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Topic: how to decode a prn file (Read 7419 times) previous topic - next topic

how to decode a prn file

hi, I captured a printout and printed it to a file. It is saved as a prn file format. How do I decode this file coz I'm having problems with Form feeding.

TQ

Re: how to decode a prn file

Reply #1 –
The first thing you need to know is that the PRN file contains information understood by your printer driver, but NOT information that is understood by the program (Noteworthy Composer, MS Word, whatever) that had the original document.

Essentially, the document program (in this case, NWC) turns information over the to printer driver software, and then loses interest. What the printer driver does with that information, is the driver's own business.

So what you need to do is input the saved PRN file to the printer driver software (not to NWC), and tell the driver to re-print it to the real printer.

How do you do that? On my system, I can go to the control panel, and open the printers folder. I can drag-and-drop the PRN file onto the icon for the real printer. That causes the file to be printed.

One warning: Each printer driver has its own kind of PRN file. So, if the PRN file was created by the printer driver for (say) PaperMangler printer, then the same PRN file may not work if sent to the printer driver for TypeTrasher printers. Depends.

If the PRN file was created from a PostScript printer driver (such as Apple Laser Writer PS printers), then it is actually a PostScript file. If you know what that means, then you know what you can do about it. If you don't know what that means, then just do the drag-and-drop thing.

Re: how to decode a prn file

Reply #2 –
Hi,
I am also having problems reading and printing my prn files. Before i installed my printer I was able to open and read them, however this hasn't been possible since I installed my printer. I have tried several options, like installing a new printer (to file) or ghostview, but none works.
Does anyone have more options for me to try?
Thank you!

Re: how to decode a prn file

Reply #3 –
You can't just install any old virtual printer and expect the resulting files to be readable by GSview. You specifically have to install a PostScript printer.

Any of the "Applewriter" printers, connected to "File", will produce .prn files that are readable by GSview.

I'd also suggest renaming the .prn files to .ps, you can then double-click on the from Windows Explorer etc. to autiomatically launch GSview.

Re: how to decode a prn file

Reply #4 –
I have tried as per Mr.Robert suggestion. I got the PRN file but could not drag to printer icon. The Error msg is " the file is not associated, go to control panel and folder option to associate". I have no idea abut how to associate this PRN to a Printer thru folder option. If any one can help in this. We can easily use the PRN file.

I would just like to reply the words of Mr.Robert. He mentioned that "So what you need to do is input the saved PRN file to the printer driver software (not to NWC), and tell the driver to re-print it to the real printer".

Actually the PRN file will be printed in one location (one computer) and will be used in another location (may be another computer in diff. country).That's why we need to make a PRN file and try to print again as a document.

Thanks in advance folks..Have a Good Day!!!

Re: how to decode a prn file

Reply #5 –
Rather than printing to a file, try using PDFCreator.  It emulates a printer but sends the output to an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file.  The file can then be opened and printed from any computer which has Acrobat Reader (also freeware).

It's freeware, located here
http://sector7g.wurzel6.de/pdfcreator/index_en.htm

PDFCreator is a little slow but free - there is other software out there, but I haven't tried it.