Ancient hardware question

[Biggerhammer]

I have a very old but still functional printer. I bought it because I have the need to print some massive print runs (just text, 300 pages duplex or so). Unfortunately, whenever I try to print anything large- ie PDFs, graphics, etc - the printer get s memory overload and freezes.

How does one cure this?

 

[wpshooter]

Is print spooling set correctly.

 

[jose]

Did you add memory to the printer ?

Those printer can take addl. memory.

 

[Biggerhammer]

The printer has its basic memory. I can print, so I was assuming that the unmodified Win2KPro print spooler settings were acceptable. Can one set the spooler to send things in smaller chunks?

The printer is working via a JetDirect external.

 

[wpshooter]

Please explain what is jetdirect external and how is it interfaced with the computer. Is this on a LAN and if so what type ?

 

[Biggerhammer]

JetDirect is a small box that connects to your network and has a parallel port. From the workstation, one creates a printer port hooked to the IP address of the printer. It allows printers to be shared by a workgroup. In my case, I use it because this printer is roughly the size of a microwave from the 80's and I prefer to have it on shelves in my basement.

Since the error is showing on the printer itself, I suspect that it si just a case of too much data trying to go into the printer.

Can printers of this advanced age use bidirectional parallel cables? If so it should be able to tell the JetDirect box when to stop and wait for the printer to catch up, I hope.