Then perhaps modify the default page settings in Words normal template or the printer defaults for windows.

This is not a Thunderbird issue as the files are passed to word for action.

Thanks for you quick reply Matt. I am an unsophisticated user and would need help in implementing your solution.

By the way, when I upload the docx file to hdd and run it from dos command (ie ;filename.docx) the system uses microsoft office to print it...Gerry

Thunderbird essentially uses the same mechanism you are using from the command prompt. Both cause the file name to be passed to the operating system for it to do something with it.

I would love to help you with your windows problems, but I stopped using windows 7 a number of years ago and windows is beyond the scope of this forum. What I can tell you is that it is probably the case the documents come to you with the page orientation already set. It is rather fundamental to the layout engine a word processor uses, how big is the paper and what shape.

These links following are the result of a google search. I certainly know nothing of the web sites, other than to visit them and check the instructions they provide sound right. If they suggest some paid support link. Ignore it.

How to change the defaults in word 2010. https://www.solveyourtech.com/set-landscape-as-default-orientation-in-word-2010/

The same defaults in word 2016. https://www.live2tech.com/word-2016-set-landscape-default-orientation/

change the windows defaults. (copied from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/printer-printing-sideways-57417.html)

Click Start and then "Devices and Printers." Right-click the printer and select "Printer Preferences." Making a change to the paper orientation here will become the default selection.

Looks like I should bit the bullet and go to windows 10, perhaps running win7 on a VM. Thanks for your help..Gerry