2 Brain Busters

[Solo]

Both puzzles involve running a large dos app under a win98 network. First the app uses captures to print to LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3. The workstations only have LPT1 physically installed, only the server actually has all 3 ports where the 3 printers are printed to locally. Whenever printing from a workstation to LPT1 the server responds and prints immediately. If the app prints output to LPT2 or LPT3 which don't actually exist in the workstation, the server does not print for 60 seconds unless you exit the dos app in which case it prints immediately. If I install the missing LPT ports in a workstation the problem goes away - not an option I want at $40 per workstation. Who can tell me how to adjust this 60 second pause/timeout event? Second problem, same DOS app when launched on win98 especially after a fresh reboot before loading anything else will freeze. CTRL+ALT+DEL then END TASK and repeat sometimes 2-3 times before the app runs fine the rest of the day. This behavior first began after switching machines to win98 from 95 which never had this problem. Another factor is faster machines with more memory are now being used. Please any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[flikserv]

This should solve the printing problem:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q140/0/36.asp

Second problem may be due to the settings on the DOS app. Right-click on the .exe and select properties, "Program" tab, select "Advanced" button.

First, try a check mark in the box beside "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows." If your app runs properly with this setting, great. If not, deselect it, and deselect "Suggest MS-DOS mode as necessary", then select "MS-DOS mode." When the app is run, this will cause Windows to stop. Windows will then restart when the you exit the app.

[This message has been edited by flikserv (edited 10-04-99).]