The Pennsylvania State University - Administrative Information Services, a unit of Information Technology Services

TCP Printing on Windows XP Service Pack 2

This article addresses how to get AIS mainframe systems (IBIS, ISIS, ADIS, Roscoe, etc.) to print to local printers that are attached to Windows XP machines. The steps are fairly simple, however, local tech support should be made aware if not actually involved when making these changes.

Problems

You should follow this guide if you are having these issues:

  1. No longer able to print mainframe jobs to a local printer (attached to your PC via LPT or USB cable) that has been defined as a TCP mainframe printer.
  2. Windows XP Service Pack 2 has recently been installed on your PC.

 

Pre-Check

Before going through this guide, you should check to make sure that:

  1. You are running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed. This can be checked by clicking Start, then right-clicking on My Computer, then clicking Properties in the pop-up menu.
  2. The printer is physically attached to your PC. If the printer is actually attached to another PC then these changes ONLY need to be made on that machine.
  3. You are able to print locally generated jobs (i.e. Email, Word Documents, Screen Captures from HostExplorer, etc.). If you are unable to print these jobs, contact your local support.
  4. You have a TCP Printer number assigned to that printer.
     

Instructions

Click "Start" and go to "Control Panel"

Windows XP Start Menu

When the Control Panel window opens, you can either use the Category View (default) or Classic View.  In either view, double click "Security Center".

Windows XP Control Panel - Category View

Windows XP Control Panel - Classic View

Once the Security Center window opens, click on "Windows Firewall".

Windows XP Security Center

The Windows Firewall window will then open.  Here you have two options:

  • In the "General" tab you may choose to turn Windows Firewall off.  If Windows Firewall is already turned off, click "OK" to accept the settings as they are.
    • Note: Consult your local technical support person before disabling Windows Firewall.  Doing so may violate your local security policy.
  • If you can not or do not wish to disable Windows Firewall, click on the "Exceptions" tab

Windows XP Firewall Configuration

On the Exceptions tab, click the "Add Port" button

Windows XP Firewall Exceptions

When the Add Port dialog box opens, enter the following:

  • Name: AIS Mainframe Printing
  • Port Number: 515
  • Select the "TCP" option

Click the "Change Scope" button

Windows XP Add a Port

Once the Change Scope dialog box opens, select the "Custom List" option and enter 128.118.109.3 for the IP address

Windows XP Change Scope

Click "OK" to close the Change Scope window.  Click "OK" to close the Add a Port window.  The Windows Firewall window should now have an "AIS Mainframe Printing" entry on the Exceptions tab.  Make sure it is checked and click "OK".

Windows Firewall with AIS Mainframe Printing Exception

Congratulations, your Windows XP Service Pack 2 operating system should now allow AIS mainframe printing.  If you continue to have problems printing contact your local technical support person and the AIS Support center at (814)-863-2276.

Content Questions: AIS Support