duplicate printer definition

[jacksonmacd]

Is it possible to create a duplicate printer definition under Win98? I want to copy the defintion and make a few changes to the Properties so that I have two very similar printers. I've tried without success to create a second instance of the printer using conventional methods.

The printer is an Epson C64 that is attached to a WinXP machine that is networked to the Win98 machine. When I run the Setup.EXE program that was supplied with the printer, it finishes with a "successful installation" message, but no new printer appears. When I use the "Add printer" wizard in the Printers dialog box, it goes all the way thru the process, but finishes with a message that it "... cannot install the printer. Close all programs and restart Windows"

[WyllyWylly]

Yes, it's possible, just run the printer wizard again and give it a different name. Make sure you select one as the default printer.

[KenK]

I don't know why it's not working for you, but it does work for me on several networked computers (NT, 98, ME, XP), with several printer definitions on each, accessing two different printers. The printer definitions allow us to select combinations of paper size, orientation, manual/automatic feed, colour/grey scale, etc.

A helpful utility to switch between printers/definitions, without leaving a program or repeatedly using a "change printer" function within a program, is Printer Express from South Bay Software...... 30 day trial, then $12.00 US to register. IMHO a really good deal !!

Have a Great day!!!
Ken

[jacksonmacd]

I don't know why it's not working either. Unfortunately, the program you mentioned only works once the printer is defined, and that's the area where I am having trouble. The printer wizard always fails at the last step, once it looks like everything has been done correctly -- very frustrating

Anyway, I spelunked thru the Registry and found the areas I needed. I exported, manually edited, and re-imported this key:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetControlPr intPrintersEPSON Stylus C64 Series copy 2]

and made a new key
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEConfig0001SystemCurrentControlSe tControlPrintPrintersEPSON Stylus C64 Series copy 2]

Rebooted the machine, and there it was - a copy of the existing printer definition. Edited the few settings that required changing, and it's good to go.

[WyllyWylly]

Neat workaround! Thanks for sharing!