Print FM7 Script to file goes bonkers!

[LaRetta]

Hi everyone,

I had a generic/text only printer that I've used in < 7 versions to print my scripts, selecting 'Print To File'. I then open them in Notepad and can copy them. In FM7, scripts can be printed directly from Script Maker. But when I print this way (to text printer and print to file), the screen turns into the text itself (goes a bit whacko) - displaying and scrolling in approx. 72 pt. and the resulting text file is just rows of boxes.

I have been unable to print it out as text. Has anyone else experienced this type of problem or do you know a way to print to file (text) from Script Maker?

LaRetta

[Reed]

Never printed scripts as text, but I've printed them as pdf on OS X. This appears to work as well on v7 as in v6. I guess you would need acrobat or eq in windows to do this.

[LaRetta]

Hi Reed,

Yes, print to PDF works fine. But I can't print out plain text. I've tried the Windows generic text printer and a few Freeware. The same thing happens each time. It would work fine when printing from File > Print in < 7.

I've lost my ability to text-print my scripts since 7. Neither can I print my Field Definitions, as the same thing happens. I know I can use DDR but I like the ability to grab bits and pieces without generating the entire thing (and it takes awhile).

If anyone knows how to resolve this, please let me know. Anyone with XP and Developer 7 willing to try text printing to a file? I would like to isolate my problem.

[uper]

LaRetta,

I discovered the problem and called filemaker tech support a couple of months ago. They stated that they were aware of the problem and would fix it with the update that just came out. I tried it last night. They didn't fix the problem.

I use filemaker version 6 for my wife's Physical Therapy practice and have it set up to generate a print image file for interface to a clearinghouse. I set up a Generic Text Printer (with United States -437 Code page) and check the print to file check box. Based on the generated text file, the clearinghouse maps to the text field locations based on the HCFA 1500 layout.

This works fine for Version 6 of Filemaker, however for 7 it appears to generate a screen dump. The file is created, however it is empty. The print to file seems to work fine using some of the other print drivers (at least the file is not blank).

I will be contacting Filemaker in the next couple of days.

[LaRetta]

Hello Uper,

Hmmm, screen dump ... that certainly generates a visual image I won't describe. One would have to see it happen to believe it.

I haven't applied the Updater yet. Possibly, it is fixed in the Developer fix but it doesn't sound likely. It is lower priority to FileMaker than other issues (and rightfully so) but I used generic/text only printing quite often. Well, I am still tickled with vs. 7 and hope the next Updater corrects the problem. Thank you for responding - I was beginning to think I was the only one with this problem.

LaRetta