Linux to Windows Lpr Printing

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.print_fax (More info?)

This is a complicated problem. We have a Linux server in
the Seattle area with a custom business application
serving our branches in the surround states. We now have
a need to manage printer pools in each branch from the
server. I've tried a variety of LPD server software
(including M.S. XP TCP printing application) and come
across the same problem.

Due to the limitations of the firewalls installed and
available static IP addresses, I'm trying to set up on PC
in each branch location to act as the local sever for the
LPR requests. This requires it to process requests for
both the printers attached to the server PC as well as
requests for other printers on the LAN.

I've tried a few LPD applications and can easily set up
the printer physically connected to the server PC, but I
run into a problem with the other printers. Data is being
sent to these printers in the raw mode. If the LPR
request is the first document to be sent to the LAN
printers, it does not process to the final printer. If
the server PC prints something else to the printer first I
(I.E. the test page) then subsequent print jobs function
properly. It seems that the combination of a print
request in the raw mode and initializing the network
connection to the printer does not work. Ironically, I've
found a couple of Win98 applications which seem to
overcome this problem. Requests are made through the CUPS
program and I've tried both the direct TCP connection and
the BSD.