Print text file from command line without shell "print" command

Question

I have a printer, an HP DeskJet 712C, that I cannot print to via the shell "print" command in Windows 7 or Windows XP. I think this is because this particular printer is a "software" printer, something like a "software" modem. I am, however, able to print from Word, Notepad, and other programs. Is there some command line utility that I can use to print text files from?

Solution 1

Try using the notepad command line switch /p? e.g.

notepad.exe /p "c:\test.txt"

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-files/notepadexe-command-line-options/810760c1-a45a-4013-9544-1c1208e1b389

/A <filename> open file as ansi
/W <filename> open file as unicode
/P <filename> print filename
/PT <filename> <printername> <driverdll> <port> print filename to designated printer

Solution 2

You can use PowerShell's Out-Printer cmdlet:

Get-Content './myfile.txt' | Out-Printer

You can even specify the name of a printer to use a non-default one, like so:

'Hi!' | Out-Printer 'Send to OneNote 2016'

That lets me put the text Hi! right into OneNote.

Comments

[Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007]

Is it hooked up via USB or Parallel? If USB then see this: How do I simulate a parallel (LPT) Printer with a USB Printer?

[Kit Peters]

Parallel, I'm afraid. I've already tried printing via print -DLPT1 to no avail.