Application Exception in PPD5250 When Set Line Density Is Zero

• Microsoft SNA Server, version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

An application exception occurs in Ppd5250.dll when print data from an AS/400 contains a Set Line Density (SLD) SCS control code that specifies a value of zero.

CAUSE

The 5250 print provider tries to determine line density by dividing 72 by the value specified in the SLD SCS control code. This results in a divide by zero error and an application exception in Ppd5250.dll if the SLD control code specifies a value of zero.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in SNA Server version 4.0. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.

MORE INFORMATION

The Set Line Density SCS control code is used to set the numbers of lines per inch for a print job. The SLD control code has the following format:

Set Line Density (SLD) - '0x2BC6[L](Point)'

Parameter:    [L] - length, including length byte. Value of '0x01'
                denotes default
                Point - Distance to be moved vertically for a single line.
                The number is indicated in typographic points (one point is
                equal to 1/72 inch). Setting a value of '0x0C' will result
                in 6 lines per inch, a value of '0x09' will result in 8
                lines per inch. Value of '0x00' denotes default a value of
                6 lines per inch.

The 5250 print provider has been updated so that an SLD with a value of zero is correctly interpreted to indicate a default line density of six lines per inch instead of causing the divide by zero error.

Keywords          : snaprintservice
Version           : WINDOWS:4.0
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix