XL97: Columns Missing from Chart on Printout

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you print a chart, some of the columns are not printed.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when your chart contains a large number of columns relative to the size of the chart's plot area. For example, this problem occurs if the chart is one quarter of the printed page and contains 50 or more columns or if the chart is a full page and contains 200 or more columns.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use any of the following methods:

• Try using a higher printer resolution if possible. For example, try using 600 dots per inch (dpi) or equivalent. To change this setting, follow these steps:

      1. On the File menu, click Print. Click Properties.
  

      2. In the Properties dialog box, click the Graphics tab, change the
         Resolution to 600 or to the highest setting.
  

• Set the printer to use raw data format. To use this setting, follow these steps:

      1. Point to Settings on the Start menu and click Printers. Right-click
         the default printer and click Properties.
  

      2. Click the Details tab and click Spool Settings. Change the Data
         format option to RAW and click OK.
  

• Copy the chart to Microsoft Word and print it from Word.
• Use a noncolumnar chart, such as a line or xy (scatter) chart.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows. Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

In the process of calculating the position and size of the columns for printing, Microsoft Excel may determine that it cannot print a column at the calculated position if too many columns must fit within the defined space. In that case the column is omitted.

While making this calculation, Excel makes the following assumptions based upon the properties of the printer driver you are using:

• All columns must have similar characteristics in width and shape.
• If a column includes a border, the border must be printed.
• If too many data points are placed on a page, Excel omits columns to prevent the output from being completely indistinguishable.