You could also use the Print to File feature, creating a *.prn file:
Here's How to 'Print to *.PRN file, then Print out *.PRN file '
There are three pieces to this method.
A) Set up a new entry in the Printers folder.
B) Create a (two line) batch file (printPRN.bat).
C) Associate PRN file type with printPRN.bat file.
A. Set up a new entry in the Printers folder.
1. From the Start menu, select Settings > Printers, the Printers window will pop up,
showing an icon for each of the printers you have at your disposal, plus an icon called
"Add Printer".
2. Double click on this icon.
3. The Add Printer Wizard window will pop up, click on Next.
4. Select the manufacturer and model of the printer you will eventually send the .prn files to. {Rather than scrolling through the entire list of manufacturers, just press the first letter of their name (e.g. H for HP) on the keyboard and the list will jump to the manufacturers}
starting with that letter.
5. Once the correct manufacturer / printer has been selected
Click on Next. Keep the existing driver for this printer,
click on Next. You will be shown a list of ports,
select the one which says: "File: Creates a file on disk",
click on Next.
6. Enter a name for this printer, e.g. "HP Laserjet (FILE)" and select whether to use this printer as the default,
click on Next. Don't bother 'printing' a test page,
(Perform the above procedeure for each printer you plan to use in this way.)
click on Finish. If you now 'print' to this printer a dialog asking you the name of the file to print to will pop up.
B. Create a (two line) batch file (printPRN.bat)
1. Using NotePad (or the like), Create a file called (in this example) printPRN.bat .
2. Enter the following two lines (exactly as shown):
ECHO OFF
@COPY %1 LPT1
3. Then 'Save as' c:\printPRN.bat .
C. Associate PRN file type with printPRN.bat file
1. In My Computer or Windows Explorer, click the View menu, and then click Options.
2. Click the File Types tab.
3. In the list of file types, click NEW TYPE.
a. In the 'Description of type' window, type Print *.prn file .
b. Click on the (lower) NEW button.
c. In the ACTION window, enter Open
d. In the 'Application used to perform function' window, enter c:\printPRN.bat
e. Exit out by clicking ENTER all the way.
--
Brian Kvalheim
Microsoft Publisher MVP
http://www.mvps.org/publisher
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
confers no rights.
Nor do I. But ya just never know!