StartPage

The StartPage function prepares the printer driver to accept data.

int StartPage(
  HDC hDC   // handle to device context
);
 

Parameters

hDC
Handle to the device context for the print job.

Return Values

If the function succeeds, the return value is greater than zero.

If the function fails, the return value is less than or equal to zero.

Windows NT: To get extended error information, call GetLastError.

Remarks

The system disables the ResetDC function between calls to the StartPage and EndPage functions. This means that you cannot change the device mode except at page boundaries. After calling EndPage, you can call ResetDC to change the device mode, if necessary. Note that a call to ResetDC resets all device context attributes back to default values.

Windows 3.x: EndPage resets the device context attributes back to default values. You must re-select objects and set up the mapping mode again before printing the next page.

Windows 95: EndPage does not reset the device context attributes. However, the next StartPage call does reset the device context attributes to default values. At that time, you must re-select objects and set up the mapping mode again before printing the next page. Note that StartPage also resets the device context state stack used by the SaveDC and RestoreDC functions to default values.

Windows NT: Beginning with Windows NT Version 3.5, neither EndPage or StartPage resets the device context attributes. Device context attributes remain constant across subsequent pages. You do not need to re-select objects and set up the mapping mode again before printing the next page; however, doing so will produce the same results and reduce code differences between Windows and Windows NT.

QuickInfo

  Windows NT: Requires version 3.1 or later.
  Windows: Requires Windows 95 or later.
  Windows CE: Requires version 2.0 or later.
  Header: Declared in wingdi.h.
  Import Library: Use gdi32.lib.

See Also

Printing and Print Spooler Overview, Printing and Print Spooler Functions, EndPage, ResetDC