BUG: Cannot Use Printer Fonts with ? Printing in VFP 5.0

ID: Q164374

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

Using the SET PRINTER FONT command to print with a printer font is ignored when printing with question marks (?). Instead of a using the specified printer font, Visual FoxPro 5.0 substitutes a soft font. Printing with @...SAY commands also ignores the specified the printer font. However, using @...SAY commands with the SET DEVICE to PRINTER command causes an error in Visual FoxPro for Windows 5.0. This error is unrelated to this printer font issue.

This feature works properly in Visual FoxPro 3.0b.

RESOLUTION

As a workaround, use a soft font that closely emulates the look of the desired printer font.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

In the example below, the LaserJet printer driver is used because the LinePrinter font is available with that printer.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Install an HP LaserJet printer driver and set it as the default 

   printer.
2. Create a program file and add the following code: 

      SET PRINTER FONT "LinePrinter"
      SET PRINTER ON
      ? "This should be Printer Font"
      ? "but it prints in a proportional font."
      ? "IIIII"
      ? "WWWWW"
      SET PRINTER TO
After the example code runs, notice that the "I" and "W" characters appear. In a non-proportional font, each character takes up the same amount of printer space. Since the characters are not printed with the non- proportional LinePrinter font, the two letters take up a differing amount of space on the paper.

REFERENCES

For more information about this error , please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 

   ARTICLE-ID: Q162301
   TITLE     : PRB: @ SAY Causes Error After SET DEVICE to PRINTER Command
Additional query words: kbvfp500 kbvfp600 
Keywords          : kbprint kbVFp kbVFp500abug FxprintFont FxprintRaw kbbuglist
Version           : WINDOWS: 5.0,5.0a,6.0
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbbug

Last Reviewed: October 1, 1998