Send Report Writer Reports to a Text File

Introduction

BIS Report Writer can send its output data to any printer established in your computer. This document describes establishing a generic text file output “printer.” Most of the steps are quite similar across different Microsoft^â Windows^â versions, but your specific one may be slightly different.

Install the Generic / Text Only File (“Printer”)

To install the Generic / Text Only File “printer,” follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings or Printers & Faxes, and then click “Printers.”
2. Double-click Add Printer, and then click “Next.”
3. Click Local Printer, and then click “Next.”
4. For the Port, choose “File: Print to file” at the end of the drop-down list.
5. Under Manufacturers, click “Generic.” Under Model, click “Generic/Text Only,” and then click “Next.”
6. Type a name for the printer (or accept the default name), and click “No” in the “Do you want your Windows-based programs to use this printer as the default printer?” area. Click “Next.”
7. Do not print a test page. Click “No.” Click “Finish.”

Print to the Generic/Text file

After creating your custom report in Report Writer, and having saved it, you can print it to any available output, including the newly created Print File “printer.” Simply choose the “Print File” Printer (or whatever you named it), and follow the directions for naming the file. The file should end up in your company’s data file folder, where it can be viewed or edited with a compatible text editor.

Formatting Issues

If you find formatting or other issues with the output text file, you should probably refer to Microsoft’s website at www.microsoft.com and look specialized information for customized setup for the text “printer” you have created.