Help with Error: "Can't print the illustration"

[Chris_Liodice@adobeforums.com]

I'm hoping someone can help me with the following error: "Can't print the illustration". My Illustrator file is being sent to 42in plotter (dimensions are 42" x 28", landscape) and it processes about 20% of the file before returning the error. The error definitely seems to be on the software/computer side because the plotter goes on to print the 20% that was processed. My guess is that I need more RAM in my computer, but I figured I'd ask the experts. Details on my setup are below. Let me know if there's other information that would be helpful to know. Thanks!

Software:
Adobe Illustrator 10

Printer:
DesignJet 500PS 42in Plotter

Computer:
PC, Windows XP
Pentium II
400 MHz, 128 MB RAM
12 GB drive

[Harron_K._Appleman@adobeforums.com]

My guess is that I need more RAM in my computer, but I figured I'd ask
the experts.




Chris, that would be my guess, too.

128MB is surprisingly little RAM -- perhaps even less than Adobe-specified minimum requirements for IL 10... I can't remember.

You could try upping your virtual memory, but I wonder how much of that 12GB drive you have to work with.

I might suggest buying more memory and a larger hard drive, but, honestly, I think that money would be better spent on a new PC.

If you haven't already, update to 10.0.3. I don't think it's going to help you with your problem, but it's worth doing in any event.

=-= Harron =-=

[shawnp80@adobeforums.com]

I've had this problem at times also. It just occurred again for me, with a small text only document! I unchecked bitmap printing, and wala, it printed. I have also had the same error message when printing documents with a large artboard size to my large format printer. Artboard size was originally 36"x42" - what I had to do was reduce the size of the artwork and artboard to 50%, then in the printer setup box, increase the size to 200%. Output was acceptable. Good luck. Hope this helps!

[shawnp80@adobeforums.com]

Sorry I forgot to say this . Apply a 200 % scaling factor. Dont forget to uncheck bitmap printing.

[Unregistered]

I'm hoping someone can help me with the following error: "Can't print the illustration". My Illustrator file is being sent to 42in plotter (dimensions are 42" x 28", landscape) and it processes about 20% of the file before returning the error. The error definitely seems to be on the software/computer side because the plotter goes on to print the 20% that was processed. My guess is that I need more RAM in my computer, but I figured I'd ask the experts. Details on my setup are below. Let me know if there's other information that would be helpful to know. Thanks!

Software:
Adobe Illustrator 10

Printer:
DesignJet 500PS 42in Plotter

Computer:
PC, Windows XP
Pentium II
400 MHz, 128 MB RAM
12 GB drive[/QUOTE]


I found I could get around the problem by:



Ctrl P [to print] - AI print dialogue box comes up.



Note if you click on PRINT at this point, you get the "Can't print the illustration" message.



HOWEVER



If you click on the SETUP button on the LHS you will get your printer's dialogue box.

Click on PRINT - printer dialogue box disappears, leaving AI print dialogue box

NOW click on the PRINT button

Printer prints illustration.



[Does for me at least]



Good Luck