Encountering printing problems in AutoCAD can disrupt workflows, especially when dealing with larger formats like 11×17 prints which are crucial for detailed drawings and plans. Many users find themselves struggling with incorrect output, missing elements, or even complete printing failures when trying to produce these larger documents. If you’re experiencing such frustrations, particularly with HP printers, a simple driver adjustment might be the key to resolving these issues. This guide will walk you through a proven solution: switching to the HP Universal Printing Driver PS.
Understanding the Problem: Driver Incompatibility and AutoCAD Printing
Printer drivers act as translators between your computer’s operating system and your printer. When these drivers are outdated, corrupted, or simply incompatible with specific applications like AutoCAD, printing problems arise. These issues can become more pronounced when printing larger, more complex documents such as 11×17 drawings, as these put a greater demand on the driver’s ability to accurately process and transmit data. Generic or manufacturer-specific drivers, while sometimes adequate for basic printing, may fall short when handling the intricacies of CAD software and large format outputs.
The Solution: Leveraging the HP Universal Printing Driver PS
The HP Universal Printing Driver PostScript (PS) is designed to provide reliable printing across a wide range of HP printer models. Switching to this driver can often bypass compatibility issues that arise with printer-specific drivers, particularly within demanding applications like AutoCAD. The PostScript (PS) version is especially beneficial for graphics-intensive printing, making it a strong candidate for resolving AutoCAD and 11×17 printing challenges. Here’s how to implement this solution:
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing the HP Universal Printing Driver PS
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Download the HP Universal Print Driver PS
Begin by downloading the correct HP Universal Print Driver for your operating system. For most modern systems, this will be the 64-bit version. Visit the HP support website and search for “HP Universal Print Driver for Windows PostScript”. Download the executable file.
Alt text: Screenshot showing the HP Support website search results for “HP Universal Print Driver for Windows PostScript”. Highlighted is the download link for the HP Universal Print Driver PostScript (64-bit) executable file.
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Access Printer Properties
Navigate to your Control Panel in Windows. Go to “Devices and Printers”. Locate the printer you are having issues with, right-click on it, and select “Printer Properties”. It’s crucial to select “Printer Properties” and not just “Properties” for access to driver settings.
Alt text: Screenshot of the Windows Control Panel showing the “Devices and Printers” section. A printer icon is highlighted, with the context menu open, and the “Printer Properties” option is selected.
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Install the New Driver
In the Printer Properties window, go to the “Advanced” tab. Click on the “New Driver…” button. If the “New Driver…” button is grayed out, you might need to uninstall your current printer setup and reinstall it using the new driver package directly (steps for this scenario are below). If the button is active, proceed to the next step.
Alt text: Screenshot of the “Advanced” tab within “Printer Properties”. The “New Driver…” button is clearly highlighted and ready to be clicked.
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Run the Driver Package and Have Disk
Run the .exe driver package you downloaded earlier. This will extract the necessary driver files to a location on your computer. If you were able to click the “New Driver…” button, you can close the HP installer wizard once the files are extracted. If you had to reinstall the printer because the “New Driver…” button was inactive, continue with the HP setup wizard.
In the “Add Printer Driver Wizard” that appears after clicking “New Driver…”, proceed until you reach the “Printer Driver Selection” window. Click the “Have Disk…” button.
Alt text: Screenshot of the “Add Printer Driver Wizard” window, specifically highlighting the “Have Disk…” button within the “Printer Driver Selection” step.
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Navigate to Driver Files and Select hpbuio200l.inf
Clicking “Have Disk…” will prompt you to locate the driver files. Navigate to the folder where the HP driver package extracted the files. Look for the “hpbuio200l.inf” file. Select this file as the driver to use. While other .inf files might be listed, “hpbuio200l.inf” is commonly associated with the HP Universal Printing PS driver and is a reliable choice.
Alt text: Screenshot of the “Install From Disk” window, showing navigation to the extracted HP driver files. The “hpbuio200l.inf” file is selected in the file list.
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Choose the HP Universal Printing PS Option
You might be presented with a list of driver options. Select “HP Universal Printing PS” (the option without a version number appended, if both are listed). Click “Next” to continue through the wizard.
Alt text: Screenshot of the “Printer Driver Selection” window showing two options: “HP Universal Printing PS” and “HP Universal Printing PS (v6.8.0)”. The “HP Universal Printing PS” option is selected.
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Apply Changes
After completing the wizard, you will return to the Printer Properties window. Click “Apply”. Windows will now apply the new driver, which may take a few minutes. Once completed, click “OK”.
Alt text: Screenshot of the Printer Properties window, with the “Apply” button highlighted at the bottom of the window.
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Test Your 11×17 Printing in AutoCAD
Attempt to print your 11×17 drawings in AutoCAD. In many cases, the driver switch resolves printing issues immediately without needing to restart AutoCAD or your computer.
Troubleshooting and Considerations
- If the HP Universal Print Driver PS doesn’t solve the issue: While this driver is often effective, some issues might stem from other sources. Ensure your AutoCAD installation is up-to-date, and consider checking for any printer firmware updates from HP.
- Windows Version Compatibility: While this guide is based on a user experiencing issues on Windows 10 v1809, the HP Universal Print Driver is generally compatible with a broad range of Windows versions. Always download the driver version recommended for your specific operating system.
- Driver Version (32-bit vs 64-bit): Ensure you download and install the driver version that matches your operating system architecture (64-bit is standard for modern systems).
Conclusion
Switching to the HP Universal Printing Driver PS can be a straightforward and effective solution for resolving printing problems in AutoCAD, especially for larger formats like 11×17. By following these steps, you can potentially overcome driver-related printing issues and ensure accurate and reliable output of your important CAD drawings. This driver offers a robust and compatible printing foundation, allowing you to focus on your design work without being hindered by printing frustrations.
