<b>Network printing problems in Mac OS 8.1
<b>Network printing problems in Mac OS 8.1
Novell server and problem printing to a LaserWriter Todd Rayer writes that, after updating to Mac OS 8.1 (and LaserWriter 8.5.1), "we could connect and log into the Novell server (using Novell Netware client for Mac OS 5.11), but could not print to the LaserWriter 12/640 connected via the server. The print queue would show up in the directory browser, but you could not choose it. The printer worked fine if connected instead to an NT server."
Devin Brennan similarly notes "that the Laser Writer 8 software that comes with the OS 8.1 update is not compatible with the Netware Print Chooser. I tested this on a 7200 with a clean install of OS 8 and then the 8.1 Update (the only other software installed was the Netware Client) What happens is that the Print Chooser will open once to allow you to configure a desktop printer, but once you have tried to configure a printer and quit the utility the print chooser will no longer open - it hangs and then eventually quits with a Type 1 error. I found that replacing the LaserWriter 8 software that came with 8.1 with the LaserWriter 8 software from OS 8 solves the problem."
A Novell web page offers some possibly relevant advice:
PROBLEM: Some PostScript downloading or LaserWriter utilities may not recognize or use NetWare Print Queues selected using the NetWare Print Chooser. Normally they should respond with a "Printer not found" message. SOLUTION: Use a utility that communicates with the printer currently selected in the Chooser, such as Adobe SendPS. Such utilities generally work with NetWare Print Access on the printer or queue most recently selected in the NetWare Print Chooser.
PROBLEM: If you run NetWare Print Chooser concurrently with Apple's Chooser, the two applications may compete for ownership of the print drivers and thereby lead to serious problems, including crashes. SOLUTION: Run only one chooser at a time.
Novell server and LaserWriter 8.5.1 -8993 error We have previously noted that LaserWriter 8.5.1 may trigger an -8993 error when printing over a network using DAVE. It is apparently a more general problem. Both Jeffrey Sessler and Traeton Garl report the same problem with Novell 4.11 software: "When printing with LW 8.5.1, the Mac displays a 'waiting for printer ' message; then you get the 'Document<name of doc>'; then after about 1-2 minutes you finally get the -8993 error." [This problem probably extends beyond Mac OS 8.1.]
A Novell web page offers this advice: "PROBLEM: Error code -8993 occurs when printing in the background with NetWare Print Access using the LaserWriter/PSPrinter 8.x driver. SOLUTION: This problem is rare, and thought to be a result of the driver timing out due to not getting enough processor time. If you experience this problem, switch to foreground printing, or try to avoid intensive activity on your workstation when background printing is in progress.
Novell mclupd3.bin update As noted in an Apple TIL file, Novell has posted a fix, mclupd3.bin, that is needed to "work properly with the new Power Macintosh G3 systems." See also a MacInTouch article for more background.
Novell IPX printing problem Netware Client for MacOS version 5.11 does not support IPX running on PCI LAN cards unless you get the just-mentioned mclupd3.bin fix. However, Neil Reuben reportsvarious printing problems with the Novell Mac Client 5.11 (even after applying the Novell update fix). He writes; "We've had problems with IPX based printer choosing (does not use the Chooser, but another Novell provided utility). Also, the Netware Object Assistant will launch and close without handing off to the Netware Print Chooser. The work-around is to use AppleTalk printing if possible on your network."
LocalTalkPCI extension and printing problems A reminder that may be relevant to some of the above problems: As reported here in the Mac OS 8.1 Special Report, the LocalTalkPCI v1.0 extension may prevent printers (Apple and HP) from being seen over a network when running Mac OS 8.1. In general, disabling the extension eliminates the problem.