How to Select 'Automatic' Metafile Spooling to Reduce Spool Size and Speed Up Printing in Windows XP Point and Print (PnP) Environments

Document ID:SO5348
 
  Properties  

Problem

Large print spool size; Excessive spool size; Spool file size too large; PCL driver generates large spool file size; Metafile spooling; Automatic metafile spooling; Slow print speeds

Solution

What you will see

Large spool file sizes result in slower than expected print time.

 

Environment

 

Operating System \ Print Method
 Printer Driver
Microsoft Windows XP using Point and Print (PnP) printing

Universal Printer Driver (UPD) version 1.6 and certain PCL/PCL XL drivers only.

 

Not all printers will have this ability.

 

 

Suggested Remedy

 

This procedure may with specific print jobs that don't require finishing options. The print server procedure will push or force this setting for all individual client workstations. 

Client workstation procedure 

  1. Open Printers and Faxes*, or select Print followed by Properties from the application's File Menu.
  2. Right-click to display drop-down menu, and then select Printing Preferences.
  3. Select Other Options.
  4. Select More Options.
  5. Select PCL.
  6. Select Automatic under Metafile Spooling.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Click Apply. 

* Steps 2 and 8 apply if changing this setting via Printers and Faxes. 

Click here for a sequenced illustration.

Print server procedure

  1. Open Printers and Faxes.
  2. Right-click to display drop-down menu, and then select Properties.
  3. Click on the Advanced tab.
  4. Click on Printing Defaults button.
  5. Select Other Options.
  6. Select More Options.
  7. Click on the PCL button.
  8. Select Automatic under Metafile Spooling.
  9. Click OK once or twice.
  10. Click Apply.

 

 

How this works

This will cause a majority of the print job to be rendered at the client. This greatly reduces processing time by the printer driver.

 

 

 

Impact of Finishing Options on Performance

If you select any driver-available printer finishing options, the job will still need to be sent to the print server for more processing.

This includes finishing options such as booklet printing, manual duplex, staple, collation, rotation, and more.

 

 

 

Still Need Help?

  

Please contact Lexmark Technical Support if you need additional assistance. NOTE: When calling for support, you will be asked for your printer machine/model type and serial number (SN).

Please call from near the computer and printer in case the technician on the phone asks you to perform a task involving one of these devices.



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