>>>Hi everybody,
>>>
>>>My manager came to me with a problem at the end of the day, so I haven't time to look into it closely. The situation is: we're trying to print mailing labels. Instead of addresses, some garbage (print codes) are printed. AFAIK, this is Matrix printer. In the code we have:
>>>lcPrntName = getprinter()
>>>if !empty(lcPrntName)
>>> set printer to name (lcPrntName)
>>>endif
>>>
>>>Fields Tag and Tag2 are cleared, Expr contains only basic information, not printer specific. AFAIK, RawPrint.fll (from Download section here) is used, though I'm not sure, it's used for this report or it's directly outputed to the printer.
>>>
>>>Do you have ideas, why it may happen?
>>>
>>>Thanks in advance.
>>
>>Ah, the fond memories of dot matrix printers!
>>
>>One thing you might try. DM can work in either a text mode -- where the ASCII code for each letter is sent -- or in graphics mode -- where the computer sends a bit for each pixel. As you can imagine, the latter is much slower. But, that's also the method Windows uses for sending printer information.
>>
>>It may be that the printer is setup for receiving ascii text characters, but Windows is sending graphics stuff. If that's the case, you'll need to set the printer up in graphics mode. Sometimes there's a dipswitch setting in the hardware which can accomplish this. For more flexibility, there is generally a control sequence (and ESC (char (27)) and then another character) used to switch modes. These can be sent to the printer with the ??? command.
>>
>>HTH,
>>
>>
>>Jay
>
>Hi Jay,
>
>I think, you're on the right track. My manager is testing this printer, he installed Printer Driver couple of times and the test page is printed as garbage. I suggested him to try legacy reports (R&R DOS) to check, if text mode would be printed correctly. Now, how can we do the necessary switch, if needed? Our label is VFP label, is there a way to print it in text mode (there is no special formatting, just a simple text)?
>
>Thanks a lot in advance.

A couple other thoughts --

When did this start happening -- it sounds as if the problem just occured.

First, I'd make sure that the cable -- assuming serial or parallel -- is functioning properly. If one of the pins is jammed/broken, or whatever, you'll have a problem. 7 bits is just as good as 0!

The printer driver is another potential problem. Have you been able to reinstall the original driver? If not, the MS drivers delivered with the OS tend to be as reliable as any (at least compared to HPs).

If you've eliminated those issues, you'll simply have to review the printer documentation. Unfortunately, each printer has its own setup both in hardware and firmware -- hence the need for printer drivers <bg>. If you don't have the documentation, you may be able to find references on the web.

HTH,

Jay