"net use lpt1" command not working properly in WXP

[Frank]

We are in an NT/2000 Server and XP Client environment. We are running a DOS application that needs to print to the lpt port. We have used the following batch file in the past:

net use lpt1 /delete

net use lpt1 \\server\printer

The print server is a 2000 box. All users can use the network printer through windows.

When the batch file is run by Normal Users or Power Users, it pauses asking for a password. We can not figure out what password it wants. When it is run by an Administrator, it runs correctly and does not ask for a password.

This command works fine on any Windows 2000 or Windows NT4 machine, but when I try it on a freshly built Windows XP machine it does not work. Any idea's?

[Mysterio]

I found this on another forum:

".....the problem is that non-administrators cannot remap an LPT port to a network printer according to Microsoft?

Now, everyone that has the same problem must download ?DEVCON.EXE? file from Microsoft?s site. Do it and copy it somewhere (?C:\? would be just fine).

Log in locally (to the box, NOT the network) as an administrator or person with administrator?s privileges.

Then you must create a batch file with the following command:

C:\Devcon disable *PNP0401

Then you must go to Start-Run and type GPEDIT.MSC. This gives you access to the group policy section. Finally, you must go to Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Scripts(Startup/Shutdown)\Startup and add the specific script (browse the batch you have created)."

[+BudMan MVC]

Or an easier work around, might be to map it to an unused lpt port, say 2 or 3

This from the MS article on the issue;

If your program can print to the LPT2 port or the LPT3 port, use the net use command to map the network printer to the LPT2 port or the LPT3 port. Most computers do not have physical LPT2 or LPT3 ports, so a non-administrator can map an LPT2 port or an LPT3 port to a network printer.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313644

[Mysterio]

even easier is to go to device manager and check under ports..then ECP...DISABLE it...that's as long as you don't have local printer attached...then that'll free up LPT1 to print to....that's all is....

...problem with the above is that MOST if not ALL DOS based program can ONLY print to LPT1...

[+BudMan MVC]

how would going to every machine and disabling their local lpt port be easier than changing their script to "net use lpt3 \\server\printer" ? ;)

[Mysterio]

if they gotta a #@$@$ load of machines using this DOS based proggy then it might be better to investigate another solution all together...LOL....and again...DOS based progies ONLY print to the infamous LPT1....

[paratrupr]

  BudMan said:

how would going to every machine and disabling their local lpt port be easier than changing their script to "net use lpt3 \\server\printer" ? ;)

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It won't be easier. But the bigger problem is what if the DOS program will ONLY print to LPT1?

[Frank]

  Mysterio said:

I found this on another forum:

".....the problem is that non-administrators cannot remap an LPT port to a network printer according to Microsoft?

Now, everyone that has the same problem must download ?DEVCON.EXE? file from Microsoft?s site. Do it and copy it somewhere (?C:\? would be just fine).

Log in locally (to the box, NOT the network) as an administrator or person with administrator?s privileges.

Then you must create a batch file with the following command:

C:\Devcon disable *PNP0401

Then you must go to Start-Run and type GPEDIT.MSC. This gives you access to the group policy section. Finally, you must go to Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Scripts(Startup/Shutdown)\Startup and add the specific script (browse the batch you have created)."

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My technician tried using the Devcon before with no luck, but he didn't go into Group Policy to change anything. What does he need to change?

  BudMan said:

Or an easier work around, might be to map it to an unused lpt port, say 2 or 3

This from the MS article on the issue;

If your program can print to the LPT2 port or the LPT3 port, use the net use command to map the network printer to the LPT2 port or the LPT3 port. Most computers do not have physical LPT2 or LPT3 ports, so a non-administrator can map an LPT2 port or an LPT3 port to a network printer.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313644

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I will contact the maker of the program and see if this is possible. This is the first Windows XP Machine we have put out on the floor that hasn't been for a admin.

  Mysterio said:

even easier is to go to device manager and check under ports..then ECP...DISABLE it...that's as long as you don't have local printer attached...then that'll free up LPT1 to print to....that's all is....

...problem with the above is that MOST if not ALL DOS based program can ONLY print to LPT1...

584857934[/snapback]

That is what he did for a workaround for now, but I don't like this solution. It works, but I do not want to have to do that for every machine. We also have a few users who need to have a printer plugged in locally, but switch to a network printer to print from the dos programs.

Thanks for all of the advise, I hope the program can allow the use of LPT2 or 3.

[Frank]

  Mysterio said:

if they gotta a #@$@$ load of machines using this DOS based proggy then it might be better to investigate another solution all together...LOL....and again...DOS based progies ONLY print to the infamous LPT1....

584857951[/snapback]

The program is actually designed for use in 1980 for a AIX system and then later ported to DOS. The has been changed to work in a Windows Environment through Acucobol. The company who sells this product has continued to sell it until last month when they came out with a new product based in ASP and MS SQL. We are not prepared yet to upgrade to this product nor do we want to (I don't like being test rats for custom programming).

We use this program on about 30 machine, but disabling LPT1 is not an option for all of them.

[Mysterio]

yep...MOST of these older programs will ONLY print to LPT1....that's correct...

  paratrupr said:

But the bigger problem is what if the DOS program will ONLY print to LPT1?

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[paratrupr]

This isn't your solution, but I thought you could eliminate the /delete command and just run the following parameter with one net use (if you launch your DOS program separately, then nevermind. This will remove the port redirect after your proggie closes).

net use lpt1 \\computer\printer /Persistent:NO
DOS PROGRAM LAUNCH COMMAND

[Mysterio]

/delete switch is just a way to CONFIRM that the port is free to use...he's just making sure there's nothing connected to it before his program goes to print to tha port....won't change much....

[crackhbob]

Anyone know how to make the net use lpt1 mapping work on an IP printer?

[Mysterio]

...I would think as long as this IP based printer is shared...you can redirect the client's lpt1 to use this share...

[Frank]

  Mysterio said:

/delete switch is just a way to CONFIRM that the port is free to use...he's just making sure there's nothing connected to it before his program goes to print to tha port....won't change much....

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Exactly. We also have some users that need to print from this program to different printers, so we have a batch file they can use to switch, but we always want on reboot for it to go back to the default printer.

[paratrupr]

  Fowen said:

When the batch file is run by Normal Users or Power Users, it pauses asking for a password.  We can not figure out what password it wants.  When it is run by an Administrator, it runs correctly and does not ask for a password. 

This command works fine on any Windows 2000 or Windows NT4 machine, but when I try it on a freshly built Windows XP machine it does not work.  Any idea's?

584857513[/snapback]

Back to the original problem. Have you tested the RunAs command for the XP machine?

runas /user:mymachine\administrator "net use lpt1 \\computer\printer /Persistent:NO"

or

runas /user:domain_id\administrator password "net use lpt1 \\computer\printer /Persistent:NO"

You should get the password prompt now on the XP box.

You could always create a domain account which has limited administrative permissions for LPT1 and incorporate that ID into your batch script. <EDIT>(Of course your users would have to know the password to enter at the prompt. Or you could put the password in plain view in the batch file.)

Edited November 3, 2004 by paratrupr

[Frank]

The user would still have to type in a password wouldn't they?

[paratrupr]

  Fowen said:

The user would still have to type in a password wouldn't they?

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Oops. I was editing my previous post and missed your reply...

[paratrupr]

If your concern is about the end user knowing the Administrator password, try this FREE solution which will make this entire process much easier.

Get AutoIT3 and compile the following script with your Username and Password. Then the info will be encrypted and the end user can click the .exe to do it all, including launching the DOS proggie.

Create InstallXxxxAsAdmin.au3:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dim $UserName, $DomainName, $Password, $RunProgram, $RunPath

$UserName = "Administrator"
$DomainName = "YourDomainName"
$Password = "zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz"

$RunProgram = "net use lpt1 \\computer\printer /Persistent:NO"
$RunPath = "C:\Winnt"


RunAsSet ( $UserName, $DomainName, $Password )

$val = RunWait($RunProgram, $RunPath, @SW_MAXIMIZE)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compile it, and you will have an binary InstallXxxxAsAdmin.exe

Taken from http://www.experts-exchange.com/Security/W...Q_20933972.html

[Mysterio]

nice...I like this...I can see me using this in many different problems involving authentication...good one...

[+orgitnized Subscriber¹]

This app will take care of it for you. Look over the PDF. It doesn't get any easier than this to print to printers from DOS in a Windows NT environment. Absolutely fantastic stable software that has satisfied countless customers of mine. Did I mention this version is free!? DOSPrint.zip

Lemme know if it suits your needs! :D

[Mysterio]

I just READ this one today....

yeah...AND???....how does that solve the issue at hand????? :angry:

  Fowen said:

Exactly.  We also have some users that need to print from this program to different printers, so we have a batch file they can use to switch, but we always want on reboot for it to go back to the default printer.

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[Frank]

  Mysterio said:

I just READ this one today....

yeah...AND???....how does that solve the issue at hand????? :angry:

584864146[/snapback]

Umm... I am the original poster with the problem thank you very much. I was posting another step in the process.

[Mysterio]

oh I see...you ASKED for help...and that GIVES you autonomy over the thread???..is my recent post directed at YOU..the bloody "original" poster?

[Frank]

IF YOU look at your quote in your thread, it does look like it was pointed at me. Calm down dude.