scheduled printing of a text file using batch files

I've been attempting to automate the process of printing a text file
using a batch file or schtasks in the command line, in order to provide
a "warm up" method (test page) for our networked Xerox printer.
The printer has issues with time outs, after 240 minutes of non use. It
then takes 30 seconds to 5 minutes (depending upon the settings in
place) for the printer to warm up, before it will print. I can
obviously use the software or hardware process to do such, but I have
better things to do with my time.

Printing from the command line using notepad works fine!

(Code String Example
notepad /p desktop\blank.txt


I am stumped on using the proper syntax method for the command line
when attempting to use the "schtasks" for automating this process.

(Code String EXAMPLE
schtasks /create /s /tn "Printer Warm Up" /tr notepad /p
desktop\blank.txt /sc daily /st 10:00:00 /ed 06/06/2008

I receive the following error:

ERROR: Invalid syntax. Value expected for '/s'



I've tried many different ways of moving the "/s" around to make this
work, but it always complains about the string in place.

Other ERROR: Cannot specify password without specifying the user name.

There should be an easier way to specify the local system, without user
name and password?

ANY IDEAS?
(Besides dumping the Xerox printer...LOL)


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this would be a scheduled task question rather than a printing question. I
have never used the schtasks command. Unsure which newsgroup that would go
to.

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"Gadgetman" wrote in message
...

I've been attempting to automate the process of printing a text file
using a batch file or schtasks in the command line, in order to provide
a "warm up" method (test page) for our networked Xerox printer.
The printer has issues with time outs, after 240 minutes of non use. It
then takes 30 seconds to 5 minutes (depending upon the settings in
place) for the printer to warm up, before it will print. I can
obviously use the software or hardware process to do such, but I have
better things to do with my time.

Printing from the command line using notepad works fine!

(Code String Example
notepad /p desktop\blank.txt


I am stumped on using the proper syntax method for the command line
when attempting to use the "schtasks" for automating this process.

(Code String EXAMPLE
schtasks /create /s /tn "Printer Warm Up" /tr notepad /p
desktop\blank.txt /sc daily /st 10:00:00 /ed 06/06/2008

I receive the following error:

ERROR: Invalid syntax. Value expected for '/s'



I've tried many different ways of moving the "/s" around to make this
work, but it always complains about the string in place.

Other ERROR: Cannot specify password without specifying the user name.

There should be an easier way to specify the local system, without user
name and password?

ANY IDEAS?
(Besides dumping the Xerox printer...LOL)


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Well, I'm no scheduled task expert, either, however, in looking at the
syntax for the schtasks command and the /S switch in particular, I read it
that, if you use this switch, you must provide a remote system argument for
it; your example has no remote system argument defined. If you leave the /S
out, help indicates the system parameter defaults to the local system. The
/P switch would probably require a /U username if used. It looks like using
/RP SYSTEM would run everything under the system account. If I get some
time, I'll play with this.

Hal
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"Gadgetman" wrote in message
...

I've been attempting to automate the process of printing a text file
using a batch file or schtasks in the command line, in order to provide
a "warm up" method (test page) for our networked Xerox printer.
The printer has issues with time outs, after 240 minutes of non use. It
then takes 30 seconds to 5 minutes (depending upon the settings in
place) for the printer to warm up, before it will print. I can
obviously use the software or hardware process to do such, but I have
better things to do with my time.

Printing from the command line using notepad works fine!

(Code String Example
notepad /p desktop\blank.txt


I am stumped on using the proper syntax method for the command line
when attempting to use the "schtasks" for automating this process.

(Code String EXAMPLE
schtasks /create /s /tn "Printer Warm Up" /tr notepad /p
desktop\blank.txt /sc daily /st 10:00:00 /ed 06/06/2008

I receive the following error:

ERROR: Invalid syntax. Value expected for '/s'



I've tried many different ways of moving the "/s" around to make this
work, but it always complains about the string in place.

Other ERROR: Cannot specify password without specifying the user name.

There should be an easier way to specify the local system, without user
name and password?

ANY IDEAS?
(Besides dumping the Xerox printer...LOL)


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I get the /p to work for me - have a ssimilar problem with a Sharp
printer. However, does anyone know how to use the /p in addition with
a specified printer - I have 12 printer to wake up every morning

I have tried notepad.exe /p [printername] goodmorning.txt

with no result.

wrote:
I get the /p to work for me - have a ssimilar problem with a Sharp
printer. However, does anyone know how to use the /p in addition with
a specified printer - I have 12 printer to wake up every morning

I have tried notepad.exe /p [printername] goodmorning.txt

with no result.

If the printers are all non-GDI (e.g. PCL or PS), you can use the lpr
command to print directly to the printer via its ip address:
lpr -S ip_address -P lpt1 wakeup.txt

The wakeup.txt file could be created by printing to a file from e.g.
notepad.


/klaus

(Code String Example
notepad /p desktop\blank.txt

In the above example, you should be able to print without specifying
anything else. (System, Printer, Username and Password shouldn't be
required.)

However, if you use "SCHTASKS" the "/P" takes on a whole new meaning.
("/P" would then indicate PASSWORD, and using "/P" switch would
probably require a /U username if used.)


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Klaus Jorgensen;3792031 Wrote:
wrote:
I get the /p to work for me - have a ssimilar problem with a Sharp
printer. However, does anyone know how to use the /p in addition with
a specified printer - I have 12 printer to wake up every morning

I have tried notepad.exe /p [printername] goodmorning.txt

with no result.

If the printers are all non-GDI (e.g. PCL or PS), you can use the lpr
command to print directly to the printer via its ip address:
lpr -S ip_address -P lpt1 wakeup.txt

The wakeup.txt file could be created by printing to a file from e.g.
notepad.


/klaus
"lpr -S ip_address -P lpt1 wakeup.txt"

This works Great Also, and appears to be yet another way to print from
the command line. (Thanks for providing another way to do such, I'm
always learning! Appreciate your input!)

It's very similar to the original command used: notepad /p
desktop\blank.txt
(Which works fine if I manually type in the command)

Does anyone know how to apply this using "SCHTASKS" ?

Or possibly open my eyes to using a Batch File for the commands to run
at specific times?


I really appreciate all suggestions and efforts!

Thanks Again!


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Gadgetman wrote:
"lpr -S ip_address -P lpt1 wakeup.txt"

It's very similar to the original command used: notepad /p
desktop\blank.txt

Yes, but that would require a printer driver - the lpr command sends a
raw file to the printer.

Does anyone know how to apply this using "SCHTASKS" ?

Why not use the GUI to add the batch job?


/klaus

Gadgetman;3794541 Wrote:
"lpr -S ip_address -P lpt1 wakeup.txt"

This works Great Also, and appears to be yet another way to print from
the command line. (Thanks for providing another way to do such, I'm
always learning! Appreciate your input!)

It's very similar to the original command used: notepad /p
desktop\blank.txt
(Which works fine if I manually type in the command)

Does anyone know how to apply this using "SCHTASKS" ?

Or possibly open my eyes to using a Batch File for the commands to run
at specific times?


I really appreciate all suggestions and efforts!

Thanks Again!
Another excellent result of using this command:
"lpr -S ip_address -P lpt1 wakeup.txt"
is that it spools the print job "blank.txt" without printing any actual
data!
(This means that we can re-use the paper, since it remains blank.)
Something I was unable to do using the previous command:
"notepad /p desktop\blank.txt"
(which always required some data within the text file, and also printed
"Page 1" at the bottom regardless.
Now if I can only figure out how to automate the process, so it will do
this every morning, and every 239 minutes until 7pm M-F!


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Klaus Jorgensen;3794684 Wrote:
Gadgetman wrote:
"lpr -S ip_address -P lpt1 wakeup.txt"

It's very similar to the original command used: notepad /p
desktop\blank.txt

Yes, but that would require a printer driver - the lpr command sends a
raw file to the printer.

Does anyone know how to apply this using "SCHTASKS" ?

Why not use the GUI to add the batch job?


/klaus
Funny you should mention that, as I'm attempting to create a working
batch file which will execute the command line:"lpr -S ip_address -P
lpt1 wakeup.txt"
using the GUI "Scheduled Tasks" within XP.
(If successful, it will most likely run using "AT" or "SCHTASKS" as
well.)

Just having trouble writing this Batch File (My first batch file) to
execute properly.
The batch file appears to run, but nothing occurs.

Yet typing: "lpr -S ip_address -P lpt1 wakeup.txt" in the command
manually, it executes flawlessly. (The printer spools!)

Any Ideas / Suggestions?


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Gadgetman wrote:
Now if I can only figure out how to automate the process, so it will do
this every morning, and every 239 minutes until 7pm M-F!

schtasks /create /tn "Printer warm up" /sc weekly /ri 239 /d
mon,tue,wed,thu,fri /st 10:00:00 /et 19:00:00 /tr c:\batch\wakeup.cmd
/ru username /rp password

Note this will only work on Server 2003 as XP does not support all the
schtasks options. Also, I usually never put arguments in the command
for a task - I prefer to launch a batch file with all the codings in
it.


/klaus

Klaus Jorgensen;3795325 Wrote:
Gadgetman wrote:
Now if I can only figure out how to automate the process, so it will
do
this every morning, and every 239 minutes until 7pm M-F!

schtasks /create /tn "Printer warm up" /sc weekly /ri 239 /d
mon,tue,wed,thu,fri /st 10:00:00 /et 19:00:00 /tr c:\batch\wakeup.cmd
/ru username /rp password

Note this will only work on Server 2003 as XP does not support all the
schtasks options. Also, I usually never put arguments in the command
for a task - I prefer to launch a batch file with all the codings in
it.


/klaus
The only problem I still face is the actual batch file not executing.
I've tried it several different ways, using a "warmup.bat" and also
"warmup.cmd" file to reference in the cmd string. The schtasks command
string fires, yet nothing occurs at the printer end. I've narrowed it
down to the .bat & .cmd file not executing: lpr -S MyIP_address -P
8550dp blank.txt

Yet if I manually type the same command in the CMD prompt, it works?

As stated previously, I'm new to creating batch files...
So it must be my lack of knowledge of syntax for creating a proper
batch file.

I'm still experimenting...


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Gadgetman wrote:
The only problem I still face is the actual batch file not executing.
I've tried it several different ways, using a "warmup.bat" and also
"warmup.cmd" file to reference in the cmd string. The schtasks command
string fires, yet nothing occurs at the printer end. I've narrowed it
down to the .bat & .cmd file not executing: lpr -S MyIP_address -P
8550dp blank.txt


Try redirecting the output of the lpr command to a log file:

lpr -S MyIP_address -P 8550dp blank.txt lpr.log

Then check the lpr.log for possible errors.

Problems with scheduled batch jobs is often caused by not correctly
referencing the involved files. Try using fully qualified file
locations - e.g. c:\batch\blank.txt.


/klaus

Klaus Jorgensen;3796335 Wrote:
Gadgetman wrote:
The only problem I still face is the actual batch file not executing.
I've tried it several different ways, using a "warmup.bat" and also
"warmup.cmd" file to reference in the cmd string. The schtasks
command
string fires, yet nothing occurs at the printer end. I've narrowed it
down to the .bat & .cmd file not executing: lpr -S MyIP_address -P
8550dp blank.txt


Try redirecting the output of the lpr command to a log file:

lpr -S MyIP_address -P 8550dp blank.txt lpr.log

Then check the lpr.log for possible errors.

Problems with scheduled batch jobs is often caused by not correctly
referencing the involved files. Try using fully qualified file
locations - e.g. c:\batch\blank.txt.


/klaus
Klaus,
I feel like I'm so close on this...
And I really appreciate your assistance on this one!

No luck with the batch file still.
I've attempted to try your suggestion for redirecting the output of the
lpr command to a log file. (The log file remains blank?)

Question:could it be due to the raw file data being passed?

Also: do you have an example of a known working batch file syntax for
using the LPR command?


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Gadgetman wrote:
Klaus Jorgensen;3796335 Wrote:
Try redirecting the output of the lpr command to a log file:
lpr -S MyIP_address -P 8550dp blank.txt lpr.log

I've attempted to try your suggestion for redirecting the output of the
lpr command to a log file. (The log file remains blank?)

Question:could it be due to the raw file data being passed?
Also: do you have an example of a known working batch file syntax for
using the LPR command?

If a log file is created and is empty, the lpr command is ok.
If the raw file is empty, the printer might probably just ignore the
file - try grab the output of a Windows test print to a test.prn and
use that file with the lpr command.
Also, the printer could be restrictive with the port name, try using
lpt1, lp1 or pr1 instead of 8550dp. If a printer server box (e.g.
JetDirect) has more than one port, the port name must specify the
actual port, but with a built-in network card in the printer, it
shouldn't really matter.


/klaus