Occasionally "Microsoft print to pdf" creates empty files


  1. Posts : 8
    WIN 10
       #1

    Occasionally "Microsoft print to pdf" creates empty files


    Having an issue with “Microsoft print to pdf”. It occasionally creates a blank page, empty pdf file. It worked perfectly for years, but over the last two weeks this issue popped up. I have uninstalled the print to pdf “printer” in “Devices and Printers”. Then added it again. The problem persists. Checked for Windows updates. No change.

    It only happens occasionally with no detectable pattern. No special characters in the file names.

    Thank You
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,911
    Windows 10 Pro for the Bro
       #2

    Check out this tutorial of many methods (try all the methods) to try to fix it:
    Fix Microsoft Print to PDF Not Working - Troubleshooter

    Then try printing to pdf multiple times on different documents. Hopefully these methods may fix it somehow.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 8
    WIN 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Have already done all of the steps suggested in that link.
    The problem only happens occasionally; maybe two or three times a day.
    Happening on several PC's, the only way to catch it before it goes to customers is the size of the file created.
    If it is 0 or 1kb, it's a blank document.
    Microsoft Print to pdf was working fine until about two weeks ago.
    Thank You
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,800
    10 Home 64-bit | v22H2 | Build - 19045.3930
       #4

    Hi,

    If the file name of the .pdf that is sent to the printer contains "special characters" i.e. \ / : * ? " < > | or a comma, the file sent to the printer will be 0 ir 1kb in size: Enable there are no comma in the file name you enter

    Filename | MS Docs

    • What do you do when you catch one of these 0/1kb files to allow it to print?
    • What PDF program do you use?
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 8
    WIN 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    No special characters in file name.
    If the file is re-run it will print to pdf correctly.
    Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

    Thank You
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,800
    10 Home 64-bit | v22H2 | Build - 19045.3930
       #6

    • Re-running the file sounds like a memory problem when transferring the file to print, how's your virtual memory and superfetch settings, do you have enough VM allocated?
    • What browser are you using if you receive these pdf's through emails?
    • What printer are you using? I saw some problems with HP printers.
    • Have you tried using the adobe dc pdf to printer function?
    • You mentioned Checked for Windows updates, two weeks ago would of been in the date range for updates.
    • It's understandable to not have system specs filled-in since you're working with several machines, but check this for "known problems" for the 1803 version of win10 and this if you have the 1809 version.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 2,935
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #7

    Foxit Reader has got a quite nice PDF printer. You can even customize its output (I prefer lossless compression (zip) over lossy compression (jpeg) for instance). Under MS Print to PDF you cannot change anything and its compression is always JPEG.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 16,932
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #8

    The 'normal' way to uninstall-reinstall MS Print to pdf would be

    Control panel,
    Programs & features,
    Turn Windows features on or off,
    Clear the checkbox for MS Print to pdf,
    OK,
    Reboot if it tells you to,
    Repeat these steps but, this time, Set the checkbox for MS Print to pdf.

    Perhaps using this procedure will cure the problem,
    Denis
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 8
    WIN 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Thank You for the suggestions; Superfetch is on, Xerox printers. Have done the 'normal' way to uninstall re-install.
    Still having issues, only occasionally, only once over a two day period, but still happening. The doc's are invoices coming out of a program named "Vantage".
    Trying to stay away from third party solutions for the time.

    Thank You
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,800
    10 Home 64-bit | v22H2 | Build - 19045.3930
       #10

    You're welcome,

    I'm starting to run out of ideas.
    • Can you explain the steps you take to print the invoices from the "V" program?
    • Do you print right from V or do you save the invoice before printing?
    • Is Adobe Acrobat Reader DC involved in any way?

    Just to remove one doubt that I have, run: How to Reset and Clear Print Spooler in Windows 10 You spool may be clearing itself after print jobs but I'd like you to reset it to see if resetting has an affect on performance.
    If you use Option Two: To Reset and Clear Print Spooler in Command Prompt could you create and attach a screenshot?

    Help:
    How to Upload and Post Screenshots and Files at Ten Forums Looking at the bottom of the tutorial under "Related Tutorials" will offer more on taking and saving screenshots in order to upload. My reasoning is I'd like a screenshot to see what files were deleted.
      My Computers


 

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