Extra space between characters (MS Word 2002)

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When using MS Word 2002 and Windows XP Professional,
extra space (s) between characters appears in document
and in print copy. Printer is an HP LaserJet 1200se with
latest XP drivers installed. Any help is appreciated.

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It rather depends on what you’ve already checked, and your level of expertise with Word as to where to start with a diagnosis.
I’ll start with the obvious Word things – it may be telling Grannie how to suck eggs – apologies in advance.

I assume that this is extra white space, rather than embedded extra space creating characters such as tabs or spaces? [spacing characters become visible if you select Tools > Options> View > All]

I’d check paragraph formats after that. Format > Paragraph and look for space before and space after.

After that – Styles and character fonts

Lastly the actual printer definition. Is the problem printer dependent (i.e. were these OK documents with another printer?

This could be checked by configuring a different generic text printer. At that point, I’d be going back to the manufacturers Web site for upgraded drivers or specific support.

Andrew

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I would like to add my 2c worth here – what font are you using?

Is your justification on full?

I have experienced a similar problem using Arial 11 with full justification.

Just a couple of things to check.

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> extra space (s) between characters appears in document
> and in print copy.

So you see the extra spaces on the screen, too? Are they random, or do they appear between certain letters only?

If it happens with certain fonts only, I’d check if any font substitution takes place (“Tools > Options > Compatibility > Font substiution”, and any font substitutions set in the printer driver).

Most times I’ve seen such problems, they were caused by the printer driver, but you seem to have eliminated that possibility already.
Still, you might try if changing the settings of the printer driver makes a difference: Choose “Print TrueType as graphics”, uncheck “Use printer-resident fonts”.

Good luck,
Klaus

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