Insufficient memory to print from MS word to a printer on a CUPS server

amon · 10-31-2005, 05:17 AM

I have implemented a new system to the network where I work so that all the network printers are run from a cups server. This allows for me to copy the cups log into a database and count peoples print jobs. The problem is this…

Occasionally people get an error message telling them they have insufficient memory to print to the printer (this is on new computers with more memory than the staff can count). I’m sorry at the moment I don’t have the exact error message as I’ve never seen it I’ve only been told about it (from people who expect me to be able to fix their system and are inpatient that it isn’t working perfectly even if the problem is that the printer is out of paper [/rant]). The only known workaround is to reboot the computers. The annoying thing is that the problem is inconstant and seems only to happen to members of staff who are the most impatient and least understanding.

To summarise the problem occurs on windows computers (from within Microsoft word I don’t know if other applications are affected as M$ word is the only program most staff here use) when sending print jobs to a CUPS print server running on a small Debian sarge box. But it only happens occasionally and the problem is solved by rebooting the computer.

Finlay · 11-01-2005, 06:51 PM

anything wierd show up in the cups log?
are you using samba?

apepost · 11-02-2005, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Occasionally people get an error message telling them they have insufficient memory to print to the printer (this is on new computers with more memory than the staff can count).

First proof of this beeing a MS bug.

Quote:

The only known workaround is to reboot the computers.

Second proof of this beeing a MS bug.

Quote:

The annoying thing is that the problem is inconstant and seems only to happen to members of staff who are the most impatient and least understanding.

Or perhaps it's user error.

You should try to find a way to reproduce the problem, or at least get to see the exact message.

Finlay · 11-02-2005, 10:04 AM

also check the event viewer on the windoze boxes. there may be something there. one thing you can check is the printer drivers, see if the people getting the error have a difference driver then the ones not getting it. if it is an HP printer use the pcl5e driver, not the pcl6, it is more compatible (works more often)

zak317 · 11-02-2005, 10:21 AM

You should also look at the cups log (/var/log/cups) if some weird things happened...

Good luck!

← Zak →

amon · 11-02-2005, 12:52 PM

I managed to see the error message (and take a screen dump). It looks like an ms bug as the error message has the following under "extra info".

Code:

This error appears if there is a problem saving the file.  Usually, the disk is full, RAM memory is low, or there is a permission problem with the drive the file is being saved to.  If the amount of disk space for a paging file is low, save the file to another drive. If the RAM memory is low, increase available RAM.  If permissions to the drive do not allow you to save to that drive, save the file to another drive or request permissions from the administrator to save files to the drive.
Note: This error can occur if the computer is running a version of antivirus software that is not compatible with Office or needs to be updated. This error can also occur if you are saving to a full floppy disk or the floppy disk is too small for the file.
More information about this error message online. 

LINK: http://watson.microsoft.com/dw/error...ld=11.0.6352.0

It appears to be due to printer permissions not being set over the network. however I'll keep my eyes open as i know things snarl up a bit when someone sends a large image to a printer as the linux box is very low spec.

Finlay · 11-02-2005, 12:55 PM

might want to check disk space on the windoze box, if it is a large image the spool file could be 10mb+

also, are you using samba to share the printer or just cups?

amon · 11-14-2005, 05:14 AM

Quote:

are you using samba to share the printer or just cups?

just cups

I am installing a new server with lots more ram. this may make a difference.