We've all had the opportunity to write a report that required resetting the page number to page 1. For example, a sales report gets separated and distributed to district managers, and each section should begin with page 1.

It's easy when using a program-described print file; we have direct access to the PAGE field and can reset it to zero before printing the next page. But what about externally defined printer files?

Use a controlling indicator with the PAGNBR keyword in the external print file. (See 1.) Whenever the record is written with the indicator on, the page counter will be set back to 1. Write the record format with the indicator off, and the page counter will increment normally.

Use a controlling indicator with the PAGNBR keyword in the external print file. (See Figure 1.) Whenever the record is written with the indicator on, the page counter will be set back to 1. Write the record format with the indicator off, and the page counter will increment normally.

The important trick is to place the PAGNBR keyword on a source line separate from the starting position so that the indicator will only control the keyword. Placing them on the same line would cause the indicator to control whether the page number printed at all.

Reset Page Count on External Printer File

Figure 1 Page Count External Printer File DDS

 *. 1 ...+... 2 ...+... 3 ...+... 4 ...+... 5 ...+... 6 ...+.. A 120'PAGE:' A +1 A 80 PAGNBR A EDTCDE(Z)