Fix Slow Printing Issues: Troubleshooting Tips for a Frustrated User

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In summary, the conversation discusses issues with slow and frozen printing when trying to print a PDF file through Firefox. It is suggested that this may be due to the PDF plugin on Firefox and that it may be quicker to download the file and print it through a separate PDF reader. The potential reasons for this issue are also discussed, including back-and-forth communication between the printer driver and the web page being printed. Suggestions are made to try alternative PDF readers such as SumatraPDF or Foxit Reader.
  • #1
Pengwuino
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Slow, stupid computer/printer face!

So I has a question to AXE. I swear, whenever I try to print a .pdf file that opens in firefox, it takes FOREVER. The printers are on a wireless network but I swear to all that is holy and good that it takes like 5-10 minutes to print. Oh and that's not time between it starts and finishes, that's the time that the computer is basically frozen and out of commission because firefox hangs on the progress bar of the printing job. Once its finished, the printer immediately prints it.

Oh I said I have a question... well, WHAT THE HELL?

DISCUSS!

Seriously, what in the world causes this? Why is, I assume, my computer taking 3x10^384 calculations and 300TB of memory to print my 7 page document? DO I NEED TO SLAP SOMEONE?
 
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  • #2


I'm not sure why it happens, but it might be something to do with the pdf plugin on firefox. I've noticed on firefox and IE that it's actually quicker to download a pdf and then display it in adobe acrobat than to try and open it in the browser itself. There may be some sort of translation process, but then again, this was for pdf's in the 2MB and larger range. The translation process probably has to happen again to send the pdf from firefox into "printer format".
 
  • #3


have you tried rebooting? ;-)

seriously though, that was a very funny rant and brightened up my lunchtime considerably
 
  • #4


At school we were always told never to print from explorer pages because it clogs up the system, but never given a reason. If you download the file and print it from the reader, do you get much faster results?

You know when you scroll down, the page still loads on Firefox? That implies that when you print there may be some sort of back-and-forth communication between your printer driver and the actual web page as the information is not fully downloaded before it is sent to be printed...
 
  • #6


Download and open in Adobe Acrobat or Reader (whichever you have) and print from that.
 

What causes a computer/printer to run slowly?

There are several factors that can contribute to a slow computer or printer. These include a lack of memory or storage space, outdated hardware or software, and viruses or malware. It is important to regularly update your system and run scans for viruses to prevent slow performance.

How can I speed up my slow computer/printer?

There are several steps you can take to improve the speed of your computer or printer. These include deleting unnecessary files, upgrading hardware components such as RAM or hard drive, and optimizing your system's settings. You can also consider using a cleanup tool or defragmentation software to help improve performance.

Why does my computer/printer freeze or crash?

A computer or printer may freeze or crash due to a variety of reasons. This can include software conflicts, hardware failures, or overheating. It is important to troubleshoot the issue and identify the root cause in order to prevent future crashes.

How can I prevent my computer/printer from running slowly?

To prevent your computer or printer from running slowly, it is important to regularly maintain and update your system. This includes deleting unnecessary files, running virus scans, and keeping your hardware and software up to date. It is also helpful to avoid downloading suspicious files or programs.

Is it possible to fix a slow computer/printer on my own?

In some cases, it is possible to fix a slow computer or printer on your own by following troubleshooting steps. However, if the issue persists or if you are not comfortable troubleshooting technical issues, it is best to seek professional help from a computer technician or IT specialist.

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