User Support Forum

I'm experiencing a recent issue with the formatting on our checks, and I'm wondering if the newest upgrade has anything to do with it. We use version 9 on Windows XP, and my printer is an HP LaserJet 1300.

Our checks, which have been in use for over a year, are laser checks with the check in the middle, and we've been using the same double-window envelopes that we got with the checks.

The print has always been a tiny bit higher on the check than I would prefer, but since I installed the last update a few days ago, the print is even higher, enough so that the written-out portion of the check amount shows through the top window on the envelope.

Is there any way to adjust this? And why would it start now? I have nearly 500 checks and as many envelopes, so I really hate to start over with new checks and envelopes, especially since there's no guarantee that I won't have the same problem. Any ideas?

Joetta,

we experienced the same thing when we bought a new Laser Printer. All you have to do is "edit" the check and move things around in the check layout.

go to File -> Preferences -> Custom Check Layout

your default check format should show up in the dialog box. Click on "Custom" in the lower right. You will then see a "Custom Check Layout" dialog box and you can click on "Edit" to edit the form. What you will then see looks like the report writer and you will see all the fields in the location that they show up on your checks. You can move them around to adjust your settings. Just remember to CLOSE the report writer instead of hitting the X in the upper right corner of the window (tried by experience and it bombed out of the program). I would then just keep trying to print to a COPY of a check you made until you get you adjustments right. When you save it, you will want your "default check layout" to be "CUSTOM" so it doesn't default back to the original definition from PowerChurch. The only time this could hurt you is if you load a FRESH version of PowerChurch on a computer that doesn't have your "custom" check layout from the backup. (you can actually see the file name when you save the form to remember which file to keep) I don't know if backups get this file or not.

Funny thing: when I first got PowerChurch, I never actually looked at the checks after they were printed out and for about a year they were printed as Pay The Amount of: (employee name) To: (check amount). Only until the church wrote ME a check to reimburse me for stuff I had bought did I see that the items on the check were reversed! I guess no one else noticed, minded, or took the time to tell me (even the BANK)

Jay,

Thanks for the reply. I wondered if the custom check layout would be the only way to fix this. Thanks for the step-by-step instructions. I'll try it!