I have a legacy financial package that was designed to run in DOS. It has unique features which I have yet to see duplicated in a software program designed for Windows. I can run the legacy software in Windows XP's command prompt for the most part with no problems. However, since the finanical software expects to print directly to a printer attached directly to the LPT1 parallel port, the reports were not printing to a USB-attached or networked printer.
Fortunately, there is a FREE utility that you can download and install to get around this problem, called DOSPrint. It will allow you to easily print from DOS-based software to any printer available to Windows (actually NT/2000 and later, not Windows 98 or previous).
Here are some of it's main features (obtained from the DOSPrint web site):
DOSPrint is software which captures LPT ports to any print queue.
DOSPrint can capture LPT1-LPT9 to any local or network print queue.
Local print queues do not need to be shared.
Capture directly to NDPS printers without requiring a legacy NetWare print queue.
Capture directly to local LPT, USB, or TCP/IP printers without requiring sharing.
Runs in the system tray for easy access.
Click here for the DOSPrint download page
See also: DOSBox: Run Your Favorite DOS Legacy (Game) Programs
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Printing From DOS Legacy Programs In Windows
3 comments • Lawrence Yerkes - Broker Associate, Southern New Jersey Real Estate Services • March 12 2007 12:38AMComments
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There are still useful DOS programs around (often custom) that do not have Windows versions available for whatever reason. They can usually be run in Windows via the "Command Prompt" (which used to be called DOS command mode). Often, the only problem was being able to print directly to LPT1. Someone with enough technical knowledge can set up workarounds, but this to me this easier and quicker to install and use.