HP Deskjet 400 Printer - Manual (Page 22)

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Printing from DOS
What is a printer driver?
If you use DOS software programs (whether or not they are running within Microsoft Windows), you need a specific
printer driver for each DOS program in order to print to your HP DeskJet 400 series printer.
A printer driver is software that allows you to access your printer’s features from within your software program’s
print menus or selections.
Why do I need to contact the software manufacturer?
DOS software manufacturers provide and update printer drivers for their DOS software programs. In DOS, each
program is developed independently under different development standards. Therefore, the software manufacturer is
able to tailor the printer driver to work specifically with their software program. The software manufacturer uses
HP’s printer language, called PCL, to develop printer drivers for HP DeskJet printers. Therefore, you can sometimes
use a different HP DeskJet printer driver to print. However, the best driver to use is the one designed specifically for
the HP DeskJet 400 series printer. Some drivers are simply renamed from previous drivers.
Why isn’t there a printer driver for my brand new printer?
The software industry is moving toward development of individual software programs under a common set of
development standards. The most common standard is Microsoft Windows. HP uses this common development
standard to supply a printer driver for use with all Microsoft Windows compatible software programs. This is the
reason that fewer DOS printer drivers are being developed over time.
If there is not a DOS printer driver for my new printer, is there another
printer driver I can use instead?
Selecting a printer driver for the HP DeskJet 400 series printer in each DOS software program that you use ensures
the best support for your printer. If there is not a printer driver available within your program for the HP DeskJet
400 series printer, select one of the following drivers.
Printer Driver Level of Support
HP DeskJet 500C/540 Most black or color printing features
HP DeskJet 340/320/310 Most black or color printing features
HP DeskJet Portable Most black printing features
HP DeskJet 520/510 Most black printing features
HP DeskJet 560C/550C Most black printing features
HP DeskJet 500/PLUS/HP DeskJet Some black printing features
How do I install DOS printer drivers?
To install the DOS drivers listed in this document, follow the instructions supplied by the software manufacturer. If
you have questions or concerns about the performance of your printer when using one of these drivers, contact the
software manufacturer.
US English 400 manual 05.06.1997 04.44 pm Page 20