PM 6.5 file no longer prints

[angler2229]

A 1.58MB file that contains over 100 pages will no longer print. The file contains only one small graphic file that is used as a folio marker for each page that was dropped into the master pages. The rest of the file is just black blocks and text. This file is a university yearbook, and they are going to want to send it to press pretty soon.

My computer is a Compaq Presario 1200 with 128MB of ram. I print to an HP Laserjet 6MP that has 32MB of ram. I have several large files that I can still print that are filled with linked graphics that are 5 or 6Mb in size.

I do color separations of the file. When I go to print, the computer displays the sending of the black plate, then the blue plate, and the red plate. The printer lights cycle just like always then the light goes to standby and nothing prints.

I made a PDF of the file with no problem or error messages, but am unable of course to print separations from a pdf.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

angler

 

[viol8ion]

angler,

Can you print to file and then open distiller and create a PDF? If not, then you have acorruption somewhere in the file. Can you print one page at a time?

In my opinion, a 100 page PM doc is too large. Typically I make sure that my documents are no more than 30 or so pages, and then book them. You might try dividing ('save as' section 1,2,3 etc, and delete the extra in each section) and then printing each section.

What sort of graphic? Hopefully it is a TIFF or an EPS, and was File>Placed rather than copy/pasted. When in doubt, deny all terms and defnitions.

http://www.wuli.com

 

[angler2229]

Actually, the first thing I did was to restart my computer. I had read in one of the FAQ's that being unable to create a pdf was a sign of a corrupted file. I was unable to print but was able to create a pdf. The pdf will print -- it just won't do separations.

Oddly enough, my yearbook rep wants all files to rolled into one. That's part of what I do for him. I take a double page spreads and do a power paste into a single file so he can print out the finals on his wide format printer. They are placed on a pasteboard and sent to the plant. All I do is layouts, place text, and condense muliple files into one.

I have several files that are heavy in TIFF's and EPS's (I always use File> Place) that exceeed 35MB (using the save smaller feature). They print well albiet slowly.

I may have to break this file apart using your method. Do you think that doing so will correct the file or do I need to copy all my master pages into a new file and copy all the text to the new file? Unfortunately, it may be my only recourse. Of course, I get paid by the hour. I am worried more about meeting my deadline. I was hoping for something simpler.

Thanks for the help. I will try to break it down to four or five smaller files.

angler

 

[viol8ion]

If you can create a PDF and print it without problem, then your images and fonts are probably fine. That is the first thing I do with any sort of problem, try to isolate the cause.

You may have a document that is too large for the available printer memory or something. Try breaking the file into smaller pieces, then let us know how it goes.

The rest of your workflow seems to be acceptable. I asume the powerpaste you are doing is from PM file to PM file? if so, then that shouldn't cause any problems. When in doubt, deny all terms and defnitions.

http://www.wuli.com

 

[angler2229]

Yes, I power paste from their double page spread into my file. I create the master pages, give them to the school, and they place text in the publication. Then I open their publication and select all, pasting their text into my file. I have a disk with most of the graphics they use and File> Place so I don't get any linkage problems.

I had a problem similar to this two years ago with a file from a school that was really small (750KB). A master page for division pages was created by the school. I copied it from master pages and pasted it inot my master pages. I could print every page in the publication except the master pages for that divider.

My printer cycled just like this recent file does but would not print. I tried copying to another new file no avail. That's what has me so concerned about this file.

When I get home, I will try to divide this file and print. I will let you know the outcome. Thanks for your help.

angler

 

[Eggles]

I had exactly the same problem last week. The PM file was around 18 pages but with 10 placed linked TIFs on each page. I am asked to print all or part of this file (which I have been adding to over the last few weeks) on a regular occasion. Then one day, it simply refused to print. After selecting Print, the dialog box would show up as though it was spooling the file - then nothing. If I checked the printer dialog box at the same time, I could see the file being deleted. I couldn't print single pages or to any other printer - a file I had printed numerous times!! I resaved it to a new file name, to a new file folder, I tried save for service provider, double checked the Links manager, deleted all unused styles (I used two styles through out the document, and one font) - everything I could think of. And still no luck. Somewhere between adding a new graphic (tiny file) and a print job, soemething weird happened. In the end, I created a new doc, and copy/pasted every page - and it worked. I could print again.

 

[angler2229]

That's exactly what I have done. It's not solution I was hoping for, but the file now prints.

Thanks to all for your help!

angler

 

[angler2229]

More news! I printed several pages of the new file and then it stopped printing! I decided to try removing the EPS from the file altogether. It solved the problem. I removed the EPS from the orginal file, and it prints with no problem.

Here's my take on it. I File> Place the EPS from a CD given to me by Taylor Publishing. I place it in the Document Master, set my page numbers, and give the the file a job number and page number so it shows up on the blue plate. Then I duplicate the document master so all the page numbers and folio art is the same in every master page. Evidently the duplicating eventually destroys the EPS, and it starts throwing a Post Script error.

From now on I will have to create a new master page and place the EPS into every master page. BTW, I alwys have made it a habit of placing a copy of the EPS in the folder of the file so links are made when I send the file to my yearbook rep for final printing.

Of the two dozen books I do, this is only the second publication not to print.

Thanks for all your help. You all helped me reach a satisfactory end!