Do we have a resident computer expert here today?

[LouAvul]

I replaced my desktop (Dell w/XP OS) with a new one (Dell w/Win 7 OS) when Microsoft discontinued support for XP. Now, I cannot print Adobe PDF files. I can print Word, etc, but just not PDF. I discovered this when I tried to print a hard copy of my Turbotax.

I finally had to save TT to a flash drive and print it off on my wife's computer (also Dell w/Win 7 OS). PDF will print on her computer and printer, both of which are older than my compuer and printer.

The printer is an Officejet HP multifunction. Copier, scanner, fax and printer. I've downloaded all available updates from HP to no avail.

What happens is that I get about 1/2 page of text as is on the file. Then I get a page with about one line of garbled images. Hearts, diamonds, etc.

Then blank pages until the printer stops printing. It doesn't end the print job, it just sits there with lights flashing like it does when it's actually printing something.

Then I have to hit "cancel print" on the printer, go into control panel to cancel the print job, etc.

I read online where some people with the same problem have been able to use the "print as image" function to print. But Win 7 doesn't have that option.

I also disabled the "enable protected mode at start up" option.

Maybe someone here has experienced the same problem?

Thanks.

[TomGuy]

Sounds like a driver problem. As some posts suggest, try uninstalling and reinstalling Adobe Reader.

I prefer PDF-XChange Viewer [http://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-viewer] and FoxIt Reader [http://www.foxitsoftware.com/Secure_PDF_Reader/]. You might try installing one of them and see if you are able to print PDF files.

[Be Free]

I’ve seen behavior similar to that when the print-drivers are not updated; when sending to a printer in something other than HP PCLx format; or when the file-size of the print-job overwhelms the memory of the printer. You said you’d updated the drivers so, assuming they’re all Win7 capable (and you’re not trying to operate in some XP compatibility mode), then scratch that from the list.

To address the other 2, make sure the driver you’re using is the PCLx (PCL6, I think is current) version. Also, check to see if you’re attempting to print “high quality” output, like 600 or 1200 dpi (dots-per-inch). If you’re doing just office quality print-out (not photos), then 300 dpi is more than sufficient, and should easily print within the memory capacity of the printer.

I forget where, but somewhere in the Adobe Reader or Win7 printer-driver options is “feature” to either begin print immediately, or to queue the output, then blast it all to the printer at once. If it’s a many-page doc, then that could also be a huge file, and where sending immediately MIGHT help.

[EQAndyBuzz]

Enable all features?

[driftdiver]

The printer shouldn’t break everytime.

[LouAvul]

Thank you. I did that and was finally able to access “print as image” in the “advanced” features. Odd, because I had Adobe XI. And when I reinstalled, I ended up with Adobe XI again. Must just be one of those mystical computer anomalies?

[Steely Tom]

The printer shouldn’t break everytime.

On that we agree.

[LouAvul]

Thanks. I was unable to find the “print as image” option until I uninstalled, and reinstalled, Adobe for the second time. I was finally able to do so and problem solved. Thanks again.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Your Adobe install got corrupted somehow. It can happen with any program.

[LouAvul]

I uninstalled, and reinstalled Adobe. Again. (I did that yesterday.) I uninstalled Adobe XI, and when I reinstalled, I got the exact same Adobe XI. But now, for whatever reason, I now have the option of "print as image" under the "advanced" features, and the problem is solved. Solved, that is, until my computer once again decides to toy with me re the Adobe program.

I think my computer just might have a mean sense of humor.

Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions. I followed your advice and was able to print out a complete, intact, PDF file.

[ontap]

While the computer experts are still here! I have a new computer with Windows 8. I have managed to get a facsimile of windows seven put am constantly invaded with programs changing my search engine. When I go to Control Panel I find a lot of files that begin with “Windows Visual”. I suspect some of my problems are stemming for there because every time I open explorer my search engine has changed to Bing!! Are these Windows Visual files necessary!!

[dadfly]

bookmark

[The Great RJ]

Definitely reinstall Adobe Reader. You might also try using CCleaner to clean out the registry. I would also update the drivers especially for the printer. I have had very good luck using Drivermax to find the latest drivers on my Windows 7 desktop

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I don't know about the Windows Visual files. What I would do is install and run the free version of SuperAntiSpyware.

My bet is that it will find a bunch of problems. That alone might fix it.

[molson209]

Try Foxit Reader ,but pay attention when you install it ,some downloads of it try to install others programs ,like most things you install these days

[SoConPubbie]

Are you actually trying to print to a printer the PDF or “Print” (transform) the file to a PDF version of the file?

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Ditto on Foxit.

[Delta Dawn]

You may not be an expert, but I concur with your suggestion. Amazing what the latest drivers can do sometimes.

[publius911]

It would help to know if you are using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.
It would also help to know WHICH model HP all-in-one printer you are using.

I migrated from XP to Win 7 about a year ago, in a Pentium4 desktop about 8 years old, and can continue using my my 6-year old HP 1315xi all-in-one with updated drivers from HP, no problem.

[LouAvul]

Problem solved. Cf post 29