Dot Matrix Printer Drivers & XP (XP Pro)

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Once more, Windows XP takes away functionality that was available in earier Windows verisons like 98:

The printer drivers for dot matrix printers, like the Panasonic KX series, the Epson LQ series and the IBM Proprinters do not have a “custom” paper size setting. This makes it impossible to do what thousands of users do with these printers: print continuous labels. (These manufacturers do not post drivers for their printers under XP because “they are included in Windows XP.”)

Has anyone found a way around this? I need to print 4″ labels. (And no, none of the envelope sizes works — close, but not quite.)

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This is NOT a Windows XP issue, it is a problem from the OEM’s of the printers and have NOT updated them for XP. MS provide “Generic” drivers for most devices, but the OEM’s MUST provide drivers with full function drivers.

Go to the OEM’s web page and see if there are XP drivers for your model of printer.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Actually, Dave, I have discovered that it is a Windows XP issue (well, sort of, it also existed in W2K).

The form sizes are now controlled by opening the printer settings and selecting File / Serever Properties. New forms can be added there.

Because you can add forms, the printer drivers themselves do not have the “custom” forms option.

I didn’t see this documented anywhere, but I found a note about it with a Google seaerch. (Now, hopefully, a search of this forum will help others with the same issue.)

BTW, most dot matrix printers don’t even have W2K drivers, including most Epson and IBM. The printer maker in this case, Panasonic, offers no drivers on its web site (that I could find).

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Check out Panasonic Printer Drivers and Utilities

You have NOT stated what models of the printers that you have, but all of the listed Dot Matrix printers at the above link, have Windows drivers.

LQ Series Dot Matrix
LQ Series Dot Matrix-Narrow
LQ-200
LQ-300
LQ-500
LQ-510
LQ-510X
LQ-570
LQ-570+
LQ-570e
LQ-590
LQ-670
LQ-680Pro
LQ-800
LQ-850
LQ-850+
LQ-850X
LQ-860
LQ-870
LQ-950
LQ Series Dot Matrix-Wide
LQ-1000
LQ-1010
LQ-1010X
LQ-1050
LQ-1050+
LQ-1050X
LQ-1070
LQ-1070+
LQ-1170
LQ-1500
LQ-2070
LQ-2080
LQ-2090
LQ-2170
LQ-2180
LQ-2500
LQ-2550

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Dave,

Thanks for the link to the Panasonic drivers.

The printer in question, KX-P2023, only lists drivers for Win95/98 (even though it is still being sold).

However, the forms setting I mentioned in my previous reply seems to be working..

Thanks for the help.

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Dave,

Thanks for the link to the Panasonic drivers.

The printer in question, KX-P2023, only lists drivers for Win95/98 (even though it is still being sold).

However, the forms setting I mentioned in my previous reply seems to be working..

Thanks for the help.

Reply | Quote

Check out Panasonic Printer Drivers and Utilities

You have NOT stated what models of the printers that you have, but all of the listed Dot Matrix printers at the above link, have Windows drivers.

LQ Series Dot Matrix
LQ Series Dot Matrix-Narrow
LQ-200
LQ-300
LQ-500
LQ-510
LQ-510X
LQ-570
LQ-570+
LQ-570e
LQ-590
LQ-670
LQ-680Pro
LQ-800
LQ-850
LQ-850+
LQ-850X
LQ-860
LQ-870
LQ-950
LQ Series Dot Matrix-Wide
LQ-1000
LQ-1010
LQ-1010X
LQ-1050
LQ-1050+
LQ-1050X
LQ-1070
LQ-1070+
LQ-1170
LQ-1500
LQ-2070
LQ-2080
LQ-2090
LQ-2170
LQ-2180
LQ-2500
LQ-2550

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

Reply | Quote

Actually, Dave, I have discovered that it is a Windows XP issue (well, sort of, it also existed in W2K).

The form sizes are now controlled by opening the printer settings and selecting File / Serever Properties. New forms can be added there.

Because you can add forms, the printer drivers themselves do not have the “custom” forms option.

I didn’t see this documented anywhere, but I found a note about it with a Google seaerch. (Now, hopefully, a search of this forum will help others with the same issue.)

BTW, most dot matrix printers don’t even have W2K drivers, including most Epson and IBM. The printer maker in this case, Panasonic, offers no drivers on its web site (that I could find).

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If the OEM does not supply an XP driver sometimes a Win2k driver will work. But be very careful and backup before messing with older drivers.

Joe

--Joe

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Many years later (2021), I was able to install a Panasonic KX-P2023 on Windows 10 as a Generic IBM Graphics 9 pin.  Using A4 paper it is installed for A4 paper (210mm x 297mm), but the individual document setting (Word) is 210mm x 235mm. The character aspect ratio is taller than the previous installation. Margins are different. Graphics resolution changes the printing density and speed.

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