PostScript Printers Print "Insufficient Memory" Error Message

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This article was previously published under Q248397

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SYMPTOMS

When you try to print a document on a PostScript printer, only a portion of the document may be printed. Also, the printer may print a page that indicates that the printer is out of memory. For example, the printer may print a page with the following text:

This job requires more memory than is available in this printer. Try on or more of the following and then print again:
For the output format choose Optimize for portability.
Reduce the number of fonts in this document.
Print the document in parts.

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CAUSE

This issue may occur if the printer does not have enough memory to complete the PostScript print job. For example, if your document contains TrueType fonts that are downloaded as Type42 (outline) fonts, your printer may not have enough memory to perform the Type42 font download in native TrueType format. When the printer tries to allocate space for the font download, the printer overruns its memory.

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, add more physical memory to the printer. For information about how to do so, view the documentation that was included with your printer.

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WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, reduce the complexity of your PostScript print job. For example, set the TrueType Font Download option to Automatic, Outline, or Bitmap as follows:

In Control Panel, open the Printers (or Printers and Faxes) folder.
Right-click your PostScript printer, and then click Properties.
Click Printing Preferences, click Layout, and then click Advanced.
Double-click PostScript Options, and then click TrueType Font Download Option.
In the True Type Font Download Option box, click Automatic. If Automatic is already selected, click Outline or Bitmap.
Close the Printer Properties dialog box, and then close Control Panel.

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MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft has confirmed that this issue can occur when you use the PostScript printer driver that is included with Windows to print a PostScript job to any of the following printers: