The "printer file" so produced is the output of the printer driver that
would have been sent to the printer if the printer's port were set as
the target output device.

This means that the format and content of the file differ depending on
the printer type and the options selected in the driver. Some printer
files can be viewed with Notepad. This will not give you a view of the
document as it would print but there might be enough text decipherable
to be useful. Some printers output as a graphics page. There will be
nothing useful seen by Notepad or any other text editor. However, you
might be able to make a file copy with a tif extension and view it in a
program like Ifran View. If it is a HPGL laser, some graphics programs
can view the file simply by opening it. Some printers output as
bit-mapped or outline font data interspersed with printer commands.

If you let us know the printer make and model, perhaps someone can offer
better-directed assistance.

For reference: best to also save a copy of the word processor or other
original file as well. Yes, I know-barn door open, horse gone. ;-)

Tom
MSMVP
Windows Shell/User