Labels on dot matrix printer from VB.Net

[gina]

I don't think my problem is specific to VB.NET, so I'm posting
here...I have a customer who needs to print addresses on single-column
2.5"WX1"H labels on a dot matrix printer. I'm working with Windows XP
SP2.

I used Printers & Faxes to define a custom form with those
measurements, set that form as the default paper type for the printer
and set the printer as the default printer.

Problem is when I print, I either get nothing or the print head
advances across the label with nothing printed. When I increase the
height in the custom form to 4", I get my label printed, but for
labels measuring 4". It's as if windows cannot handle a label smaller
than that.

In case it matters...In my VB.NET form I'm using this code at the top
of my label-printing form:
Private WithEvents m_pdoc As New PrintDocument
Private m_strReader As System.IO.StringReader ' to print

Then I call m_doc.Print to do the printing.

Thanks for anything.

 

[Rob]

I don't think my problem is specific to VB.NET, so I'm posting
here...I have a customer who needs to print addresses on single-column
2.5"WX1"H labels on a dot matrix printer. I'm working with Windows XP
SP2.

I used Printers & Faxes to define a custom form with those
measurements, set that form as the default paper type for the printer
and set the printer as the default printer.

Problem is when I print, I either get nothing or the print head
advances across the label with nothing printed. When I increase the
height in the custom form to 4", I get my label printed, but for
labels measuring 4". It's as if windows cannot handle a label smaller
than that.

In case it matters...In my VB.NET form I'm using this code at the top
of my label-printing form:
Private WithEvents m_pdoc As New PrintDocument
Private m_strReader As System.IO.StringReader ' to print

Then I call m_doc.Print to do the printing.

Thanks for anything.

What program are you using to make the address. Can't you print out of that?

Why use VB?

Do you need a driver for the particular printer so it runs from within
XP???

If you are say using MS Word etc it has templets within to print labels.
or Avery have a program download from there site.

 

[GEO Me]

...I have a customer who needs to print addresses on single-column
2.5"WX1"H labels on a dot matrix printer. I'm working with Windows XP
SP2.

I used Printers & Faxes to define a custom form with those
measurements, set that form as the default paper type for the printer
and set the printer as the default printer.

Problem is when I print, I either get nothing or the print head
advances across the label with nothing printed. When I increase the
height in the custom form to 4", I get my label printed, but for
labels measuring 4". It's as if windows cannot handle a label smaller
than that.

I don't know if it's related, but, from my experience with printing
labels in a dot matrix printer, I have had that happen when the font
is too big for the size allocated for printing. But then my experience
has been in Windows 3.1.


Geo

 

[dlt]

I don't think my problem is specific to VB.NET, so I'm posting
here...I have a customer who needs to print addresses on single-column
2.5"WX1"H labels on a dot matrix printer. I'm working with Windows XP
SP2.

I used Printers & Faxes to define a custom form with those
measurements, set that form as the default paper type for the printer
and set the printer as the default printer.

I found that if the printer's configuration defines a minimum height
page, any forms that are smaller are not used. When you try to set
that form it's ignored. I use an Epson LQ590 printer and found I had
to modify its configuration file to allow for a small enough minimum
CUSTOM form size to work with my smallest (0.66") label. The Epson
file on XP is at
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3 and is named ESCP5RN.GPD.
This is a text file. Look for the section around "CUSTOM" and modify
the minimum size. The Epson is defined in units of 180 dots per inch -
here's hoping your printer has a similar configuration method.

I have to distribute the modified ESCP5RN.GPD file with my application
to make my label printing work.

David Tosh