Printing To HTML

There are a few important facts to keep in mind when your defined printer on the Set Printer Model window is set to Print to HTML file.

Fact 1:
The term "HTML" is an acronym for Hypertext Markup Language and its use within DPS PocketFlash™ is synonymous with the term "web page".  The phrase "printing to HTML" therefore has the same meaning as the phrase "printing to a web page".

Fact 2:
HTML reports and receipts are viewed using the device's Pocket Internet Explorer (PIE) web browser program.

• The DPS PocketFlash™ application automatically launches the PIE program after generating the HTML for a report or receipt.  The generated HTML is then displayed in the PIE window.
• It may be necessary to turn off the View > Fit to Screen feature of PIE.  When this feature is on, the generated HTML may be difficult to read because the program may attempt to wrap long lines so all information fits in the program's window.  Most devices ship with this feature turned on.
• It may be necessary to adjust the PIE default text size to suit your tastes.  The default text size is set by going to View > Text Size.  The possible settings are Largest, Large, Medium, Smaller and Smallest.  Most devices ship with the text size set to Medium.
• Like most web browser programs, PIE attempts to cache web pages that have been viewed.  If you print a report or receipt and then later reprint the same report or receipt, it may be necessary to tap on the PIE refresh button so the most current version of the report or receipt will be displayed.

Fact 3:
When a report or receipt is printed, an HTML file is created on the device in the \My Documents\Reports folder.

Fact 4:
The HTML files created for each report or receipt are assigned specific names.

• For an activity report, file names are prefixed with "actv" and are suffixed with the date the report was generated.  The date is in yymmdd format.  For example, an activity report printed on January 28, 2004 would have a file named actv040128.html.
• For a cash report, file names are prefixed with "cash" and are suffixed with the date the report was generated.  The date is in yymmdd format.  For example, a cash report printed on December 31, 2003 would have a file named cash031231.html.
• For a receipt, file names are prefixed with "rcpt" and are suffixed with the order reference associated with the receipt.  For example, a receipt printed for order HREW00001 would have a file named rcptHREW00001.html.
• For a test print, the file is always named testprint.html.

Fact 5:
The HTML files created for each report or receipt are retained on the handheld so they can be manually viewed again at a later time, if necessary.  To manually view a previously generated report or receipt:

• Open the device's File Explorer program (Start > Programs > File Explorer).
• Navigate to the \My Documents\Reports folder.
• Tap on the desired file in the list.  The PIE program is launched and the selected file is displayed in the PIE window.

Fact 6:
The HTML files created for each report or receipt are not automatically purged by the DPS PocketFlash™ application.  Older or unwanted files must be manually deleted.  To manually delete HTML files:

• Open the device's File Explorer program (Start > Programs > File Explorer).
• Navigate to the \My Documents\Reports folder.
• Delete each unwanted file in the list using the tap-and-hold popup menu:
   
  Tap on a file and continue to press.  A circle of red or blue dots is drawn where you are pressing.  A popup menu is then displayed.  Select Delete on the popup menu to delete the selected file.

Fact 7:
When printing to HTML (vs. printing to paper):

• You are never asked if the printer is attached.
• You are never asked for the number of receipt copies.
• You are never asked if you wish to do a reprint.

See Also
Contents By Function
Contents By Window

 

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