Print options without RSClientPrint

Question

We are developing a .NET application which calls SSRS 2008 report via ReportViewer. It will be used by 3rd parties & we have no control over their computers. As many organisations place security restrictions on the installation of software, we can't rely on users being allowed to do the required install of RSClientPrint in order to easily print due to security restrictions. 

 

The other option I am aware of is to export to a format eg PDF & print this. We are looking to either automate this PDF print, perhaps using a button on the .NET form which opens ReportViewer, or some other process.

 

What are the options in this scenario that minimise development effort & minimise user actions in order to print, without having to insall some kind on dll or plug-in?

 

Thanks.

Answer 1

Please look at the sample (Print a report from a console app) listed on http://www.gotreportviewer.com/.

 

-Thanks,

Lakshmi

 

Answer 2

Hi,

 

You can render method to render the report in the specified format and print the report programmatically using System.Drawing.Printing. PrintDocument class.

Here is a post that provides an example code.
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=4094127&SiteID=17

If you have any more questions, please let me know.
Thanks.

 

Answer 3

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, these methods seem to rely on knowing info about the client's computer (eg the printers- //string MYprinter = "ZDesigner LP 2844";) which in 50% of the cases belongs to another company & we can't reply on hacks for finding out this info or updating their machines with drivers/plug-ins.

 

The most generic solution we are aware of involves opening the report as a PDF & allowing the client to select Open/Save & then select the printer & print. This involves extra clicks that our client is unhappy about. Does anyone have any other ideas?