Can’t Print PDF to HP LaserJet 4050?

If you can’t print a PDF file to an HP LaserJet 4050 in Windows 7 or Windows 10, perhaps via a JetDirect network card (for a 4050N, but this probably doesn’t matter), here’s a possible solution to this frustrating problem:

  1. Open your printer properties
  2. Select the Device Settings tab
  3. Find the option called Postscript Passthrough
  4. Set it to Disabled
  5. Hit Apply

This will cause the print driver to parse the incoming PDF file (which is made of PostScript internally), and then re-write new PostScript to send to the printer. This makes it work because Adobe has endlessly fiddled about with PostScript, especially for PDF files, and compatibility can sometimes suffer. Hope this helps someone!

 

Aaron K.

Aaron Kondziela is a technologist and serial entrepreneur living in New York City.

 

2 thoughts on “Can’t Print PDF to HP LaserJet 4050?

  1. Spot on, you nailed it.

    Thank you, now it works. What a subtle tweak needed.

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