TITLE
    LaserWriter 8.6: Difficulty Printing To GCC Printers
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		24830
3/3/99
6/29/99
TOPIC

    After installing Mac OS 8.5, my Macintosh is having difficulties printing to my GCC PostScript printer. When I send a print job to the printer, the printer indicates it is receiving the job but it does not print it. Other times after I select to print a document my Macintosh displays the error -8925 or -8993.

DISCUSSION

    The networking code that LaserWriter 8, version 8.6 uses is not fully compatible with GCC printers. Symptoms include:
    • Jobs created with LaserWriter 8.6 sent to the printer do not print.
    • If the printer is busy processing a print job, when a Macintosh attempts to print to the printer using LaserWriter 8.6 that job also may fail or the Macintosh may display an error -8925 or -8993.
    • This communication problem can effect other functions, such as using the Chooser to Create, Setup, or Auto Setup the GCC printer.
    • If you install an older driver such as the GCC Elite 600 driver, v7.1.2, your Macintosh may freeze when you attempt to print .

    Solution

    Mac OS 8.6 resolves the issues described above.

    Workaround

    If you do not wish (or cannot) upgrade to Mac OS 8.6, then you may use LaserWriter 8.5.1 rather than LaserWriter 8.6 when printing to GCC printers. Directions follow:

    Step 1
    Download the six LaserWriter 8.5.1 disk images from Apple Software Updates.

    Step 2
    Mount the six LW_8.5.1 images, review the "Before You Install" Read Me on disk 1, then launch the Installer on disk 1.

    Step 3
    A splash screen is displayed that reads 'Apple LaserWriter 8.5.1 Installer:'. Click Continue.

    Step 4
    When the Software License Agreement is displayed, click on agree if you agree with the terms of the license agreement.

    Step 5
    The window titled 'Installer Script' provides you the option to select a destination disk to install this software. Verify which disk you wish to install LaserWriter 8.5.1 onto.

    Step 6
    In the 'Installer Script' window are the options to 'Easy Install,' 'Custom Install' or 'Custom Remove:'. Select 'Custom Install.'

    Step 7
    Check the radio box next to 'Printer Software for all Mac OS Computers.'

    Step 8
    The installer will compare the printing software already present on your hard drive (presumably LW 8.6) with the version you are about to install (LW 8.5.1) and will display many alerts that read: "The file "XXX XXX" already on "your HD" is newer than what you are about to install. Click Newer to keep the newer file, Older to replace that file, or Cancel to stop the installation."
    • When the alert references the file 'LaserWriter 8': click Older.
    • When the alert references the file 'PrintingLib', click Older.
    • Click Newer when the alert references:
      • Printer Selector
      • Desktop Printer Spooler
      • Desktop PrintMonitor

    Step 9
    Once the Installation of LaserWriter 8.5.1 is complete, you will be asked to restart your Macintosh.

    Step 10
    The LaserWriter 8 driver uses PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files to determine your PostScript printers' characteristics such as paper-handling capabilities, the number of paper trays and capacity, the paper sizes they handle, and so on. Therefore, you may wish copy the specific PPD for your printer to the Printer Description folder (located in the Extensions folder inside the System Folder), prior to choosing and setting up your printer with the Chooser. The PPD for your GCC printer may be obtained from the software that accompanied your printer or the newest version may be obtain from GCC. Should you not have the specific PPD for your GCC printer, you may use the 'Generic' PPD.

    After installing LaserWriter 8.5.1 and selecting your printer by using the Chooser, you should be able to print to your GCC printer once again.

Document Information
Product Area: Apple Software; Printers
Category: Printer Software
Sub Category: LaserWriter

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