improve printing times, use fonts that do not have to be downloaded--for example, internal fonts or cartridge fonts.
  • Some printers can keep a list of downloadable fonts. If your printer supports downloadable fonts, turn on the downloadable font feature for your printer to increase the printing speed.
  • Not all printers can use all three font types--internal fonts, cartridge fonts, or downloadable fonts. For example, pen plotters cannot typically use downloadable fonts. For more information about the types of fonts that you can use, see the operating manual for your printer.

If you suspect that the problem may be with fonts that are being used, try to use a different font to see if you can print. A font or a font cartridge can become damaged and may have to be reinstalled or replaced. For more information about how to reinstall or replace a font cartridge on your printer, see the operating manual for your printer.

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Verify that your printer driver is installed correctly

To verify that your printer driver is correctly installed and is not damaged, remove and then reinstall the printer driver. To do this, follow these steps.

Note If you are using a third-party printer driver that was provided by your printer manufacturer instead of a printer driver that is included with Windows 98 or with Windows Millennium Edition (Me), follow the instructions that are provided by your printer manufacturer to remove and then reinstall your printer driver.

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
  2. Right-click the printer that you want to remove, and then click Delete.

    Note If you are prompted to remove all the files that are associated with the printer, click Yes.
  3. Double-click Add Printer, and then follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard to reinstall the appropriate printer driver.
  4. Test to determine whether your printing problem is resolved.
  5. If your printing problem is not resolved, try installing the Generic/Text Only printer driver for your printer. This test can help determine whether your printing problem is related to your printer driver. To install the Generic/Text Only printer driver as a local printer, follow these steps:
    1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
    2. Double-click Add Printer, and then click Next in the Add Printer Wizard.
    3. Click Local printer, and then click Next.
    4. In the Manufacturers list, click Generic, and then click Next.
    5. Follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard to install the Generic/Text Only printer driver as a local printer.

Test to determine whether you can print by using the Generic/Text Only printer driver. This printer driver is a very basic printer driver and the printed output may be simplified or may appear in a lower resolution. If you can print successfully by using the Generic/Text Only printer driver, your printing problem is probably specific to the printer driver that you are using. Contact your printer manufacturer to see if an updated printer driver or a service pack for your current printer driver is available. Additionally, contact your printer manufacturer for information about any known problems with your printer driver.

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Remove temporary files and spool files

Printing problems may occur if your hard disk contains too many temporary files, is fragmented, is damaged, or does not contain more than 3 megabytes (MB) of free space.

To remove temporary files and spool files in Windows 98, follow these steps:

  1. Restart your computer. When your computer finishes the POST, press and hold down the CTRL key.
  2. On the Microsoft Windows 98 Startup menu, click Safe mode command prompt only, and then press ENTER.


Note Windows-based programs cannot print when you start Windows 98 in Safe Mode.

  1. At the command prompt, type set, and then press ENTER. Note the location of the TEMP variable.
  2. Visit the location that you noted in step 3. For example, if the TEMP variable is located in the C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder, type cd\windows\temp at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.
  3. Delete any temporary files in the TEMP folder. Temporary files typically have a .tmp file name extension. To delete these files, type del *.tmp at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.


Note We recommend that you do not delete these files in the Windows 98 graphical user interface (GUI) because Windows 98 or a Windows-based program may be using one of these files.

  1. To change to the spool folder, type cd\windows\spool\printers at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.
  2. Delete any spool files in the Printers folder. Spool files typically have a .spl file name extension. To delete these files, type del *.spl at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.

To remove temporary files and spool files in Windows Millennium Edition (Me), follow these steps:

  1. Start your computer by using the Windows Millennium Edition (Me) startup disk.
  2. On the Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) Startup menu, press SHIFT+F5.
  3. At the command prompt, type set, and then press ENTER. Note the location of the TEMP variable.
  4. Visit the location that you noted in step 3. For example, if the TEMP variable is located in the C:\WINDOWS\TEMP folder, type cd\windows\temp at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.
  5. Delete any temporary files in the TEMP folder. Temporary files typically have a .tmp file name extension. To delete these files, type del *.tmp at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.
  6. To change to the spool folder, type cd\windows\spool\printers at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.
  7. Delete any spool files in the Printers folder. Spool files typically have a .spl file name extension. To delete these files, type del *.spl at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.

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Run the ScanDisk tool and run the Disk Defragmenter tool

If your computer hard disk becomes fragmented, becomes damaged, or has cross-linked files, you may experience printing problems. You may have to run the ScanDisk tool and the Disk Defragmenter tool. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click ScanDisk.
  3. Under Select the drive(s) you want to check for errors, select the drive where you want to look for errors, and then select the type of test that you want to perform under Type of test.
  4. Click Start, and then click Close two times.
  5. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.
  6. Under Which drive do you want to defragment?, select the drive, and then click OK.

Note Although you can use your computer while the Disk Defragmenter tool is running, it is best not to.

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Verify port settings

If your printer port is not configured and is not working correctly, your printer may not work correctly or may not work at all. Use Device Manager to verify that your printer port settings are correct and that no resource conflicts exist.

To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
  2. Click the Device Manager tab, double-click Ports (COM & LPT), and then double-click the appropriate port for your printer--for example, this would typically be Printer Port (LPT1).
  3. Click the Resources tab, and then verify that the settings are correct for your printer port. For example, the input/output (I/O) range for a standard LPT1 port is 0378-037A. A physical LPT2 port typically uses I/O 278.
  4. Verify that the Conflicting device list list displays No conflicts, and then click OK two times.

    For additional information about how to troubleshoot device conflicts with Device Manager, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    133240 Troubleshooting device conflicts with Device Manager

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Remove and reinstall the printer port

Many port-related problems can be resolved by removing your printer port and then reinstalling it. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
  2. Click the Device Manager tab, double-click Ports (COM & LPT), and then click the appropriate port for your printer--for example, this would typically be Printer Port (LPT1).
  3. Click Remove, click OK, and then restart your computer.

When Windows automatically detects your printer port, follow the instructions that appear on the screen to finish reinstalling the port. If your port is not automatically detected after you restart your computer, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Add New Hardware, and then click Next two times.
  3. If the printer port does not appear in the Devices list, click No, the device isn't in the list., click Next, click No, I want to select the hardware from a list., and then click Next.


Note If the printer port does appear in the Devices list, click Yes, the device is in the list., click Next, and then click Finish.

  1. In the Hardware types list, click Ports (COM & LPT), and then click Next.
  2. In the Manufacturers list, click (Standard port types), in the Models list, click Printer Port, and then click Next.
  3. Follow the instructions in the Add New Hardware Wizard, and then click Finish.

After you are finished installing the port, test to verify that the problem is resolved.

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Turn off the enhanced capabilities port

This section only applies to problems printing (or garbled printout) from computers that are using an enhanced capabilities (ECP) port. To determine whether your printing problem is specific to your ECP port, disable the ECP port. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click System, click the Device Manager tab, and then double-click Ports (COM & LPT).
  3. Double-click the ECP port.
  4. Click the Driver tab, click Update Driver, click Specify the location of the driver (Advanced), and then click Next.
  5. Click Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location, so you can select the driver you want., and then click Next.
  6. Click Show all hardware..
  7. In the Manufacturers list, click (Standard port types), in the Models list, click Printer Port, and then click Next.
  8. In the Update Driver Warning dialog box, click Yes.
  9. Click Finish, and then click Yes to restart your computer.

Note If the ECP port is redetected after you restart your computer, you may also have to change port-related settings by using your computer's CMOS or BIOS Setup utility to disable the ECP port. For information about how to change your computer's CMOS settings, view your computer documentation or contact the manufacturer of your computer.

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Change the Read-only attribute for the Win.ini file

Some printing problems may occur and you may not be able to add printers, to delete printers, or to change the default printer if the Win.ini file has the Read-only attribute set.

To verify that the Wini.ini file has the Read-only attribute set in Windows 98, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
  2. In the Named list, type win.ini.
  3. In the Look in list, select the drive that contains the Windows folder, typically the C drive, and then click Find Now.
  4. Right-click Win, and then click Properties.
  5. In the Attributes section, click to clear the Read-only check box if it is selected, and then click OK.
  6. Restart your computer.

To verify that the Wini.file has the Read-only attribute set in Windows Millennium Edition (Me), follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Search, and then click For Files or Folders.
  2. In the Search for files or folders named box, type win.ini.
  3. In the Look in list, select the drive that contains the WINDOWS folder, typically the C drive, and then click Search Now.
  4. In the right pane, right-click WIN, and then click Properties.
  5. In the Attributes section, click to clear the Read-only check box if it is selected, and then click OK.
  6. Restart your computer.

For additional information about this problem, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

191516 Cannot print in Windows


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Decrease your printer resolution

Printing problems may occur if your printer is configured to print at a high resolution. To determine whether this is the cause of your printing problem, decrease your printer resolution, and then test to verify that your problem is resolved. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
  2. Right-click the printer that you want to use, and then click Properties.
  3. Click the Graphics tab, select a lower resolution or dots per inch for your printer in the Resolution list, and then click OK.

Test to verify that your printing problem is resolved. If your printing problem is not resolved, return your printer resolution to the original setting.

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Print a complex document

Printing problems may occur if you are trying to print a complex document, such as a document that contains many graphic files. To determine whether this is the cause of your printing problem, simplify the document and then try to print it again. To simplify the document, try removing some of the graphic elements (pictures) from the document, try using a different font, or try printing the document one page at a time.

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Verify that a graphic is printed correctly

If a specific graphic object (picture) in a document is not printed correctly, make sure that the graphic object is compatible with the printer, and that the graphic object is not damaged. For example, an Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) graphic object is intended for use on PostScript printers only. On a non-PostScript printer, such a graphic object will be printed poorly, but the rest of the document may print correctly. If you can print other pictures, but not one specific picture, your picture may be damaged. Try using a different picture.

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Verify that you receive an Input/Output printer error

For additional information about this problem, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

157145 Extended or unintelligible characters printed when you start windows


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Use the Microsoft Windows Printing Troubleshooters Help file

To view the Windows 98 Troubleshooters Help file, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, and then click Help.
  2. In the left pane, click Troubleshooting, and then click Windows 98 Troubleshooters.

To view the Windows Millennium Edition (Me) Printing Troubleshooters Help file, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, and then click Help.
  2. Under What would you like help with?, click Troubleshooting.
  3. Under Troubleshooting, click Hardware & system device problems, and then click Hardware, memory, & others.
  4. Under Troubleshooting, click Printing Troubleshooter.

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Keywords: kbprint kbtshoot KB870969



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