TechNote (Archived)

Troubleshooting printing problems in FrameMaker (Windows)

What's covered

Determining the cause of the problem

Resolving problems printing a specific FrameMaker file

Resolving problems printing Any FrameMaker files to a PostScript printer

Resolving problems printing any FrameMaker files to a non PostScript printer

Resolving problems printing any file from any application

This document provides troubleshooting suggestions that may help you resolve general printing problems in Adobe FrameMaker for Windows. Such problems might include failure to print graphics or text, failure to print at all, or poor quality output. You may find a solution to a more specific printing problem in another document--search the Support Knowledgebase on the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/support/products/framemaker.html .

Determining thecause of the problem

Before you can troubleshoot a printing problem, you need to determine its cause:

1. Print another FrameMaker file:

-- If that file prints correctly, the FrameMaker file that doesn't print correctly may be damaged, and you should try the solutions in the section below, Resolving Problems Printing a Specific FrameMaker File.

-- If the file doesn't print correctly, proceed to step 2.

2. Print another type of file (for example, a *.txt file) from another application (for example, Microsoft Word or WordPad):

-- If the file prints correctly, the problem isn't system-wide--it's only with FrameMaker. See one of the Resolving Problems Printing Any FrameMaker Files sections below, depending on the type of printer you have.

-- If the file doesn't print correctly, the problem is system-wide. The problem could be low system resources, insufficient printer memory, or a poor connection between the computer and printer. Proceed to step 3 to eliminate some likely causes of the problem. If steps 3-6 don't solve the problem, see Resolving Problems Printing Any File from Any Application, below.

3. Restart your computer and then print a FrameMaker file:

-- If the file prints correctly, your system may have been low on memory or other resources.

-- If the file doesn't print correctly, proceed to step 4.

4. Turn off your printer for at least 15 seconds to flush its memory, and then turn it back on and print a FrameMaker file:

-- If the file prints correctly, your printer's memory was too full.

-- If the file doesn't print correctly, proceed to step 5.

5. Print from another computer:

-- If the file prints correctly, the computer you first tried to print from may be unable to connect to the printer or the network. Contact your network administrator or consult your network documentation.

-- If the file doesn't print correctly, proceed to step 6.

6. Print a FrameMaker file to another printer:

-- If the file prints correctly, the computer you first tried to print from may be unable to connect to the original printer because of a communication, hardware, or memory problem. Make sure that the printer is turned on and properly connected, and then run a self-test on it to make sure that it works correctly. For instructions, see the printer's documentation. You may want to contact your network administrator for assistance.

-- If the file doesn't print correctly, see Resolving Problems Printing Any File from Any Application, below.

Resolving problems printing a specific FrameMaker file

If you have problems printing a specific FrameMaker file, do one or more of the following:

Solution 1: Enable the PostScript error handler.

If you print to a PostScript printer from Windows Me, 98, or 95, enable the PostScript error handler for the printer (if the printer driver includes this option):

1. Choose Start > Settings > Printers.

2. Right-click the printer, and choose Properties from the pop-up menu.

3. Click the PostScript tab.

4. Select Print PostScript Error Information, and then click OK.

The PostScript error handler prints a list of any PostScript errors that occur when you print. For help interpreting and resolving PostScript errors, see document 328515 , "Troubleshooting PostScript Errors."

Note: In Windows XP, 2000, and NT 4.0, the PostScript error handler for the printer is enabled by default. If you need to re-enable the PostScript error handler, do the following:

1. Choose Start > Settings > Printers.

2. Right-click the printer, and choose Printing Preferences (Windows 2000 or XP) or Document Defaults (Windows NT) from the pop-up menu.

3. Click Advanced (Windows 2000 or XP) or click the Advanced tab (Windows NT).

4. Click the plus sign (+) beside Document Options.

5. Click the plus sign beside PostScript Options.

6. Set Send PostScript Error Handler to Yes.

Solution 2: Make sure that at least 50% of the system resources are free.

If you use Windows Me, 98, or 95, make sure that at least 50% of the system resources are free when printing from FrameMaker. If the system resources are below 50%, exit from all applications but FrameMaker. You may need to restart Windows to update system resource information.

To check the amount of available resources, right-click My Computer, choose Properties from the pop-up menu, and then click the Performance tab.

Solution 3: Save your file as MIF (Maker Interchange Format).

Then, save the *.mif file back to the binary file format, *.fm, and try to print the new *.fm file.

Solution 4: Create a PostScript file by printing to file.

Then, open the PostScript file with Acrobat Distiller to create a PDF file. If you can create a PDF file, the problem may exist with your printer and you should contact the printer manufacturer for assistance.

Solution 5: Create a new document.

Create a new document and import the original document into the new one. (Data in the original file may have become corrupt.)

Resolving problems printing any FrameMaker files to a PostScript printer

If you have problems printing any FrameMaker files from FrameMaker to a PostScript printer, do one or more of the following:

Solution 1: Install the latest version of FrameMaker.

You can check the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/products/framemaker/main.html for information about upgrades and updates.

Solution 2: Make sure that the printer uses the most current printer driver that is compatible with FrameMaker.

For more information, see document 326236 , ''Setting up AdobePS to create PDF files from FrameMaker (6.0 on Windows).''

To check the version of most printer drivers:

1. Choose Start > Settings > Printers.

2. Right-click the printer, and choose Properties from the pop-up menu. Then do one of the following:

-- In Windows XP or 2000, click the Device Settings tab, right-click the device name at the top of the list, and chooseAbout from the pop-up menu.

-- In Windows Me, 98, or 95, click the Paper tab, and then click About.

-- In Windows NT, click the Device Settings tab, select the device name at the top of the list, and then click AboutAdobe PostScript Printer Driver.

Solution 3: Change the printer driver settings so that PostScript (Optimize for Portablility ) is selected.

Note: For additional information about the PostScript options, click Help on the PostScript panel.

In Windows Me, 98, or 95:

1. Choose Start > Settings > Printers.

2. Right-click the printer, and choose Properties from the pop-up menu.

3. Click the PostScript tab.

4. Select PostScript (Optimize for Portability), and then click OK.

In Windows XP, 2000, or NT 4.0:

1. Choose Start > Settings > Printers (Windows 2000 or NT) or Start > Printers and Faxes (Windows XP).

2. Right-click the printer, and choose Printing Preferences (Windows XP or 2000) orDocument Defaults(Windows NT 4.0) from the pop-up menu.

3. Click Advanced.

4. Click the plus sign (+) beside Document Options.

5. Click the plus sign beside PostScript Options.

6. Select PostScript Output Option.

7. Select Optimize for Portability from the scroll box, and click OK.

Solution 4: Make sure that plenty of free hard disk space is available.

When printing, all Windows applications create temporary files that are stored in the computer's free hard disk space. Adobe recommends that free hard disk space equal at least three to five times the size of the file you're printing. Also, Windows requires additional disk space to manage virtual memory. Adobe recommends that at least 50 MB of disk space is free for virtual memory management.

Solution 5: Make sure that Windows stores temporary files on a hard disk with adequate free space.

-- In Windows Me, 98, or 95, edit the "Set Temp=" line in the Autoexec.bat file to specify a folder on a non-compressed hard disk that has sufficient free space:

1. Make a backup copy of the Autoexec.bat file, which is in the root folder (for example, C:/).

2. Open the original Autoexec.bat file in a text-editing application that can save in text-only format (for example, Notepad).

3. Locate the line that begins

Set temp=

If this line doesn't exist, you will add it in step 7.

4. Note the disk letter and folder name (for example, C:/Temp). The folder designated on the right of the equal sign is where Windows puts most of its temporary files.

5. In Windows Explorer, verify that the disk and folder exist. If the disk doesn't exist, choose another disk. If the folder doesn't exist, create it by clicking the disk, choosing File > New > Folder, and then typing the name.

6. Check the amount of free space on the disk: Right-click it, choose Properties from the pop-up menu, and note the Free Space field. If the disk doesn't has less than 50 MB of free space, either remove unnecessary files or find a disk that has enough space.

7. Return to the Autoexec.bat file and the line located in step 3. If necessary, add the line or modify it to reflect a disk with enough space and the name of the folder you created or verified. The line should read

Set temp=C:/Temp

where "C" is a disk with enough space and "Temp" is the folder you verified or created.

8. Save the Autoexec.bat file in text-only format.

9. Restart Windows.

-- In Windows XP, 2000, or NT 4.0, verify that Windows stores temporary files on a non-compressed hard disk that has at least 50 MB of free space:

1. Quit all applications.

2. Choose Start > Settings > Control Panel, and double-click System.

3. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Environment Variables.

4. In the User Variables For [user profile] section, locate TEMP in the Variable column, and note the folder listed in the Value column. If the complete pathname for the folder isn't visible, double-click TEMP in the Variable column, and note the folder name in the Variable Value text box.

Note: If a TEMP variable doesn't exist, contact your system administrator for assistance.

5. In Windows Explorer, verify that the folder you noted in step 4 exists on a disk that has at least 50 MB of free space. If the folder doesn't exist, create it: Right-click the drive, choose New Folder from the pop-up menu, and type the folder name you noted in step 4 (for example, Temp).

If the disk doesn't have enough free space, create additional space by removing unnecessary files. To determine the amount of free space,

right-click the drive, and choose Properties from the pop-up menu.

Solution 6: Connect your computer directly to the printer.

If you print to a network printer, connect your computer directly to the printer instead and try printing again:

-- If files print correctly, your computer can't connect to the printer across the network. Contact your network administrator for assistance.

-- If you can't connect directly to the printer, save the FrameMaker file as a PostScript file, copy the PostScript file onto a computer that's connected directly to the printer, and then send the PostScript file to the printer from a DOS prompt. For instructions, see document 320078 , "Downloading a printer file (PostScript or non PostScript) from Windows."

Resolving problems printing any FrameMaker files to a non PostScript printer

If you have problems printing any FrameMaker files from FrameMaker to a non PostScript (PCL) printer, do one or more of the following:

Disclaimer: Many of these solutions require you to change your printer driver's properties. The locations for specific properties vary by printer and printer driver. Therefore, Adobe cannot provide detailed information about the location for each property. Contact the printer manufacturer or refer to its documentation for more information about the printer's options and capabilities.

Solution 1: Install the latest version of FrameMaker.

You can check the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/products/framemaker/main.html for information about upgrades and updates.

Solution 2: Use the most current printer driver for your printer.

Contact the printer manufacturer for more information.

Solution 3: Make sure that your computer has plenty of free hard disk space.

When printing, all Windows applications create temporary files that are stored on the computer's free hard disk space. Adobe recommends that free hard disk space equal at least three to five times the size of the file you're printing. Also, Windows requires additional disk space to manage virtual memory. Adobe recommends that at least 50 MB of disk space is free for virtual memory management.

Solution 4: Make sure that Windows stores temporary files on a hard disk with adequate free space.

-- In Windows Me, 98, or 95, edit the "Set Temp=" line in the Autoexec.bat file to specify a folder on a non-compressed hard disk that has sufficient free space:

1. Make a backup copy of the Autoexec.bat file, which is in the root folder (for example, C:/).

2. Open the original Autoexec.bat file in a text-editing application that can save in text-only format (for example, Notepad).

3. Locate the line that begins

Set temp=

If this line doesn't exist, you will add it in step 7.

4. Note the disk letter and folder name (for example, C:/Temp). The folder designated on the right of the equal sign is where Windows puts most of its temporary files.

Set temp=C:/Temp

where "C" is a disk with enough space and "Temp" is the folder you verified or created.

8. Save the Autoexec.bat file in text-only format.

9. Restart Windows.

-- In Windows XP, 2000, or NT 4.0, verify that Windows stores temporary files on a non-compressed hard disk that has at least 50 MB of free space:

1. Exit from open applications.

2. Choose Start > Settings > Control Panel, and double-click System.

3. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Environment Variables.

Note: If a TEMP variable doesn't exist, contact your system administrator for assistance.

If the disk doesn't have enough free space, create additional space by removing unnecessary files. To determine the amount of free space,

right-click the drive, and choose Properties from the pop-up menu.

Solution 5: Use the Standard VGA video driver.

Switch to the Standard VGA video driver to determine if the video driver you were using caused the problem:

-- For Windows Me, 98, or 95, see document 312726 , "Specifying the Windows Standard VGA Driver in Windows 95 or Windows 98."

-- For Windows XP, 2000, or NT 4.0, start Windows in VGA mode to use the Standard VGA video driver.

If the error doesn't occur when you use the standard VGA video driver, contact the video card manufacturer for an updated video driver. If you're already using the current version, try a different video resolution, such as 800x600 rather than 1024x768.

Solution 6: If you print to a Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet 4 or 5, do either or both of the following:

-- Print the FrameMaker file in raster mode instead of vector (HP/GL2) mode. (The printer may not be translating the vector data correctly.)

-- Enable the Page Protection mode,if available. This mode breaks pages into smaller imageable pieces, processes the data from each piece, stores the processed data in a reserved block of memory, and once each section has been processed, sends the job to the print engine. With Page Protection disabled, the printer must process the entire page in one large chunk and then send the information to the print engine.

Solution 7: Download True Type fonts as bitmap fonts.

Set up the printer to either download True Type fonts as bitmap fonts or print them as graphics.

Solution 8: Use the dither option.

Set up the printer driver's Dithering option to get better results printing graphics.

Solution 9: Reduce the print resolution.

If you printing at a high resolution (for example, 600 dpi), reduce the resolution (for example, to 300 dpi). Doing so reduces the amount of data sent to the printer. (The printer may be unable to process large files.)

Solution 10: Use PostScript mode.

If the printer has a PostScript option, use the PostScript mode.

Solution 11: Ensure that the printer has enough memory to print all page elements.

To print at 300 dpi, the printer should have at least 2 MB of available random-access memory (RAM). To print at 600 dpi, it should have 4 to 6 MB of RAM. For instructions on determining available printer memory, refer to the printer's documentation.

Solution 12: Use Normal print quality.

Set up the printer driver to use the Normal print quality option instead of the Best print quality option.

Problems printing from all applications

If you have problems printing any file from your computer, the problem isn't just with FrameMaker, so you should contact Microsoft or the printer manufacturer. Always make sure that the printer is turned on and check the physical connections between the printer and the computer--the solution may be as simple as reconnecting a loose cable.

Also, note any recent changes to the computer system that may affect printing. Any of the following can cause problems:

-- updating hardware or software

-- adding new hardware or software

-- deleting software

-- installing or removing fonts

-- connecting to a network

-- rearranging or cleaning up files on the hard drive