Computer and Software Support


DOS Command Print

Type: External (2.0 and later)

Syntax:

PRINT [/B:(buffersize)] [/D:(device)] [/M:(maxtick)] [/Q:(value] [/S:(timeslice)] [/U:(busytick)] [/C][/P][/T] [d:][path][filename] [...]

Purpose: Queues and prints data files.

Discussion

Using the PRINT command, you can set up one or more files to print and continue to use other programs (often referred to as background printing).

Options

/C - Provides a way to select which files to cancel. A filename already in the print queue that precedes this option will be suspended. Names of files (already in the print queue) that follow this option will be canceled. You can also list more files to print as part of the same PRINT command by entering the /P option followed by the filenames to print.

/P - Sets the print mode. The preceding filename and all following filenames will be added to the print queue. You can also list files to cancel as part of the same PRINT command by entering the /C option followed by the filenames to cancel.

/T - Deletes all files in the print queue (those waiting to be printed). After the print files are canceled, the program displays a cancellation message. If a file is being printed as the PRINT command is used with this option, the printing will stop immediately.

The following options are allowed only the first time you run the PRINT command:

/D (device) - Specifies the print device. If not specified, PRINT will prompt you to enter the name of a print device. The default is PRN.

/B (buffersize) - This parameter sets the size (in bytes) of the amount of memory used by the PRINT buffer. Increasing this value speeds up the operation of the PRINT command. If you do not use the /B option, the PRINT buffer will be set to 512 bytes.

/M (maxtick) - Specifies how many computer clock ticks PRINT can have to print a file. The value of /M can be from 1 to 255. If you do not use the /M option, this parameter will be set to 2.

/Q (value) - Specifies the maximum number of files that are allowed in the print queue (from 4 to 32). If you do not use the /Q option, this parameter will be set to 8.

/S (timeslice) - Specifies the time slice (the interval of time used by DOS to schedule PRINT jobs). If you do not use the /S option, this parameter will be set to 8.

/U (busytick) - Specifies the number of computer clock ticks that DOS will wait for a printer that is not available. If the wait is longer than this value, DOS gives up its time slice (refer to option /S above). If you do not use the /U option, this parameter will be set to 1.

If you use the PRINT command without entering any options , the current contents of the print queue is displayed. This does not change the status of the files currently in the PRINT queue. If you do not enter any of the forward slash options (/), the /P option is assumed.

The first time you use the PRINT command, the following prompt appears (unless you specify the /D parameter):

Name of list device [PRN:]

Whatever device you enter becomes the PRINT output device. Press the Enter key to accept the default (PRN).

During use of the PRINT command, one or more messages may be displayed. Each message and its meaning are summarized below.

Message: List output is not assigned to a device

Meaning: The name of the printer you specified was not valid.

Message: PRINT queue is full

Meaning: You attempted to enter more than 10 files in the PRINT queue.

Message: PRINT queue is empty

Meaning: There are no files in the print queue.

Message: No files match d:(filename)

Meaning: No files match the filename specification you entered.

Message: All files canceled by operator

Meaning: You entered the /T (terminate) option to cancel all the files currently in the PRINT queue.

Message: File canceled by operator

Meaning: You entered the /C (cancel) option to cancel the file currently in the PRINT queue.

Examples

To stop printing and cancel the print queue, enter

print /t

To remove the files LETTER.TXT, START.EXE, and RATE.COM (all on drive B) from the PRINT queue, enter

print b:letter.txt/c b:start.exe b:rate.com

To remove the file SALES.DOC from the PRINT queue and, at the same time, add the files OLDSALE.DOC and NEWSALE.DOC, enter

print sales.doc/c oldsale.doc/p newsale.doc
 

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