Printing error: There is a problem with the font 'x'

[Annika2]

Windows InDesignCS 3.0
Xerox Docucolor 3535

I produce a weekly newspaper, printed on 11x17, landscape, duplexed.

Some time ago I started having printing problems. I have a lot of fonts installed, so I started using a font manager, but that didn't solve the problem. I've done a pre-flight check, but that didn't solve the problem, either.

My workaround has been to export each page set to pdf, then print that. Inconvenient, but not a big deal. Now, however, not all pdfs that I place into ID embed properly. I get a series of black dots instead of characters.

I really need to get back to printing directly from ID. It goes through all the motions, then gives the error - Printing error: There is a problem with the font 'x' - where 'x' is a font name. When I ensure the font is there, it goes on to the next one it thought was missing.

This problem is only with my newspaper files, not small one or two page documents.

Any solutions will be gratefully received.

 

[eugenetyson]

I can honestly say I have never had any degree of success using a font manager in Windows, as I did on a Mac.

There might be a solution, but it seems like the fonts are corrupt or damaged some how. Perhaps this is why they are not exporting correctly.

Edit>Transparency Flattners>

Highlight the High Resolution Flattner and select new.

From the next dialog box, choose to outline all the text.

When you export to PDF from InDesign, choose to have the compatibility for PDF 1.3 (Acrobat 4)

In the Advanced Section of the PDF export box, choose the Transparency Flattner you just created.

It will result in a larger PDF file, but you shouldn't experience any problems with the fonts, in theory.

Hope this helps.

 

[Annika2]

Thanks, I'll try this, but I'd rather not have to export to pdf at all. I'll let you know how I make out.

 

[eugenetyson]

It's a fault finding exercise. To see where the problem is coming from you have to eliminate certain things.

But even as you go to print from InDesign, you can go to the Advanced part of the dialog box and choose this flattner that you made.

Perhaps that would be more to your tastings.

Euge

 

[jmgalvin]

Does the problem only occur with one or two fonts? If so there's a chance they're corrupted. Do a trial with some other fonts and see if the problem persists. It it goes away try trashing the fonts and reinstalling them.

Try the above without any font management on.

Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4

 

[Annika2]

I tried the flattening suggestion and had the same error. What's interesting is that when I ran the preflight I replaced the fonts that were missing, but they're still listed as the 'problem'.

I also noticed in the preflight that 21 of my embedded objects use RGB color space, but I've opted to not color manage when the file starts up. Could that be the culprit?

I really appreciate having people to bounce these things off; there's no one in my area who uses this product.

 

[apepp]

...try searching and deleting adobefnt10.lst or adobefnt11.lst files (font cache files), clean out your system fonts folder to a minimum amount, other than needed for system stability, you can view fonts that come with windows here:

http://www.microsoft.com/typography/fonts/default.aspx

...install fonts for your project into either:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Fonts

...or...

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe InDesign CS3\Fonts

...then as a test try exporting your indesign file to .inx format (file > export > indesign interchange), reopen the .inx fle back into CS3...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...i wouldn't get too bogged down with color management at this stage, it will be separate to your font problems which is a different can of worms...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...when you reopen the .inx file (with job fonts re-installed), run the preflight in indesign for font problems, if any...

...if fonts are still listed as missing, check that they are not part of eps images, or imported pdf files without fonts embedded (like supplied pdf adverts from external sources), the status column in the font preflight area will indicate id embedded or not...

Andrew

 

[Annika2]

I have adobefntxx.lst numbered 01 through 09, and 12. There is no 10, 11 or 13. I have 01 through 08 in other locations, as well, but no 10 or 11.

 

[eugenetyson]

What happens when you print to a different printer? The same thing? Or is it ok?

You may need to download the fonts to the printer. I had to do that many a time before and you should consult the printers manual, or the web to see if this is an issue with that particular printer.

 

[apepp]

...the files AdobeFnt(x).lst are cache files and can be removed...

...just DON'T delete the similar named files AdobeFnt.db and FntNames.db...

...place fonts for job in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Fonts...

...reboot...

...relaunch indesign, if you still have trouble let us know...

Andrew

 

[Annika2]

Thanks, I'll try that tomorrow. Today was my publishing day so I didn't have time for any experimenting. This is the only printer I have, and it's a problem that grew over time.
Again, I really appreciate all your suggestions. It's nice to have a focus instead of grasping at straws.

 

[Annika2]

Well, I tried the .inx solution, but to no avail. In fact, when I tried to open the file it crashed InDesign on the first two efforts. It took a long time to try to open it, and then it was trying to recover, saying it couldn't.

Do you think I might need to re-install ID?

 

[eugenetyson]

Open the .inx file in CS2 if you can?