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Troubleshooting: Desktop Report Writer Visual Display Issues

Does your report look weird or different than normal? This article lists common visual display issues as well as their solutions.

Updated today

Pictures or Text Run off the Page

Issue: Pictures or text in your report extend beyond the page's boundaries.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

  1. Oversized Image

    • Find the large picture

    • Use the Edit All Photos tool to resize it

    • Preview your report

  2. Extra Spaces in Comments

    • Click Preview in the toolbar

    • In the Print Preview, scan for comments with blank trailing spaces

    • Edit and trim them down

  3. Incompatible Display Settings

    • Find the HomeGauge 5 icon on your desktop.

    • Right-click it and select Properties

      HomeGauge 5 icon with menu options

    • Click the Compatibility tab

    • Click Change high DPI settings

      HomeGauge 5 properties

    • Check the box for Override high DPI scaling behavior

      HomeGauge 5 properties

    • In the dropdown, choose System

    • Click OK, then Apply


Missing Sections in the Report

  1. Issue: The main body of the report is missing.

    Possible Causes and Solutions:

    Fix 1: Print Settings

    Fix 2: Data Folder Issue

  2. Issue: The summary section is missing from your report.

    Possible Causes and Solutions:

    Fix 1: Print Settings

    Fix 2: Template Compatibility

    If using an older template, reinstall the latest version of HomeGauge 5. See: Desktop Report Writer: Download, Install, and Activate


Unwanted White Space or Blank Pages

Issue: There are blank or empty pages between inspection items.


Special Characters in Report

Check and remove any non-standard characters like ½, curly quotes, smart dashes, etc.

  1. Check the Report ID

  2. Check the Address

  3. Check each comment, picture label, extra info field


Uploaded Report Has Missing Photos

Issue: Uploaded report shows broken links where pictures should be.

CaptureMissing.JPG

Cause: An attached file name contains invalid characters

Fix:

  1. Open the report

  2. Go to Misc > Attachments

    CaptureTest.JPG

  3. Delete any attachments with non-standard punctuation

  4. Find the file on your PC, right-click, and rename it manually

    HomeGauge desktop report writer

  5. Re-add the document to Attachments

  6. Re-upload the report


Uploading or Accessing Dashboard Does Nothing

No Internet Connection

Verify your computer is connected to the internet and troubleshoot as needed.

Internet Explorer Certificate Settings

  1. Open Internet Explorer

  2. Go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced

  3. Under Security, uncheck Check for server certificate revocation

  4. Restart your computer


No Color and Pictures All Left-Aligned on Printed Report

This is an advanced operation for experienced computer users. If unsure, contact Support.

  1. On your PC's taskbar, click the Start button or search bar, and search for regedit.exe

  2. In the left column, click HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, then click .css

  3. In the right column, double-click Content Type

  4. In the dialog box, change value data to text/css

  5. Click OK

  6. Close the window


FAQs

What do I do if I'm receiving an error message?

Visit our article on Troubleshooting Error Messages to find the error you are receiving and learn about possible solutions.

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