Printing to .MDI Microsoft Image creates multiple documents

[CanadianExcelUser]

I'm having a little problem printing using the Microsoft Document Image Writer.

When I print it creates multiple files instead of just one like you owuld
expect. FOr example I just tried to print a 5 page document - it created 3
different files
File 1: Page 1
File 2: Page 2
File 3: Page 3 through 5

It works fine on work laptop using Windows XP and Excel 2003 - however, my
new personal laptop has Vista (which is probably the problem) and Excel 2003.

Does anyone know how to fix this? Thanks

 

[Atreides]

Hi CanadianExcelUser,

I've had the same problem! Though I'm convinced it's actually related to the
particular Excel file, not the printer you use. I've noticed the same problem
printing to a PDF printer. Obviously you wouldn't notice the problem if you
print hardcopy (unless you look in the printer logs to see that there are
separate files, which I have done).

And seeing as no-one has answered your post, I've created a new, more
general one called "Unwanted breaking up of print output into multiple
files". If you are still interested, search for my post and reply saying that
it's happened to you too. When you do, click "notify me of replies" and you
can find out if someone helps solve this problem!

Atreides

 

[Larry at CIGNA]

I am having the same problem.
It started happening when I rearranged the order of my worksheets in my
workbook and then inserted some new ones. The files break where I inserted
the new worksheets and no matter what I do I cannot get the MDI printer to
work without breaking my workbook into 3 or more files. The same thing
happens when I print to a physical printer. We get job separator sheets for
printouts and I get 3 separator pages now that I did not get before. If I
remove the separators, the entire printout looks just fine. Also, the
preview feature of the printing dialogue box works just fine. It is the
print to either the printer or the MDI file that gets fractured. It is
driving me nuts.

Larry Wood
CIGNA Corporation

 

[Larry at CIGNA]

I am having the same problem as described here in Excel 2003. I just started
having it today. It appears that after I rearranged the order of my
worksheets and inserted some new ones it started happening. I get breaks to
save multiple files if I use the MDI printer driver. I also get separator
pages in my printouts on the physical printers which is telling me that the
printer is getting 3 separate files. Physically removing the paper
separators makes my printed report look just fine. The preview option on the
printer selection dialogue works just fine. It is only the MDI printer and
regular printer drivers that are having the problems. Something in the Excel
workbook is broken and the print drivers are shutting down when they
encounter something they cannot handle. I have had a very frustrating day
working this problem and it is very annoying.

 

[Larry at CIGNA]

Found out what is causing this printer "Error"
If worksheets change layouts in page setup such as portrait and landscape,
this requires the printer drivers to issue new job attributes for printing to
HP lasers in PCL.

To reset all worksheets to the same job page setup attributes do the
following:

Right click on any worksheet tab
Click on "Select All Sheets"
On pulldown menu "File" Select "Page Setup"
Press "Options" button
Select "OK"
This will reset all worksheets to use the same page setup options.

Any landscape sheets will be set to portrait or vice versa.
You will need to verify that the page layout works for all worksheets in
your workbook.