WD97: Text Becomes Wider using Generic/Text Only Printer

ID: Q184358

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

Typed characters become very wide if you select the Roman 10 cpi font when the Generic/Text Only printer driver is selected as the default printer.

CAUSE

Unlike earlier versions of Microsoft Word, Word 97 does not rely on printer information (metrics) to lay out the document. Word 97 uses a new printer-independent layout scheme controlled by the "Use printer metrics to lay out document" compatibility option. In Word 97, this option is turned off by default.

The Roman 10 cpi font is the only font available when the Generic/Text Only printer driver is selected as the default printer. This font is not displayed properly by the printer-independent layout scheme.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, select the "Use printer metrics to layout document" option. To do this, follow these steps:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.

2. Click the Compatibility tab.

3. In the Recommended Options For list, click Microsoft Word 97.

4. Click to select the "Use printer metrics to layout document" check box.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

Keywords          : kbprint kbdta
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Hardware          : x86
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbpending

Last Reviewed: March 2, 1999