Excel: Truncated Characters with HP Tax 1 Cartridge

SUMMARY

This article discusses a printing problem with Microsoft Excel version 3.0 when using the Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet Series II with third-party tax cartridges, including the Hewlett-Packard Tax I Cartridge. Letters that fall on the cell borders may be truncated if the text is right aligned and extends beyond the width of the column.

MORE INFORMATION

The printing problem occurs when using any size of the Helv typeface provided by these cartridges, and regardless of whether the information is a text string or a formula that creates a text string. However, the print preview and screen display correctly.

Workarounds

• The Hewlett-Packard U and Forms, Etc. cartridges can be substituted for the Tax 1 Cartridge. The fonts on these cartridges are similar to those on the Tax 1 cartridge, except for the font names, which are Universe or Helvetica. These cartridges have been tested and work correctly with right-aligned text on cell boundaries.
• Use the printer fonts available to the HP LaserJet II (Courier or Lineprinter) if the Helv typeface is not a requirement.

      Tax 1 Cartridge using the Helv 8 typeface.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

Using the HP Tax 1 Cartridge or any other third-party Tax Cartridge in an HP LaserJet II, do the following on an Excel worksheet:

1. Select columns A-J. From the Format Menu, choose Column Width. Enter 1.67 as the column width.

2. Enter the following into a worksheet:

         A1:  01/31/90
         A2:  02/29/90
         A3:  03/31/90
         A4:  04/30/90
         A5:  05/31/90
         A6:  06/30/90
         A7:  07/31/90
         A8:  08/31/90
         A9:  09/30/90
        A10: 10/31/90
        A11: 11/30/90
        A12: 12/31/90
   

3. In cell J1, enter the following formula:

         J1:=TEXT(A1,"mmmm dd, yyyy")
   

4. Select cells J1:J12. From the Edit Menu, choose Fill Down.

5. Select columns A-J and choose Font from the Format Menu. Select Helv 8 and choose OK.

6. With columns A-J still selected, choose Alignment from the Format menu. Select Right.

7. Print the worksheet.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Excel version 3.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here as it becomes available.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide," version 3.0, pages 527-545