quality_recticel/windows_print_service/QUICK_SETUP_NATIVE.md

# Quality Recticel Print Service - Quick Setup Guide (Native)

Get the Windows print service running in under 3 minutes - **Zero Dependencies!**

## What You Need

✅ Windows 10/11 or Windows Server  
✅ Administrator access  
✅ Chrome browser  
✅ Downloaded service package  

## Installation Steps

### 1. Install Native Windows Service (1 minute)

```batch
# Extract service package to any folder
# Right-click install_native_service.bat 
# Select "Run as administrator"
install_native_service.bat
```

**Expected Output:**
```
✅ Administrator privileges confirmed
✅ Service directory created
✅ Service files copied successfully  
✅ Windows service created successfully
✅ Service started successfully
🌐 Service running on http://localhost:8765
```

### 2. Install Chrome Extension (1 minute)

```
1. Open Chrome → More Tools → Extensions
2. Enable "Developer mode" (top right)
3. Click "Load unpacked"
4. Select the chrome_extension folder
5. Extension installed ✅
```

### 3. Test Everything (30 seconds)

**Test Service:**
- Open browser: http://localhost:8765/health
- Should show: `{"status": "healthy", "service": "Quality Recticel Print Service", "platform": "Windows PowerShell"}`

**Test Printing:**
- Go to Quality Recticel web app
- Open a label for printing  
- Click print - should print silently ✅

## Native Advantages

🚀 **No Python Required** - Pure PowerShell implementation  
⚡ **Instant Install** - No package downloads or dependencies  
🛡️ **Enterprise Ready** - Uses only Microsoft components  
📦 **Tiny Footprint** - Minimal disk and memory usage  
🔧 **Easy Deployment** - Single installer, works everywhere  

## Troubleshooting

### ❌ Service Won't Install
```batch
# Check if already installed
sc query QualityRecticelPrintService

# If exists, uninstall first
uninstall_service.bat

# Try installation again
install_native_service.bat
```

### ❌ Service Won't Start
```powershell
# Check PowerShell execution policy
Get-ExecutionPolicy
# Should be RemoteSigned or Unrestricted

# Set if needed (as Administrator)
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Force

# Check the logs
Get-Content "C:\Program Files\QualityRecticel\PrintService\print_service.log" -Tail 20

# Manual start
sc start QualityRecticelPrintService
```

### ❌ Port Already in Use
```cmd
# Check what's using port 8765
netstat -ano | findstr :8765

# Kill process if needed (find PID from above)
taskkill /PID <process_id> /F
```

### ❌ Chrome Extension Issues
1. Check extension is enabled in chrome://extensions/
2. Test service URL directly: http://localhost:8765/health
3. Check browser console (F12) for errors
4. Verify CORS headers are working

### ❌ Printing Doesn't Work
```bash
# Test printer enumeration
curl http://localhost:8765/printers

# Check Windows print spooler
sc query spooler

# Restart print spooler if needed
sc stop spooler && sc start spooler
```

## Quick Commands

**Service Management:**
```batch
sc start QualityRecticelPrintService     # Start
sc stop QualityRecticelPrintService      # Stop  
sc query QualityRecticelPrintService     # Status
sc qc QualityRecticelPrintService        # Configuration
```

**Test Endpoints:**
```bash
curl http://localhost:8765/health         # Health check
curl http://localhost:8765/printers       # List printers
```

**Uninstall:**
```batch
uninstall_service.bat                     # Complete removal
```

**Log Files:**
```
C:\Program Files\QualityRecticel\PrintService\print_service.log
```

## Advanced Configuration

**Custom Port:**
Edit `print_service.ps1` and change:
```powershell
param([int]$Port = 8765)  # Change to desired port
```

**Service Account:**
```batch
# Run service as specific user (optional)
sc config QualityRecticelPrintService obj="domain\username" password="password"
```

## Performance Notes

- **Startup**: ~2 seconds (vs 10+ seconds for Python)
- **Memory**: ~15MB RAM (vs 50MB+ for Python/Flask)
- **CPU**: Minimal background usage
- **Dependencies**: Zero external packages

## Need Help?

1. **Check logs first** - PowerShell errors are detailed
2. **Test step by step** - service → health → printers → printing
3. **Verify PowerShell policy** - execution policy must allow scripts
4. **Contact IT support** with specific error messages

## Success Checklist

- [ ] Installer ran without errors  
- [ ] Service shows "RUNNING" status: `sc query QualityRecticelPrintService`
- [ ] Health endpoint responds: http://localhost:8765/health  
- [ ] Printers endpoint lists devices: http://localhost:8765/printers  
- [ ] Chrome extension loaded and enabled  
- [ ] Web app can print labels silently  

---
✅ **Success**: Native service running + Extension loaded + Silent printing works  
📞 **Support**: Contact Quality Recticel IT with log details if issues persist

**Advantages over Python version:**  
🚀 No external dependencies | ⚡ Faster startup | 🛡️ Better security | 📦 Smaller footprint