Graphics Print Slowly to PostScript Printer on LPT Port (92972)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
This article was previously published under Q92972

SUMMARY

If your graphics print jobs take a long time to print to a PostScript printer through a parallel port (LPT1-3), you can clear the Compress Bitmaps check box in the Advanced Options dialog box to improve the print speed. However, there is a tradeoff -- the application from which you are printing does not regain control as fast (that is, the hourglass takes longer to return to a pointer).

If you print through a serial port (COM 1-4), you should not clear the Compress Bitmaps check box.

MORE INFORMATION

Changing the Compress Bitmaps option does not affect either device fonts or TrueType fonts, and does not affect printing speed for text-only documents.

Clearing the Compress Bitmaps check box increases the amount of time before control is returned to the application, but decreases the total time required to print.

If you want control to be returned to the application as quickly as possible, select the Compress Bitmap check box.

Setting the Compress Bitmap Option

  1. Run Control Panel and choose the Printers icon.
  2. Select the PostScript printer you are using from the list of Installed Printers.
  3. Choose the Setup button.
  4. Choose the Options button.
  5. Choose the Advanced button.
  6. Select or clear the Compress Bitmaps check box, depending on your preference.
  7. Choose the OK button three times, and choose the Close button to save your changes.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/26/2003
Keywords:KB92972
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.