How to set "print to file" to a default filename

  • Thread starter Thread starter fake name
  • Start date Start date
F

fake name

To whomever has the inclination:

Some of my users have a need to print text to a file, and I wish to either:
1. have the default filename set into the "Print to file" dialogue box.
2. have the "Print to file" system automagically save the file without
prompting the user at all.

I'll be using some other processes to take care of the possibility of prints
overwriting earlier print files.

I found in the registry:
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Devices\Generic / Text Only" = "winspool,FILE:"

I am uncertain as to what this key does, but I am thinking that this key may
be related in some way. I'm not familiar enough with the windows printing
system to feel bold enough to edit registry keys that _seem_ related.

Thank you so much.
Dustin
 
fake said:
To whomever has the inclination:

Some of my users have a need to print text to a file, and I wish to either:
1. have the default filename set into the "Print to file" dialogue box.
2. have the "Print to file" system automagically save the file without
prompting the user at all.

I'll be using some other processes to take care of the possibility of prints
overwriting earlier print files.

I found in the registry:
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Devices\Generic / Text Only" = "winspool,FILE:"

I am uncertain as to what this key does, but I am thinking that this key may
be related in some way. I'm not familiar enough with the windows printing
system to feel bold enough to edit registry keys that _seem_ related.

Thank you so much.
Dustin
Click to expand...

Changes to the registry are not going to take effect
unless the print spooler detects that either the
"Add Port" or "Configure Port" dialogs have been
displayed, or the spooler is restarted. You could
create a local port in which the name of the port
represents a local filename, such as c:\print\print.ps.
The file is overwritten for each print though.

Virtual Port Monitor captures printer output
and will automatically name the file based on the title,
timestamp, or a combination. You don't have
to worry about overwriting files, eliminating the
need to prompt the user for a filename. It will also
launch any application upon completion of the printing
process making it a truly event driven system.

Environment variables for the launched process
are available and include relevant DEVMODE
information such as title, form id, printer, driver,
copies, and pages, and other information such as the
user and computer that submitted the job.

You can also send the output to a real printer
or port at the same time, making it tranparent
to the user.

Adding or Configuring a Virtual Port is as easy as
using the standard buttons of the Ports tab of
the Printer Properties dialog, either locally or
through the network.

Get it from the Virtual Port Monitor web page at
http://www.alphatronics.com/AVPMon.html

Feel free to experiment with it for as long as you like.
There are no time or functionality limits, but there
is a registration reminder after each print, which
is eliminated upon purchase of a registration code.

The price as of May 2005 is $145.00 for a single computer
or server, and $345.00 for a site license. Check the web
site for pricing and promotions.


Greg
 
Back
Top