Some users have reported the following difficulties with desktop printing:
- choose print and nothing happens or jobs hang in the queue
- choose print and get "printer not found" message
- choose print and get "The file 'XXX' will be moved to the desktop because it is not a valid print file" message
- setup printer in Chooser and no desktop printer created (except the StyleWriter 4000 series)
- -192@18 error caused by desktop printing
- -43@87 error caused by desktop printing
- multiple desktop printers for same printer created on desktop
- "flashing" desktop printer icon (disappears and reappears)
- cannot create a desktop printer icon
Solution
If you have printing difficulties that are eliminated by disabling desktop printing, the following steps will usually restore desktop printing functionality:
1. Start with desktop printing disabled (this is important). You can disable desktop printing using the Extensions Manager control panel.
2. Drag all desktop printer icons from the desktop to the Trash.
3. Drag the printing prefs folder (located inside the Preferences folder, which is inside the System folder) to the Trash.
Note: If necessary, save your watermark files before deleting the printing prefs folder, or re-install the watermark files after troubleshooting is complete.
4. Drag the PrintMonitor documents folder (in System folder) to the Trash.
5. Add 100 Kilobytes (100K) to minimum and preferred memory sizes of the Desktop PrintMonitor application (in Extensions Disabled folder) by selecting the application and Choosing Get Info from the File menu.
6. Re-enable desktop printing extensions using the Extensions Manager control panel.
7. Restart and rebuild the Desktop file by pressing the Apple and Option keys down until a few seconds after the rebuild is complete.
8. Try renaming AppleTalk printers (for example, most LaserWriter printers) using the Apple Printer Utility.
If you are experiencing any of the above issues, you should upgrade to Mac OS 8.1 or later available from the Apple Software Updates Web site at
http://www.apple.com/swupdates. Many desktop printing issues are resolved in this update.
For more information on issues with desktop printing, refer to Knowledge Base article 30413: "
Macintosh Desktop Printing: 'Endless Loop' Issue"