TechNote

  What's covered

• Determine the cause of the problem
• Can't print a specific PDF
• Can't print any file from any application
• Can't print any PDF to a PostScript printer
• Can't print any PDF to a non-PostScript printer
• Still need help?

This document can help you resolve general printing problems in the Acrobat 9 family of products. You can also search the Adobe Support knowledgebase for solutions to specific printing problems.

Determine the cause of the problem

Before you can troubleshoot the problem, determine its cause. Do the following steps in order.

1. Print another PDF, such as the first page of Acrobat Help.
   • If that file prints correctly, the PDF that doesn't print correctly could be damaged. See "Resolve problems printing a specific PDF file from an Acrobat product" in this document.
   • If the file doesn't print correctly, go to step 2.
2. Print another type of file (for example, a .txt file) from another application (such as Microsoft Word or WordPad).
   • If that file prints correctly, the problem isn't system-wide--it's specific to the Acrobat product. However, the way Acrobat interacts with the system could affect printing performance. Go to step 3 to eliminate some system-related causes of the problem.
   • If the file doesn't print correctly, the problem is system-wide--it isn't specific to Acrobat or PDFs. The problem could be low system resources, insufficient memory on your printer, or a poor connection between your computer and the printer. Go to step 3 to eliminate some likely causes of the problem.
3. Restart your computer, and then print a PDF.
   • If the file prints correctly, your system may have been out of memory or resources.
   • If the file doesn't print correctly, go to step 4.
4. Turn off your printer for at least 15 seconds to flush its memory. Then turn it back on and print a PDF.
   • If the file prints correctly, the printer's memory was too full.
   • If the file doesn't print correctly, go to step 5.
5. Print from another computer.
   • If the file prints correctly, the computer you first used may be unable to connect to the printer or the network correctly. Contact your network administrator or consult your network documentation.
   • If the file doesn't print correctly, go to step 6.
6. Print a PDF to another printer.
   • If the file prints correctly, the computer you first used may be unable to connect to the original printer. Communication, hardware, or memory problems can cause this connection problem. Make sure that the printer is turned on and connected properly. Then run a self-test on the printer to make sure that it's working correctly. Contact your network administrator or consult your printer documentation.
   • If the file doesn't print correctly, see "Resolve problems printing any file from any application" in this document.

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Can't print a specific PDF

If you cannot print a specific PDF, do one or more of the following tasks, printing after each one.

1. Print the PDF as an image.

Printing the PDF as an image can enable the file to print, but it doesn't identify the source of the problem. Proceed through the guide to identify the source.

Note: Printing a PDF as an image can take longer to print.

1. Choose File > Print, and then click Advanced.
2. Select Print As Image.
3. Click OK to close the Advanced Print Setup dialog box, and then click Print.

2. Save the PDF as a new file.

Resave the document by choosing File > Save As, and giving the file a new name. The Save As command rewrites the file.

3. Re-create the PDF.

Re-create the PDF to determine if the original PDF is damaged. Print the original source file to the Adobe PDF Printer. Or print it as a PostScript file and then use Distiller to re-create the PDF. If you don't have the original source file, print the PDF to the Adobe PDF printer.

4. Download the PDF again.

Download the PDF again in case it didn't download successfully the first time.

5. Print the PDF in batches.

Print the PDF in batches to determine if a particular page, or object on a page, causes the problem. If you can identify an object that can't print, remove or re-create the page or object.

6. Select the default print settings.

Print using the default settings to determine if a variant print setting is causing the problem.

1. Choose File > Print, and then click Advanced.
2. Choose Acrobat Default from the Settings menu, and then click OK.
3. Click OK to close the dialog box, and then click Print.

7. Combine fragmented images. (Acrobat Pro, Pro Extended only)

When you use PostScript to convert documents that contain transparent images, the transparent image is broken up into tiny fragments in the PDF. A Word document containing a transparent GIF is such an example. This fragmentation can increase the size of the PDF, which can cause printing problems. In Acrobat 9, you can merge these fragments.

1. Make a backup copy of your PDF.
2. Open the copy and choose Advanced > PDF Optimizer, and then choose Discard Objects.
3. Select Detect And Merge Image Fragments and click OK.

8. Merge or flatten layers. (Acrobat Pro, Pro Extended only)

If you print a PDF that contains layers, only the content that is visible onscreen is printed. Acrobat Pro and Pro Extended, let you specify which layer is visible and printable. Merge or flatten the layers in the PDF to determine if a layer is causing the printing problem. Merged layers acquire the properties of the layer into which they are merged. Flattening layers discards any content that isn't visible.

Note: Merging or flattening layers can't be undone.

1. Make a backup copy of your PDF file.
2. Open the copy and choose Advanced > PDF Optimizer, and then click Discard User Data.
3. Select Discard Hidden Layer Content And Flatten Visible Layers, and then click OK.
4. Open the Layer panel (if the Layer panel is not visible, choose View > Navigation Panels > Layers). Choose Options, and then select either Merge Layers or Flatten Layers.

9. Adjust the transparency flattening. (Acrobat Pro, Pro Extended only)

If a document contains transparent objects, Acrobat flattens the document before printing it. Flattening removes transparency information and converts images to a format the printer can interpret. Adjust the transparency flattening to determine if transparency is causing the problem.

1. Make a backup copy of your PDF.
2. Choose Advanced > Print Production > Flattener Preview.
3. Adjust the Raster/Vector Balance:
   • If you print to an inkjet printer, drag the Raster/Vector Balance slider to the lowest setting.
   • If you print to a PostScript printer, drag the Raster/Vector Balance slider to the highest setting.
4. Select Convert All Text To Outlines.
5. Deselect Clip Complex Regions
   Note: This option is available only if you select values between 1-99 in step 3.
6. Select Apply to flatten the PDF and close the Flattener Preview dialog box.
7. Print the document.

10. Delete Acrobat temporary files.

Excess temporary files can cause Acrobat to freeze or appear to freeze when you print.

1. Close any open applications.
2. Choose Start > Run, and type command in the Open text box. Click OK.
3. Type each of the following commands, pressing Enter after each command:

c: cd\ del acr*.tmp /s

4. Type exit to close the Command.com window.

11. Print a composite of the PDF. (Acrobat Pro, Pro Extended only)

If you print a PDF with color separations, print a composite to determine if a color plate is the problem. When you print a composite, all the colors print on one plate, regardless of whether individual colors are selected.

1. In the Print dialog box, click Advanced.
2. Select Output 
3. Select Output pane, select Composite from the Color menu.
4. Click OK to close the dialog box, and then print the document.

12. Change the PostScript options. (Acrobat Pro, Pro Extended only)

Print by using variations of the default PostScript options to determine if a variant print setting causes the problem.

To change the PostScript options:

1. Choose File > Print, and then click Advanced.
2. Select PostScript Options from the list on the left.
3. Select any PostScript options that aren't selected and deselect any options that are selected.
4. Click OK to close the dialog box, and then click Print.

13. Enable the PostScript error handler.

If you print to a PostScript printer, enable the PostScript error handler for the printer, if available. The PostScript error handler prints a list of PostScript errors that occur when you print. For help interpreting and resolving PostScript errors, see document 328515, "Troubleshoot PostScript errors."

1. Choose Start > Printers And Faxes (Windows XP)/ Start > Control Panel > Printers (Windows Vista)
2. Right-click the printer, and then choose Properties.
3. Select the General tab, select Printing Preferences, and then click Advanced.
4. Expand the Document Options, and then expand the PostScript Options.
5. Set Send PostScript Error Handler to Yes.

14. Print with Windows in Simplified mode.

Disable startup items and services

In Windows XP:

1. Quit all applications.
2. Choose Start > Run, type msconfig in the Open text box, and click OK.
3. Click the Startup tab, and record all deselected items.
4. Click the General tab, and choose Selective startup.
5. Deselect Load Startup Items. Verify that Process System.ini File, Process WIN.INI File, and Load System Services are selected.
6. Click the Services Tab, and select Hide All Microsoft Services.
7. Click Disable All.
8. Click OK, and restart Windows.
   Note: When you restart, click OK when notified that the System Configuration Utility has changed the way Windows starts. Click Cancel when the System Configuration Utility appears.
9. Right-click icons in the Notification Area (called the System Tray in earlier versions of Windows) to close or disable any startup items that are still active.

In Windows Vista:

1. Quit all applications.
2. Choose Start, type msconfig in the Search text box, and press Enter.
3. On the Startup tab, click Disable All.
4. On the Services tab, select Hide All Microsoft Services, click Disable All, and then click OK.
5. In the System Configuration dialog box, click OK then Restart.

Re-enable startup items and services

In Windows XP:

1. Choose Start > Run, type msconfig in the Open text box, and click OK.
2. Choose Normal Startup on the General tab, click OK, and restart the computer.
3. Deselect any items you recorded in step 3 of "Disable startup items and services."
   

In Windows Vista:

1. Choose Start, type msconfig in the Search text box, and press Enter.
2. Choose Normal Startup on the General tab, click OK, and restart the computer.

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Can't print any file from any application

If you have problems printing any file from the computer, contact Microsoft Technical Support, or the printer manufacturer. Make sure that the printer is on, and check the physical connections between the printer and the computer. The solution can be as simple as reconnecting a loose cable.

Also, note any recent changes to the computer system that can affect printing, such as the following:

• New or updated hardware or software
• Deleted software
• Installed or removed fonts
• New network connection
• Rearranged or cleaned up files on the hard drive

Keep a record of changes made to the system to help you troubleshoot printing and other problems. If the problem persists, work through the other sections in this document, as applicable.

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Can't print any PDF to a PostScript printer

If you have problems printing any PDF from an Acrobat product to a PostScript printer, do one or more of the following, printing after each task

1. Use the latest version of the Acrobat product.

Obtain the current version information and updates from the Adobe Updates site. Or choose Check For Updates from the Help menu.

2. Use an updated printer driver.

Use the Universal Installer (WinInstaller) to automatically install the PostScript printer driver that is compatible with your version of Windows. Download the newest Universal PostScript Windows Driver (Windows XP only).

Note: If you use a network printer, make sure that the print server can run alternate drivers for different operating systems on client computers. A printer driver can be compatible with the print server's operating system but not with your computer's operating system. To install a printer driver that's compatible with your operating system, reconfigure the network printer using the Add Printer wizard. For instructions, see task 8.

3. Use an updated PPD file.

A PostScript Printer Description (PPD) file describes the capabilities of a PostScript printer for settings such as margins, color, and resolution. Incorrect or outdated PPD files can increase print times. Configure your printer in the Printers Control Panel with the PPD file recommended by the printer manufacturer.

To obtain a PPD file for your device, contact the printer manufacturer or visit the Adobe website.

4. Set up the printer driver to output optimized PostScript code.

PostScript code that is optimized for portability and is in binary format improves printer driver performance. Optimized PostScript code minimizes the amount of scaling by the printer driver, which prevents losing portions of images.

1. Choose Start > Printers And Faxes (Windows XP)/ Start > Control Panel > Printers (Windows Vista).
2. Right-click the printer, and choose Properties from the pop-up menu.
3. Select the General tab.
4. Select Printing Preferences, and then click Advanced.
5. Expand the Document Options, and then expand the PostScript Options.
6. Set PostScript Output Option to Optimize For Portability.

5. Move the PDF to a local hard disk.

If the file that can't print is on a removable drive (for example, a USB thumb drive) or on a network drive, then move the file to a local hard disk. Adobe recommends storing files on a local hard disk when you open, save, or print them. This action reduces problems and damage to your files.

6. Create more free disk space.

Make sure that plenty of free hard disk space is available. Adobe recommends that free space is equivalent to three to five times the size of the file you print. To create more space, search for and delete temporary (.tmp) files on your computer, and clear the disk cache that the web browser uses. For instructions on clearing the disk cache, see the browser documentation. You can also free up disk space bypassing the spool file, which stores temporary files to the system disk during printing. For instructions on bypassing the spool file, see the Windows documentation.

7. Print from a local printer.

If you print to a network printer, try printing the file from a computer that is connected directly to a local printer:

• If an Acrobat product is installed on the computer, print the PDF from Acrobat.
• If an Acrobat product isn't installed, save the PDF as a PostScript file. Then copy the PostScript file to the printer from a command line. For instructions, see the Windows documentation.

If the file prints correctly, then network-related issues can be the cause. Contact the network administrator for assistance.

8. Install a printer driver that's compatible with your operating system.

If you use a network printer, install a printer driver that's compatible with your operating system. You can be using a printer driver that's appropriate for the print server's operating system but not for your computer's operating system.

1. Choose Start > Printers And Faxes (Windows XP) or Start > Control Panel > Printers (Vista)
2. Right-click the network printer, and then choose Delete.
3. Double-click Add Printer, and then click Next.
4. Select Local Printer Attached To This Computer.
5. Deselect Automatically Detect And Install My Plug And Play Printer, and then click Next.
6. Select Create A New Port.
7. Choose Local Port from the Type of Port menu, and then click Next.
8. In the Port Name dialog box, type the path for the print server and printer (for example, \\printservername\printername), and then click OK.
9. Follow the onscreen instructions to install a driver that matches the brand and model of your network printer.

9. Save the printer memory.

Select Save Printer Memory in the Print dialog box of the Acrobat product. If Save Printer Memory is selected, all fonts for a given page download to the printer before the page prints. If Save Printer Memory is deselected, print jobs require more printer memory.

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Can't print any PDF to a non-PostScript printer

If you have problems printing any PDF file from an Acrobat product to a non-PostScript printer, do one or more of the following tasks. Print after each task:

Disclaimer: Some of these solutions require you to change the printer driver properties. The locations for specific properties vary by printer and by printer driver. Adobe Technical Support cannot provide detailed information about the location of each property. Contact the printer manufacturer or see the printer documentation for more information.

1. Switch to the standard VGA driver.

Switch to the standard VGA driver to determine if the video driver causes the problem. If the error doesn't occur when you use the standard VGA driver, contact the video card manufacturer for an updated driver. If you already use the current version, try using a different video resolution (for example, 800 x 600, rather than 1024 x 768).

Note: Standard VGA drivers display 16 colors only. Switch to Super VGA for applications that require a minimum of 256 colors, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Adobe Illustrator.

To switch to the standard VGA driver, start Windows in VGA mode.

2. Ensure that the printer has enough memory.

Ensure that the printer has enough memory to print all page elements. To print at 300 dpi, the printer needs at least 2 MB of available RAM. To print at 600 dpi, the printer needs at least 4 - 6 MB of RAM. For instructions on determining available printer memory, see the printer documentation.

3. Use the printer's PostScript mode.

If the printer has a PostScript option, use the PostScript mode. For details, see the printer documentation.

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