You cannot print color AutoShape objects as grayscale in Word 2002 (831136)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2002

SYMPTOMS

When you print a document that contains an AutoShape object with color in Microsoft Word 2002 to a color printer, and you set the properties of the color printer to print black and white, the AutoShape object prints in color.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when you print to a PostScript printer where the driver converts a color drawing to grayscale. This problem occurs because Word 2002 sends the PostScript PASSTHROUGH command, and the PASSTHROUGH command prevents the driver from converting the color drawing to grayscale.

RESOLUTION

How to obtain the hotfix

This issue is fixed in the Word 2002 post-Service Pack 3 Hotfix Package May 5, 2004. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

830807 Word 2002 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix package: May 5, 2004

After you install this hotfix, follow the steps that are listed in the "More Information" section of this article to set the ForceGrayscalePrint registry key and to activate the hotfix.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To activate this hotfix, follow these steps:
  1. Quit Word.
  2. Click Start, and then click Run.
  3. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
  4. Locate, and then click to select the following registry key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Word\Options

  5. After you select the key that is specified in step 4, point to New on the Edit menu, and then click DWORD.
  6. Type ForceGrayscalePrint, and then press ENTER.
  7. Right-click ForceGrayscalePrint, and then click Modify.
  8. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
  9. On the File menu, click Exit to quit Registry Editor.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/7/2006
Keywords:kbOfficeXPpostSP3fix kbQFE kbbug kbfix kbofficexppresp3fix KB831136 kbAudEndUser
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