IllegalMediaSize

[D_Max1]

Receiving an IllegalMediaSize error when trying to print Statement (5.5 x 8.5) paper from tray or manual feed. Printing starts well to the left of the paper. Specs indicate that this media size is within the printer's capability. Using PCL 6 Universal Driver. Updated firmware on printer tonight without fixing the problem. Also tried changing manual feed paper size to Statement in device settings--to no avail. Would really appreciate a solution or even a work-around. Thanks

[dansdaduk]

The IllegalMediaSize error indicates two things:

• You are using a PCL6 (PCL XL) printer driver.
• The 'instructions' in the generated print job contain a reference to a paper size which is not supported by the PCL XL language interpreter in the printer's firmware.

With PCL XL, standard paper sizes are referenced in one of two ways: using an enumerated value, or using a string value.

Different printer drivers and their associated printers may favour one or the other type of reference. 

If the size is not recognised as one of the 'standard' sizes supported by the device, the driver may instead specify use of a 'custom' size.

The printer itself may not support the Statement paper size as one of its 'standard' sizes; the User Guide manual (reference c00495173) shows:

This shows that the minimum supported size is 148 mm x 210 mm (5.83" x 8.27") which (for the short edge) is less than the smaller dimension of the Statement size, which implies that even if a 'custom'  paper size is specified, the printer won't support it. 

Having said that, the Software Reference manual (reference c00606156) for the same printer series contradicts this by stating that the mimimum size is 98 mm x 191 mm (3.86" x 7.50")!

[D_Max1]

I can print thank you envelopes as small as 5.19" x 3.63", so I'm not sure the info you quote is reliable. If you or anyone else has a working solution or work-around, I will be pleased to know of it.

[dansdaduk · Accepted solution]

I did say that the two manuals appeared to contradict each other as regards the minimum size.

Returning to my original statement:

"The 'instructions' in the generated print job contain a reference to a paper size which is not supported by the PCL XL language interpreter in the printer's firmware".

You say that are using the (PCL6) Universal Printer Driver which (being a universal driver) may think that your printer model supports Statement as a standard paper size, whilst the printer firmware perhaps does not support this size as a standard size (or, at least, not with the PCL6 Page Description Language).

i.e. there is a discrepancy between the driver and the printer as regards the list of supported standard sizes.

If you can 'capture' (using the 'print to file' option) a sample print job, analysis of the resultant .prn file should show just what the driver is generating in terms of printer 'instructions'.

Use the PRN File Analyse tool in the PCL Paraphernalia application, available via https://www.pclparaphernalia.eu to perform the analysis.

Of course, all that this will do is to confirm what the printer is being instructed to do.

Possible circumventions:

• Instead of selecting a standard paper of Statement (a.k.a. Memo or Half-Letter), select use of a Custom paper size, and specify the appropriate dimensions.

• Try a PCL5 or PostScript drver instead of the PCL6 UPD you say that you are using. 

[D_Max1]

Now you have given an answer (instead of simply providing information). I used a paper width of 8.5" and length of 8.5", reset the right and left margins to 2", and printing was perfect. If I had time, I would have tried your other suggestion (PCL5 or PostScript).

I also appreciate your use of "circumvention" in place of "work-around". So, without further circumspection, I have accepted your answer and offer my kudos.

[JPfromBC]

I had this same problem when trying to print C6 envelopes on a HP2700 Laserjet and on a HP2025 Laserjet.

I tried all the driver suggestions with no effect.

Eventually fixed it by the following -

When ready to print click "Print"

Select Printer and click "Properties"

Click "Paper/Quality" Tab and select "C6 Envelopes" (or your paper size)

Click "Effects" Tab, Click "Print document on" button and select "C6 Envelope" (or your paper size)

Click "OK"

Select page range

Click "OK"

This worked for me on both printers - no more "PCL XL errors"!

[Technocity]

Receiving an IllegalMediaSize error when trying to print payee cheque i din't what size. Printing starts well to the left of the paper.But every print make's another print with Pcl xl warning illegalmediasize help me what i do...?

[kevin-t]

Hello,

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