Missing Signature and Text Boxes Printing Microsoft Word Docx

Interesting issue I've run into!

I have a client using Microsoft 365 (32-bit) on 2 different computers. Their main Windows 10 computer, we'll call PC1, randomly just started doing this thing where when they print an older *.doc (not *.docx) file in Microsoft Word, both the signature and the text boxes (borders) on that document do not show at all on the printed document. It does show fine on the print preview window, though. 

Now, on their 2nd Windows 10 computer, we'll call PC2, same version of Microsoft 365 (32-bit), printing that exact same *.doc file through that machine prints both the signature and text boxes without an issue on said document. 

Things I've done and worth noting:

• Restarted Computer / Checked for Updates
• Updated Microsoft 365
• Uninstalled and reinstalled Microsoft 365
• Confirmed display settings within Word to show "Print drawing created in Word"
• Cross-checked all print settings between both machines 
• Saved document as PDF and Printed PDF (Works perfectly)
• Worked with a remote Microsoft agent who was not helpful at all

It's also important to note that both PC1 and PC2, since they're using Microsoft 365, load these older *.doc files in Compatibility Mode. This client accesses these documents on a cloud server from a remote office, created by another employee who is clearly using an older version of Word (2003-2007). On my client's main computer, PC1, if we convert the document to *.docx, then it will correctly print the signature and text boxes -- but requires adjustments to the overall formatting of the document after conversion. Having to do this on every single document they open is an issue for them. 

However, again, printing the same *.doc file on PC2 -- also in Compatibility Mode -- prints perfectly with the signature and text boxes shown. 

I can find no differences in settings anywhere within Word between the two computers to pinpoint why this is happening only on PC1 with older *.doc files. The Microsoft agent I spoke with and accessed both machines remotely and just fumbled around with saving files in OneDrive and explained what I already knew was happening, but did not provide any solution.

This issue just started randomly this morning for the client. Curious if anyone has suggestions that might get PC1 to start printing these *.doc files correctly with both the signatures and text boxes on the final printed page without having to convert each one to *.docx. It's strange that PC2 prints them just fine with all the same software. 

Thanks! 

Edited by brentalous, 18 June 2024 - 02:39 PM.

Have the creator use a modern version of Office, and you won't have this issue. That is your resolution to this. Office 2007 should produce docx and not need format adjustments on modern Office clients.

I agree 100%. And that's what I suggested to the client to relay to their main office. I found it interesting that one computer spits them out fine while the other doesn't, though.