PDF documents print with garbage?

Question

For some time now, I am unable to print pdf files without gobbledy gook (garbage). They appear fine on the screen but print nothing readable.  I have been keeping up to date with Adobe downloads and have the latest updates.  I found a pdf file from 2007 that I was able to print.  Anything more recent comes out as junk.  I have tried everything to troubleshoot this along with a very techy friend of mine and we are stumped.  Adobe's website is no help.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Will the .pdf print from a program like this?

Foxit Reader 3.2 for Windows

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/reader3.php

What is the make and model of the Printer?

Do the .pdf  documents have embedded fonts?  Will they print if you print the .pdf document as an ,jpg or .bmp image?

http://www.blackice.com/Help/Internet/Print2RDP%20webhelp/WebHelp/PDF_documents_print_garbled.htm

I am experiencing garbled output or other problems printing

http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/comp/ioGarbled-c.html

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=garbled+printing&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-au:IE-SearchBox&ie=&oe=&redir_esc=&ei=mKUdTOj0HpO3cdCb0d8M

Are you able to test a different printer on your machine, or your printer on another machine?

Answer 2

Thanks, everyone, will take a look at these issues. Yes, I can print elsewhere. My printer drivers are up to date, the problem started with another printer, actually, not this one.  Not much of anything in the start up menu anymore other than the basic 5 things I need...

Adobe support is not at all helpful...

I have an HP Deskjet all in one, F2210. Before that it was a Canon printer, but it is put away in a box since I bought my all in one.

Answer 3

Hi,

And this happens with ALL PDF files?

Be sure to check in with Adobe Support.

Be sure to check your printer drivers. Do you have any competing PDF programs running,

especially any that load in startup. Check your antivirus/security programs especiall if you

have more than one on the machine or any that were uninstalled which can leave trouble

causing remnants.

Reboot - when back up - Right Click Taskbar - Task Manager - Processes Tab - look for

non-Adobe PDF programs loading. (Also CTRL + SHIFT + ESC)

Start - type in Search box -> MSCONFIG         find at top - Right Click - RUN AS ADMIN.

Startup tab (and Autoruns will allow more detailed checks).

Autoruns - Free - See what programs are configured to startup automatically when your

system boots and you login. Autoruns also shows you the full list of Registry and file

locations where applications can configure auto-start settings.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

Try using a clean boot to see if the printing is still messed up.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

How to Check and Change the Startup Programs in Vista

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/79612-startup-programs-enable-disable.html

Hope this helps.

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Rob Brown - MS MVP - Windows Desktop Experience : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

Answer 4

I have done all of this, as recently as today (re-downloaded the latest versions). I don't find the Adobe forums helpful but will give it another shot.  I'd be interested to hear if others have this problem.  This started for me over a year ago.

Thanks.

Answer 5

Hi,

Are you running the latest version of Acrobat Reader? And your printer driver (see printer makers

site)? Also check with the Adobe Forums.

You may need to install/reinstall latest Acrobat Reader

Acrobat Reader - Free -  uncheck Google Toolbar unless you REALLY want it

http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Check with Adobe Acrobat Reader Support and other Forums

Adobe - Support

http://www.adobe.com/support/

Adobe - Communities

http://www.adobe.com/communities/

Adobe - Forums

http://forums.adobe.com/index.jspa

Hope this helps.

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Rob Brown - MS MVP - Windows Desktop Experience : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.