Well, I like trivia but still I can't guess your Windows and Office verison.
So, briefly, what you have to do is to make sure that your printer is
configured properly (settings, drivers) etc.
If your printer is not configured / MS office cannot find it for some reason, it will pop a dialog window asking for a location to save the file.
Now, I don't know how it goes in newer MS office versions, but maybe it asks to save the file first, then it opens the printing dialog.
About your second question...
If I understand you correct the answer is "CTRL +" or "CTRL -" .
Have a nice day.