VM & MS access - ExportWithFormatting PDF not working while in background

  • 1 year ago
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When exporting a Microsoft Access report to PDF using the ExportWithFormatting method in a virtual machine (VM) running in the background, it might encounter issues due to the absence of an active display session.

The ExportWithFormatting method relies on the Access application having an active display session to render the report before exporting it. In a virtual machine running in the background or without an active display, this process might fail.

To work around this issue, you can try the following approaches:

  1. Use a headless display emulator: Install a headless display emulator on the virtual machine. This emulator simulates a display environment even when the VM is running in the background. One popular option is Xvfb (X Virtual Frame Buffer), which is available for Linux-based VMs. By setting up Xvfb, you can create a virtual display and run Access in that virtual display, allowing the report to be rendered and exported successfully.

  2. Use a dedicated PDF printer driver: Instead of relying on the built-in PDF export feature of Microsoft Access, install a dedicated PDF printer driver on the virtual machine. This driver creates a virtual printer that can print documents to PDF format. You can then programmatically print the report to the PDF printer using VBA code in Access, which should work even in a headless environment.

  3. Separate the export process: Instead of performing the export directly from within the virtual machine, consider running the export process on a separate machine or server that has an active display session. You can use automation or remote execution techniques (e.g., PowerShell remoting, SSH) to trigger the export process from the VM and have it executed on the other machine with an active display.

These approaches might require additional configuration and setup, depending on your specific VM environment and operating system. It's recommended to consult the documentation and resources specific to your VM platform and PDF printer driver to ensure proper installation and configuration.