quality_recticel/py_app/PRINT_SERVICE_SETUP.md

Windows Print Service Network Configuration Guide

Current Issue

Your Flask server (Linux) cannot connect to Windows Print Service because they're on different machines.

Solution Options

Option 1: Same Machine Setup

If both Flask and Windows service are on the same machine:

WINDOWS_PRINT_SERVICE_URL = "http://localhost:8765"

Option 2: Different Machines (Recommended)

If Flask server (Linux) and Windows service are on different machines:

1. Find Windows Machine IP Address:

   # On Windows machine, run:
   ipconfig
   # Look for IPv4 Address, e.g., 192.168.1.100
   

2. Update Configuration:

   # In /app/print_config.py, change:
   WINDOWS_PRINT_SERVICE_URL = "http://192.168.1.100:8765"
   

3. Test Connection:

   # From Linux machine, test:
   curl http://192.168.1.100:8765/health
   

Option 3: Windows Firewall Configuration

Ensure Windows allows incoming connections on port 8765:

1. Windows Firewall Settings:

   • Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall
   • Advanced Settings → Inbound Rules → New Rule
   • Port → TCP → 8765 → Allow the connection

2. Test from Linux:

   telnet [WINDOWS_IP] 8765
   

Option 4: Port Forwarding/Tunneling

If direct connection isn't possible, set up SSH tunnel or port forwarding.

Quick Fix for Testing

1. Get Windows IP Address
2. Update print_config.py with the IP
3. Restart Flask server
4. Test printing

Current Status

• ✅ Windows Print Service: Running (localhost:8765/health works)
• ❌ Network Connection: Flask can't reach Windows service
• 🔧 Fix Needed: Update WINDOWS_PRINT_SERVICE_URL with correct IP

Example Commands

# 1. Find Windows IP (run on Windows):
# ipconfig | findstr IPv4

# 2. Test connection (run on Linux):
# curl http://[WINDOWS_IP]:8765/health

# 3. Update config and restart Flask