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Subject:Doc too large to print? From:"Geoff Hart (by way of \"Eric J. Ray\" <ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com>)" <ght -at- MTL -dot- FERIC -dot- CA> Date:Fri, 14 Aug 1998 06:24:00 -0600
Linda Castellani wondered about why her 250-page, 6-Meg document
won't print unless she breaks it into sections. A few thoughts:
First, even if your printer has 32 Meg, Windows may not be aware of
this. You didn't mention which version of Windows you're using, but
the printer control panel usually lets you define the amount of
memory installed in the printer. By default, it's set to some low
value such as 1 Meg, and you'll have to adjust the setting to match
your printer's actual configuration. There's also a "page protection"
switch somewhere in the same dialog; set that to "on". It's also
possible you're trying to print what you describe as color documents
on what Windows thinks is a monochrome printer; check the printer
setup control panel to make sure you've got the right driver
installed (e.g., HP Laser Color rather than HP Laser... these are
madeup names, so pick the correct ones for your system). Confusion
over the printer driver causes many a printing problem.
Second, there's no good reason for producing anything that large as a
single document file. In fact, given Word's reputation, I'd go so far
as to say that's an unwise strategy. (That is: Some folk work with
large documents for months with not a lick of trouble, others
experience all kinds of funky document corruption, and nobody can
explain the difference between the two groups.) I'd suggest breaking
the document into several smaller docs based on sections or perhaps
even chapters. You'll work faster and safer.
Third, if you really need to print such a large document in color,
you're probably better off putting it on a Zip disk and taking it to
your local Kinko's or equivalent. They'll print it on a high-speed
color photocopier of some sort which will make your color laser
printer look like a bulldozer for speed. It'll cost a bit more, but
what's your time worth anyway?
--Geoff Hart @8^{)}
geoff-h -at- mtl -dot- feric -dot- ca
"Men are from Earth. Women are from Earth. Deal with it."--Author unknown
