ACC2000: Report OutputTo Text File Adds Random Blank Lines (208436)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Access 2000
This article was previously published under Q208436
Moderate: Requires basic macro, coding, and interoperability skills.

This article applies to a Microsoft Access database (.mdb) and to a Microsoft Access project (.adp).

SYMPTOMS

When you use the OutputTo method or OutputTo action to save a report to a text file (.txt), blank lines are randomly added to the text file.

NOTE: This behavior can also occur when you use the Export command to save a report to a text file; in this case, the Save formatted check box in the Export Report ReportName As dialog box is automatically selected.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because a text file does not have the same vertical spacing options as a report in Microsoft Access. When you output a report to a text file, the text file contains 8 lines per inch. If the Height of the report's Detail section is set for a different number of lines per inch, for example 6 lines per inch (.1667), then blank lines are automatically added.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, set the Height property of a report's detail section to a value divisible by .125 inches. For example, if the detail section's Height property contains a fractional number, set the fractional portion of this property value to one of the following decimal equivalents: 
   Fraction   Decimal Equivalent
   -----------------------------
   1\8        .125
   1\4        .25
   3\8        .375
   1\2        .5
   5\8        .625
   3\4        .75
   7\8        .875
When the height of the Detail section is divisible by .125 inches, the spacing is consistent (without extra, random blank lines) because the data from the report is output at 8 lines per inch.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

CAUTION: If you follow the steps in this example, you modify the sample database Northwind.mdb. You may want to back up the Northwind.mdb file and follow these steps on a copy of the database.

  1. Start Microsoft Access and open the sample database Northwind.mdb or the sample project NorthwindCS.adp.
  2. In the Database window, click Reports, and then click New, to create a new, blank report based on the Employees table and open it in Design view.
  3. Add a text box with a label to the Detail section and set the following properties:

    Label
    Caption: LastName:
    Left: 1"
    Top: 0"
    Width: 1"
    Height: .1667"

    Text Box
    ControlSource: LastName
    Left: 2"
    Top: 0"
    Width: 2"
    Height: .1667"

  4. In the Detail section, set the Height property to .1667" (the same height as LastName).
  5. Close and save the report as Report1.
  6. Press CTRL+G to display the Immediate window.
  7. Type the following line and press ENTER:

    DoCmd.OutputTo acReport, "Report1", acFormatTXT, "Report1.txt", True

    When you open Report1.txt in a text editor, several random blank lines appear in the file, for example: 
       Last Name:        Davolio
   Last Name:        Fuller

   Last Name:        Leverling
   Last Name:        Peacock
   Last Name:        Buchanan

   Last Name:        Suyama
   Last Name:        King
   Last Name:        Callahan

   Last Name:        Dodsworth

REFERENCES

For more information about OutputTo Action, in the Visual Basic Editor, click Microsoft Visual Basic Help on the Help menu, type OutputTo Action in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/24/2004
Keywords:kbprb kbusage KB208436
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.