PeopleSoft Printing Issues/Resolutions 

Overview

PeopleSoft Student Administration delivers many reports in SQR and Crystal formats.  This presents a challenge because while Crystal in Windows based application, SQR is DOS based.  When a user clicks something that says ‘Print’, they expect it to go directly to their printer.  The steps below combined with some user training will help meet their expectations.

Sending SQR Reports Directly to the Printer 

Client Workstation/ NT Server

SQR is an MS-DOS based program and therefore must conform to DOS’s limitations. In order to print through the PeopleSoft Process Scheduler, you must be able to print from DOS. On the Client Workstation, we recommend that you print to LPT ports. These must be captured at the DOS level. For example,  

 1. Go to the MS_DOS prompt.
 2. At the dos prompt type: c:\>net use lptx \\servername\sharename /persistent:yes

For example: c:\>net use lpt5 \\psdev00\ljprt00 /persistent:yes

 Type NET USE /HELP | MORE for additional information and options such as /PERSISTENT:YES which controls the use of persistent network connections. (/PERSISTENT:YES is an NT option only.)

On Windows 9x Workstations, you also have the capability to capture the Printer Port from the Printer Icon.

1 Select Start, Settings, Printers
2 Point to default printer, then click right mouse button4 Choose the Details tab
3 Select Properties from menu

5 Click Capture Printer Port button
Device = LPT5

Path = network path to the printer (ie \\PLE-PRINT-08\B1-P4130)

6 Click OK to accept change
7 Click OK to close Properties
8 Close Printers window

Sending Crystal Reports Directly to the Printer

If you want to print to LPT5: through Process Scheduler, BUT have LPT5: point to a network printer. 

SOLUTION: 

Windows9x: 

People Tools release 6.0 or 7.x and printing Crystal Reports through the Process Scheduler using a Win9x workstation; you need to enter the Windows Printer name on the output instead of LPT5.

Since SQRs require you to use LPTx as the printer name, there are many problems giving the right printer name. One suggestion is to rename the Windows printer icon to "LPT5", and to use that from the Process Scheduler request panel. 

WindowsNT: 

1) On the workstation, click on Start, Settings, Printers, Add Printer

2) Select 'My Computer', 'Printers', 'Add Printer', and then click on 'Next'

3) Place a checkmark next to the LPT5: printer that you wish to use, then click on 'Next'

4) Select the Printer brand and model for the driver to use, then click on 'Next'

5) The message "Keep existing Driver?" might display. If so just click on 'Next'  

6) You will then be asked to name the printer, as well as if you want

to set this as Default Printer.

7) The next screen will ask if you want the printer to be shared. Select 'Shared' and set the 'Shared Name'. Also on the bottom of that screen you need to select the Operating System that will be used for printing to this printer.

8) Another message asks if you would like to print a test page? Click on 'NO!'

9) Next you need to RIGHT-click on the printer ICON you just created, then click on 'Properties'.  

10) In the 'Location' field, it is necessary to set the UNC path to point there.

For Ex: Location: \\servername\sharename  

NOTE: Some customers may want to run a report to a local printer just this one time. In Process Scheduler, they have the option to print to a file, printer, or window. Have them print the report to a window, then hit the 'print' icon. This will print the report on their local printer without having to hardcode the path of the printer.  

********* IP Printers must be mapped as a local printer on the server that uses Process Scheduler *********  

For Windows 9x:

Printing Crystal Reports through the Process Scheduler using a Windows9x workstation and PeopleTools Release 6.x and 7.x.

It is necessary to enter the Windows Printer name on the output instead of LPT5.  

Since SQR reports require the use of LPT5 as the printer name, there are many problems giving the correct printer name.