Slow PDF printing

[AlG]

We are experiencing an issue with slow PDF printing. This is only happening with PDF's. Job makes it to queue but just hangs (spooling) for about 50 seconds before it starts to print. This happening on Laserjet 4015's and 4200's using the latest Univeral Print Driver, updated to the latest FW, updated memory from 128MB to 256MB. We tested using PCL drivers, that worked, but we cant use PCL drivers in our environment due to various reasons. This on a 64 Bit, Windows 2008 Print Server with 4GB of RAM. We did have this same issue on Xerox copiers, but was resolved while working on another issue we had with SNMP on the Xeroxs. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[ridered74]

Make sure the firmware on the printer is up to date on the printers, especially the 4200's because there was a fix for that issue in one of the updates. Aside from that, I'd advise using a PDF driver.

[AlG]

We are using the latest drivers and firmware. I should mention that these printers were fine when they were a 2003 print server. These same model printers are also working fine in our offices that are still on a 2003 sever. The company we purchased the printers through are working with HP now on a resolution, which I will post.

[ridered74]

Ya that's a really good thing to mention. I haven't run into slow pdf printing recently, but in the last 3-5 months the number of 49.XXXX errors has gone thru the roof. If you've already upgraded the firmware, all you can really do is suggest alternate drivers to the IT folks. There's almost always a driver specifically for PDF's. It handles them much better than PCL or universal drivers.