Rich Text Format (.rtf) files may not print correctly in Windows XP when you use an application that uses the RichEdit control

Consider the following scenario:

• You use Word 2003 or a later version of Word to create a Rich Text Format (.rtf) file on a Windows XP-based computer.
• You develop an application that uses the RichEdit control (Riched20.dll).
• You use the application to open the .rtf file.
• You add a MergeField field to the document.
• You merge some data in the file by using the MergeField field.

In this scenario, when you send the data to the printer, the application may not print the .rtf file correctly. For example, the paragraph tabs and indents of the MergeField field may be ignored when the file is printed. Therefore, the text may be printed in the wrong position.

This problem occurs because the RichEdit control does not support the properties of the document section of the .rtf file.

To resolve this problem, install the following hotfix. After you install the hotfix, the RichEdit control will support the document-section properties of .rtf files.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, submit a request to Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

You must have Windows XP Service Pack 2 or a later service pack installed to apply this hotfix. For more information about Windows XP service packs, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows XP with Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows XP with Service Pack 3, x86-based versions

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

For more information about the RichEdit class, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site: