quality_recticel/windows_print_service/README_COMPLETE.md

Quality Windows Print Service - Complete Self-Contained Package

🎯 Overview

This is a complete, self-contained Windows print service for Quality Label system with zero external dependencies.

📦 Package Contents

Core Files:

• print_service_complete.py - Main Python service (uses only standard library)
• install_service_complete.bat - Complete installer (run as Administrator)
• uninstall_service_complete.bat - Complete uninstaller
• requirements_complete.txt - Dependencies list (all standard library)

Chrome Extension:

• chrome_extension/ - Complete Chrome extension for web integration
• chrome_extension/manifest.json - Extension configuration
• chrome_extension/background.js - Service communication
• chrome_extension/popup.html - Extension interface

Documentation:

• README.md - This file
• PORTABLE_PYTHON_INSTRUCTIONS.txt - Guide for Python distribution
• INSTALLATION_COMPLETE.md - Detailed installation guide

Optional Build Tools:

• build_executable.bat - Creates standalone .exe (requires PyInstaller)
• build_package.py - Package builder script

🚀 Quick Installation (5 Minutes)

Prerequisites:

• Windows 10/11 or Windows Server 2016+
• Administrator privileges
• Python 3.7+ (or use included portable Python)
• Google Chrome browser

Steps:

1. Extract Package: Extract all files to a temporary location
2. Run Installer: Right-click install_service_complete.bat → "Run as administrator"
3. Install Extension: Load chrome_extension folder in Chrome (chrome://extensions/)
4. Test Service: Visit http://localhost:8765/health

🔧 Technical Details

Service Architecture:

Web App → Chrome Extension → Windows Service → Printer

Features:

• ✅ Pure Python implementation (standard library only)
• ✅ Multiple printing methods (Adobe Reader, SumatraPDF, PowerShell, Edge, System Default)
• ✅ Automatic service recovery and restart
• ✅ Comprehensive logging system
• ✅ Cross-printer compatibility
• ✅ Zero external dependencies
• ✅ Windows service integration
• ✅ Chrome extension communication

Service Endpoints:

• GET /health - Service health check
• GET /printers - List available printers
• GET /status - Service status and statistics
• POST /print_pdf - Print PDF file

Printing Methods (Fallback Chain):

1. Adobe Reader command line
2. SumatraPDF automation
3. PowerShell printing
4. Microsoft Edge integration
5. System default application

🛠️ Advanced Configuration

Service Configuration:

• Service Name: QualityPrintService
• Display Name: Quality Label Print Service
• Installation Path: C:\QualityPrintService\
• Log Directory: %USERPROFILE%\PrintService\logs\
• Port: 8765 (localhost only)

Logging:

• Daily log rotation
• Separate error and output logs
• Configurable log levels
• Automatic cleanup

Recovery Options:

• Auto-restart on failure (3 attempts)
• 5-second delay between restarts
• 24-hour reset period
• Scheduled task fallback

🐛 Troubleshooting

Service Won't Start:

1. Check Windows Event Viewer
2. Verify Python installation
3. Check port 8765 availability
4. Run as Administrator

Printing Issues:

1. Verify printer installation
2. Check printer permissions
3. Test with different print methods
4. Review service logs

Extension Issues:

1. Reload extension in Chrome
2. Check extension permissions
3. Verify service connectivity
4. Clear browser cache

Common Solutions:

# Check service status
sc query QualityPrintService

# Restart service
sc stop QualityPrintService
sc start QualityPrintService

# Test connectivity
curl http://localhost:8765/health

# View logs
type "%USERPROFILE%\PrintService\logs\print_service_*.log"

📋 System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Windows 10 (1903) or Windows Server 2016
• 50 MB free disk space
• Python 3.7+ (can be portable)
• Chrome/Edge browser
• Local printer access

Recommended:

• Windows 10/11 (latest)
• 100 MB free disk space
• Python 3.9+
• Administrative privileges
• Network printer access

🔒 Security Notes

• Service runs on localhost only (127.0.0.1:8765)
• No external network access required
• Uses Windows authentication
• Temporary files auto-cleanup
• Secure PDF handling

🚀 Performance

• Memory usage: ~15-30 MB
• CPU usage: <1% (idle)
• Startup time: ~2 seconds
• Print processing: ~1-3 seconds per job

📞 Support

For issues or questions:

1. Check this README
2. Review log files
3. Test with different browsers
4. Verify printer connectivity

📝 License

Internal use only - Quality Label System