Member Avatar for mfadel

Word Files that are generated under win 7 on client are rendered differently on server win 2003,
it is because of the font simplified arabic,
I searched a little, and found that the version of this font on Win 7 is v5.0, while it is v1.0 in Win 2003
how could this be solved ??

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Member #949455

Dani AI

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The rendering difference is caused by a version mismatch in the Simplified Arabic font family: Windows Server 2003 ships an older Simplified Arabic (v1.01) while Vista/Windows 7 and Server 2008 include the newer v5.00 (the Simp*.TTF files). This matches what observed and is documented in Microsoft's font list. Microsoft Learn: Simplified Arabic font family. (learn.microsoft.com)

Practical fixes (in order of least impact first):

  • Embed the font into the Word file so layout and glyphs stay the same on other machines. In Word go to File > Options > Save and enable "Embed fonts in the file" (choose whether to embed all characters or only those used). Embedding preserves appearance but increases file size and depends on the font's embedding permissions. [Microsoft: Benefits of embedding custom fonts]. (support.microsoft.com)

If embedding is not acceptable:

  • Install the matching font version on the server (copy the Simplified Arabic TTFs from a Windows 7 box and install them on Server 2003 via Control Panel > Fonts or copy to C:\Windows\Fonts and install). Confirm the exact font files before copying (Simpo.ttf, Simpbdo.ttf, Simpfxo.ttf are listed for this family). Note: Microsoft's font redistribution guidance explains there are licensing limits on copying/redistributing Windows-supplied fonts, so check licensing or use officially provided font packages/upgrades where possible. Upgrading the server to a newer Windows Server will also bring the newer font version. [Microsoft: Download/install custom fonts for Office] [Microsoft: Font redistribution FAQ]. (support.microsoft.com)

Troubleshooting checklist: (1) Open the document on Server 2003 and check Word's Font Substitution dialog (File > Options > Advanced > Show document content > Font Substitution) to see what fallback Word used. (2) If embedding is blocked by license, produce a PDF with embedded fonts for distribution. (3) If upgrading the server is an option, that will avoid the mismatch entirely. Steps and options above cover the normal ways to get identical rendering across machines. (wordribbon.tips.net)

Member Avatar for Member #949455

Hi mfadel,

Are you trying to installed MS Office on Window Server 2003, so everyone in your office can access MS Office? If you are installing it on the Window Server 2003 then people who has Window 7 will have a different font. The reason each Window OS has fonts install already. Whatever Window Server 2003 have on it system is what you got, I think you can still update from Microsoft. Window Server 2008 had much better features than 2003. Believe me, it's much better. I hope that will answer your question.

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