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Setting page length on Windows 2000 machine

edited November 2002 in Devices
Hi,

In the printers folder of windows 2000, there is an option for a selected
printer, under File, server properties, create a new form. I've created a
form 7 inches long, standard 8.5 width. When I set the printer preferences
to the new form, it stays as set, but when it comes time to print, the
printer length resets to "letter". Do you know the solution to this problem.
Is there a way to set the printer page length within ReportBuilder.

Thank you,
Randy

Comments

  • edited November 2002
    What version of RB are you using? There was a bug in RB 6 where the report
    wouldn't regenerate, so this could explain why the printer setup on the
    pages are still set to letter. It should work correctly in RB 7. RB 7
    should be able to print to the custom paper size when it regenerates. Check
    to be sure that the Report.PrinterSetup.Papername is set to Custom.

    -----------------------------------------------
    Article: Custom Paper Sizes on Windows 2000
    -----------------------------------------------

    Win 2000 (and Win NT) have a completely different printing architecture from
    Win 9x. This is particularly apparent when it comes to custom paper sizes.

    Windows NT handles paper sizes via Forms that are defined at the operating
    system level.

    1. Open the Windows 2000 printer panel
    2. Select File | Server Properties. The Print Server Properties dialog is
    displayed.
    3. From this dialog you can view all of the Forms currently defined for your
    machine.

    There are basic forms installed by the operating system. Additional forms
    may be added by printer driver installations or applications.

    ReportBuilder defines a Custom paper size as one that is NOT already defined
    and known to the printer driver. There are Win API calls ReportBuilder uses
    to retrieve a list of available paper sizes known to the printer driver.

    When printing a report, ReportBuilder first tries to find a pre-defined
    paper size it can use - one that matches the paper dimensions of the report.
    If it cannot find one, then it uses a Win API call to add/modify a Form
    named 'Custom'.

    Security Issues:
    ----------------

    Each printer installed to Win 2000 has security rights associated with it.

    1. Open the Windows Printer panel
    2. Select the printer icon for the printer
    3. Press the right mouse button to display the popup menu and select
    Properties.
    4. From the properties dialog select the Security tab
    5. From the Security tab, press the Permissions button
    6. A list of user groups and their associated rights will be displayed.
    7. The rights are: No Access, Print, Manage Documents, Full Control.

    *** A group must have at Manage Documents or Full Control in order to update
    forms.

    By default Administrators have full control. However Users by default have
    only Print rights.


    Troubleshooting Tips:
    ---------------------

    1. To test paper sizes you can run demo 121 in the main reports demo app.
    This demo displays a printer settings dialog and is very useful for
    testing printer drivers with various paper sizes.

    To test a paper size:

    a. Selecting the printer
    b. Specify the paper size
    c. press preview
    d. Press print to display the print dialog.
    e. From the print dialog press the Properties button to display the
    printer driver's built-in dialog. You should be able to verify the
    printer setting from here.

    These are the values communicated by RB to the printer. If
    these are set correctly then RB has done its job, the rest is up to the
    printer.

    2. Open the Windows printers panel. Select File | Server Properties. The
    Print Server Properties dialog is displayed. Select the Form named 'Custom'
    and check that its dimensions are set to the correct values for your report.

    3. Try printing to this same paper size using other apps such
    as MS Excel and MS Word. If they cannot do it, then it is likely
    a limitation of the printer.

    4. Try downloading the latest printer driver from the manufacturers
    web site.

    5. Try testing with another printer.

    If test number 1 above works properly then e-mail
    support@digital-metaphors.com with the exact configuration
    you are using: Delphi version, ReportBuilder version,
    OS (2000, NT4.0, Win98), and printer model.

    We can download the driver and try it out here.





    --
    Tech Support mailto:support@digital-metaphors.com
    Digital Metaphors http://www.digital-metaphors.com

    Cheers,

    Jim Bennett
    Digital Metaphors

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