How to Repair a PCL XL Error

Occasionally HP printers can run into an issuethemselves can trigger these errors.
known as a PCL XL error. Apparently, the PCL XLUnfortunately, staying on top of Microsoft update
error makes it impossible to print certainmay also induce a driver error if one of the
documents. It can occur intermittently or withupdates changes the driver. Try locating the
every request to print. Fixing it is key to gettingprinter's disk and reinstalling the drivers or going to
the printer to work correctly again.the manufacturer's website to download them.
Different Types of PCL XL ErrorsSometimes, computers have been set up using
This type of error indicates an interruption in theuniversal drivers to communicate with the printer,
print stream: for some reason, the printer seesand these seem to have more problems. Locate
the stream as corrupt. PCL XL refers to aand download the exact drivers for the printer
"language" that the computer uses tobeing used.
communicate with the printer. HP forums describeAnother option that works well for some
it as being "highly structured," which is the reasonmachines is to disable some extra printing
that any little disturbance will be picked up by thefeatures:
printer and keep it from doing its job.1. In the program you are working with, click File,
If the user only experiences these errors in anthen Print, then Properties, and finally Advanced.
intermittent or seemingly random fashion, it is2. Disable the "Advanced Printing Features" option.
most likely that the error lies somewhere3. Disable the "Print Optimizations."
between the computer and the printer. AnythingThis does not necessarily fix the error per se, but
from a bad cable, to a bad network, to a badallows printing to continue without seeing the error
port could lead to a PCL XL error. Possibly themessage.
printer itself is at fault.Driver Errors Can Be Registry Errors
If the error is more regular or produced everyDrivers talk to printers by way of the registry,
time a document is printed, the cause is mostsince that is how the computer catalogues these
likely a driver issue. Drivers are the programs thatvarious background files. If a registry entry has
let the computer communicate with the printer.been corrupted that deals with the
These may be difficult to fix.printer-computer connection, the the user may
Several Ways to Fix PCL XL Errorsee an error. Research using a registry cleaner to
Various activities can create problems withfix a PCL XL error and get the printer running
drivers. Changes to networks or the driversagain.