Capturing a spool or job file in Linux

Issue description

This article outlines the steps required to create and capture a spool or job file in a Linux environment. Capturing the spool file may prove useful in the analysis and troubleshooting of print errors and anomalies.

Solution

1. Open the Command terminal, type cd /tmp/ and press Enter to go to the tmp folder as seen here.



2. Create a test file while in the tmp directory. To do so, type: vi filename.txt (e.g., vi jobfile.txt)



3. Open a web browser and type localhost:631 to open the CUPS web page as seen here.



4. Go to Administration tab > Server>Edit Configuration File.



5. In the second line, type FileDevice Yes and save changes. Click here for an illustration.

   Note:  Enter username and password, if prompted. The Server will restart automatically. This allows the CUPS scheduler to create a job file in File Device.



6. Reopen a web browser and type localhost:631 to reopen the CUPS web page. Then go to Printers tab and select the printer (e.g.,MS610) as seen here.



7. Click on the Administration drop down, and select Modify Printer. Click here for an illustration.



8. Use Appsocket/HP JetDirect instead of IPP to get a the appropriate information in the system as seen here.



9. Type file:/tmp/jobfile.txt in the Connection text box, and click Continue. Click here for an illustration.

   Note:  The printer will print to a text file which is called the job file.



10. Do not change any other options. Click on Modify Printer as seen here.

    Note:  Clicking Modify Printer will restart cups.



11. Go to Printers tab, click on the Maintenance drop down, and select Print Test Page. Check if a job file is created in the file:/tmp/jobfile.txt location. Click here for an illustration.



12. Print the actual job.

    Note:  Click here to view a sample job file.