>>>>>How can I print a VFP report to a file so that I can e-mail it.
>>>>
>>>>We have created several reports that are set up to be printed to a FILE via:
>>>>
>>>>REPORT FORM acmADLLinkToNSN TO FILE &lcFullOutPath ASCII NOCONSOLE
>>>>
>>>>This generates an ascii text file that can then be attached to an email and sent wherever we wish.
>>>>
>>>>The ASCII printing is not as pretty, but when the site does not have Word or we cant build an adobe PDF, it is a good alternative.
>>>>
>>>>HTH
>>>
>>>In addition, you can also (using some generic printer driver, say, LaserJet II)
>>>
>>>REPORT FORM my Report TO FILE &lcFullOutPath NOCONSOLE
>>>
>>>without ASCII clause . This will create a print file which the can be mailed and sent to printer using COPY /B command, This keeps you report formatting and does not require third party products, however it may not be convenient on the client side.
>>
>>In addition to what Nick wrote, if instead of Laserjet II for instance, you set the printer driver to a fax printer, you can then rename the created file to .TIF, and attach it to your email. It will be more convenient for viewing the mail attachment ( by default, windows brings in the Kodak previewer )
>
>Good idea!
>
>It also could be just faxed to the client, however it needs more code on VFP side to store and handle phone numbers. Some applicaton may handle client preferences, including the preferred way of receiving the reports, mail, e-mail, fax etc.
>However, e-mailing the reports might pose the security problem, as sensitive financial information may be intercepted. I was doing some proposals regarding this problem recently, and the decision was made to send only the notification by e-mail to the client, that the statement is ready and s/he can connect to secure web site and view/print the statement.

That's exactly why i used the TIF format. I have an application that either emails or faxes proforma invoices and vouchers. First, the look of the printouts is consistent by mail or by fax. Second, when emailed, it's easier to view than even the PDF format, and also much harder to edit.
When security is a must, i think your method ( sending only the notification with a link to the exact place in the website ) is, if not the only, the best one.