Print from Access 97 to an Dot matrix printer

[Guest]

I am trying to print from Windows (Access 97) to an IBM 6400 printer. Guest
what, it prints but nothing is readable. It print string like "tkAnUkU-kufk".
I manage to understand that I may need to convert to ASCII since IBM 6400
printer seems to be an ASCII printer. (We have a second printer like this one
plug on an IBM mainframe application)

How can I convert my Access 97 report to ASCII?

Any help will be very appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Rob Parker]

I guess you've tried installing a Windows print driver for that printer - if
one is available. Or perhaps you can choose a generic 9-pin matrix
printer - if that's what the 6400 is - from the IBM list, if it's available
on your version of Windows. I see it on my (now rather aging) Windows ME
system, but it might not be there in newer versions of Windows.

If not, the following workaround might help:
Set up a printer which is a generic/text printer (under the Generic
manufacturer in the Add Printer dialog). Set the port for that printer to
whatever you have your 6400 plugged into (probably LPT1. Print your
Access report to that printer.

Good luck,

Rob

PS. inkjet printers are so cheap today that it's probably easier just to get
a new printer ;-)

 

[Guest]

Thanks Rob.

I will look in that direction. But I don't think I will change the printer
since we bought it 5 years ago and it worth around 5000$. We use the printer
to print Release note (comming from and IBM mainframe application). There is
something the system cannot do so I add to do it in Access (less expensive
then modifing the mainframe application).

Anyway thanks again for your help.

Yanick