Microsoft KB Archive/918452

= Print jobs may generate large spool files on a Windows XP-based computer =

Article ID: 918452

Article Last Modified on 5/31/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

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SYMPTOMS
When you print from the following graphical programs, the print job may generate large spool files on a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer:
 * Image editors
 * Word processors
 * Presentation editors



CAUSE
This issue occurs because of the design of the Graphics Device Interface (GDI) rendering engine and of the methods that the programs use to send print data to the GDI rendering engine.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use the following methods:

Upgrade the program
Upgrade the program that you use to print. Sometimes, new versions of programs take advantage of Windows technologies to decrease the size of the spool file.

Upgrade the printer driver
Upgrade the printer driver of the printer that you use. Sometimes, new versions of printer drivers take advantage of Windows technologies to decrease the size of the spool file.

Decrease the printer resolution
Decrease the resolution setting of the printer that you use. A high printer resolution setting creates a complex spool file, and therefore increases the size of the spool file.

Decrease the image color depth
Decrease the color depth of the image in the print job. A high image color depth increases the size of the image data, and therefore increases the size of the spool file.

Decrease the spool file complexity
Decrease the complexity of the spool file. A file that uses many images, fonts, and graphical effects such as gradients and transparency increases the complexity and the size of the spool file.

Increase the free hard disk space
Increase the free hard disk space on the computer. Large spool files may fill up the free hard disk space. On computers that have less free hard disk space, complex documents may not print.

Keywords: kbtshoot KB918452

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