Vista print problems

[RobertB]

Hi Guys,

Remember the advert on TV for Learning Direct, the one where the computer is launched out the window? Well that's how I feel with this printer.

I have been trying to get my new printer (HP 1600 colour lazer) to print large files (eg 10 Meg) or photographs. Most times it will print small files, however, when I try to print a larger file it will print the first 4 pages (of 22) and stop.

The printer's display will say printing and when I click on the print icon on the task bar it also will say printing. After 2 or 3 minutes the printer display returns to ready and a error print message displayed on the system.

So far I've tried; downloading the latest driver/ firmware from HP and changing the port properties. Some times I can get it to print 9 pages (of 22) but never all pages.

Any help or advice most greatfully received.

Thamks,

Robert

 

[websnail]

Have you tried setting the advanced settings to spool the print job before printing?

Not sure where this might be on Vista but it sounds a little like this could be part of the issue.

 

[RobertB]

Hi websnail

Thanks for your help, I've tried changing the settings including the option spooling the print job.

Could it be something to do with the size of memory in the printer (16Meg) or is Vista just not compatible with this printer?

I'm almost at the stage of returning the printer to PC World!

Thanks again for your help,

Robert

 

[websnail]

I'd return the printer as not fit for it's job... but that's just me...

Before you do though I'd look hard for reports on printers that don't have vista issues and then beat PCW into submission and a deal on the one you want

 

[Stationery-Direct]

If it is just large files then maybe it is a problem with the memory! Have you tried phoning HP to ask for advice? TEL: 0870 842 2339

Like the thread topic by the way, I was ready to start slagging them off:
www.vistaprint.co.uk

 

[reggiemental]

Like the thread topic by the way, I was ready to start slagging them off:

Me too!! LOL

 

[rob manchester]

Just did a quick goole for you on that problem iyogi seem to be the thing to take a look at

 

[websnail]

Just did a quick goole for you on that problem iyogi seem to be the thing to take a look at

???

Could you clarify... I'm confused... iyogi?

 

[Dawg]

iyogi remote IT geekery for £65. Use the dosh for another printer..

 

[websnail]

... and he recommended them for an issue HP should be able to resolve? Erm... a definite What The Flip moment there.

Anyway, returning to the topic in hand.. Part of the problem is that HP have too many printer drivers that are about much use as a chocolate fireguard on a hot day in the Aussi outback (if you get my drift). It's generally wise to do a little googling advance for any issues that have cropped up with the model(s) you're thinking of buying and especially take not of your operating system and any utilities you're using/intending to use.


Unfortunately matters are made no easier by the fact that all the peripheral makers go out of their way to push their new product lines by providing proper New OS (tm) support for them first and delaying (if not ignoring) driver support for their older lines. The basic rational being that if you want to print you get a new printer QED they get more money. The sooner they get a good slapping for it the better... but I digress...

iyogi is going to be no more use than a call to IT. Save your money.

 

[RobertB]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all advice and general comments, I had a chat with the IT people at the local college today who also recomended increasing the memory. Quote by IT technician '16 meg? Are you having a laugh?'

Problem is I just downloaded the data sheet from the HP website and guess what the maximum memory size that can be fitted to the printer - 16Meg

I think I be visiting PC World at the week end.

Thanks again,

Robert

 

[websnail]

I learned something new thanks to this thread... I was under the mistaken impression that lasers worked on the same basis as inkjets ie: that the computer handled the storage of documents, etc... and the printer memory was solely to act as a buffer. Turns out I was wrong.

Reference:
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Comp/comp.periphs.printers/2005-11/msg01238.html
(follow the thread for more info).

Inkjets apparently do work using the computer to spoon feed segments of the printjob while lasers get the whole job and store it in memory. If the job is complex and overextends the capacity I assume you get a borked job.

I'd still be interested to see if this still affects WinXP in the same way as that would confirm the issue if it did... If not, it's more likely a driver issue... Either way, useful knowledge nonetheless.

 

[RobertB]

I also assumed that the computer would buffer the data so that a small printer memory would only result in slower print speed.

What I don’t understand is how can HP sell this printer as a home or ‘professional’ printer?

Also, had a look at your home page very interested in your large capacity ink storage system. What is the typical cost per page when using this system? (Lots of colour pictures)

Robert

 

[websnail]

I also assumed that the computer would buffer the data so that a small printer memory would only result in slower print speed.

What I don’t understand is how can HP sell this printer as a home or ‘professional’ printer?

heck, marketing is marketing... You know, lies, damn lies, and....

Also, had a look at your home page very interested in your large capacity ink storage system. What is the typical cost per page when using this system? (Lots of colour pictures)

Obviously the more you print, the quicker you pay off the original kit cost but as a rule the kit pays itself off when around half of the initial ink has been used up. After that you're talking single figures in pence, between 2p and 5p per A4 page (@ 95% coverage)