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Slow performance when you try to print, when you open the printer properties, or when you open the printer preferences

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This article provides a solution to an issue where you experience slow performance when you try to print, or open printer properties/preferences.

Applies to:   Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number:   979394

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

  • You install the Print Services role on a stand-alone computer or failover cluster that is running Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2.
  • You install an inbox HP-based printer driver or an OEM HP-based printer driver.

In this scenario, you experience slow performance when you do one of the following operations:

  • You try to print.
  • You open the printer properties.
  • You open the printing preferences.

Additionally, some cluster nodes might stop responding temporarily when you open the printer properties or the printing preferences.

Cause

The following HP printer drivers are affected by this issue:

  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 4.5 PCL 5
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 4.5 PCL 6
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 4.5 PCL PS
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 4.7 PCL 5
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 4.7 PCL 6
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 4.7 PCL PS
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 4.7.2 PCL 5
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 4.7.2 PCL 6
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 4.7.2 PCL PS
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 5.0 PCL 5
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 5.0 PCL 6
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 5.0 PCL PS
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 5.0.1 PCL 5
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 5.0.1 PCL 6
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 5.0.1 PCL PS
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 5.0.2 PCL 5
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 5.0.2 PCL 6
  • OEM HP Universal Printing driver 5.0.2 PCL PS
  • OEM HP print drivers PCL 5 (that uses an UPD engine that is older than the UPD 5.0.3 engine)
  • OEM HP print drivers PCL 5 (that uses UPD engine that is older than the UPD 5.0 engine)
  • OEM HP print drivers PCL 6 (that uses UPD engine that is older than the UPD 5.0.3 engine)
  • OEM HP print drivers PS (that uses UPD engine that is older than the UPD 5.0.3 engine)
  • inbox HP PCL 5 print drivers *
  • inbox HP PCL 6 print drivers *
  • inbox HP PS print drivers *

Note

The asterisk symbol (*) means that the drivers are included in Windows Vista, in Windows Server 2008, in Windows 7, and in Windows Server 2008 R2. A UPD engine that is older than the UPD 5.0.3 engine has these drivers.

Resolution

To resolve this problem, install one of the following printer drivers:

  • OEM HP Universal Printing Driver 5.0.3 or a later version PCL 5
  • OEM HP Universal Printing Driver 5.0.3 or a later version PCL 6
  • OEM HP Universal Printing Driver 5.0.3 or a later version PS

For more information about these printer drivers, visit HP Universal Print Driver.

Third-party information disclaimer

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.