WD6X: Pagination Different in Converted WordPerfect Documents

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c

SYMPTOMS

When you open documents created in WordPerfect 5.1 for MS-DOS in Microsoft Word 6.x, there are differences in pagination.

This behavior occurs most often in double-spaced documents created in WordPerfect that contain line numbering, such as legal pleading documents. Line spacing increases significantly and the text appears slightly larger, which causes differences in line endings, line spacing, number of lines per page, and page breaks.

This behavior can also be seen when switching default printers on the same computer with the document open on the screen.

CAUSE

Pagination varies depending on the printer driver you set as the default in Word. For example, if a Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet II or III series driver is selected when opening the WordPerfect document, the pagination will be different for the converted document than it would be if an HP LaserJet 4 or 5 series driver is set as the default.

The behavior is attributed to the differences in 300-dpi (dots per inch) and 600-dpi printer drivers. The HP LaserJet II and III series drivers are 300-dpi drivers. The HP LaserJet 4 and 5 series drivers are 600-dpi drivers.

WORKAROUND

Follow these steps to set the HP LaserJet 4 or 5 series printer driver to print 300 dpi:

1. On the File menu, click Print.

2. Click Printer, and then click Options.

3. In the Resolution list, click "300 dots per inch."

4. Click OK, and then click Close.

5. Click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

The documents will paginate the same if you open them on a computer with either a default HP LaserJet II or III series printer driver; however, if you open the same document on a computer with a default HP LaserJet 4 or 5 series printer driver, the pagination is significantly different and slightly longer. For example, 28 double-spaced lines fit on a page in the document opened with an HP LaserJet II or III driver, but only 25 double- spaced lines fit on a page if the document is opened with an HP LaserJet 4 or 5 driver.