PURPOSE: To perform accurate positioning of probe easily, positively, and quickly at low cost without requiring manpower.

CONSTITUTION: Following steps are executed sequentially using a computor. (a). a step for reading the pattern data and solder resist data of a film for producing a printed wiring board, (b). a step for determining the part where patterns 4a, 4b in the pattern data intersect a pattern 4c in the solder resist data to form a rectangle containing the intersecting part, (c). a step for forming a pad rectangle containing the rectangles obtained in preceding steps, (d). a step for reducing the first pad rectangle based on the recognition results of a pattern 8 in the first pad rectangle to form a second pad rectangle being contained in the pattern 8, (e). a step for reducing the second pad rectangle by a predetermined ratio toward the center to form a probe rectangle 11, and (f). a step for setting a predetermined position in the probe rectangle 11 at a position 12a where a probe is set.