CM2320 PCL XL error message

[Keith Hearns]

Every once and a while a page that was suppose to print does not print, instead we get an error page that reads as follows:

PCL XL error
Subsystem: Text
Error: InternalError 0x50
Operator: BeginChar
Position: 32

Any help on how to resolve this issue would be much appreciated.

[Chris H]

This error has (possibly) the same cause as that reported in thread http://forums12.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=1249984

The resolution for that error appeared to be to install Service Pack 3 on Windows XP.

I believe that Microsoft has equivalent fixes for other current Windows versions (although I don't have the hotfix identifiers to hand).

[Chris H]

... but it may not be!

As the error is an "InternalError 0x50", for "Operator: BeginChar", this perhaps suggests that the printer firmware does not like the format of (or, for some reason, cannot handle) a BeginChar operator (or, more likely, its preceding attribute list).

If you can manage to reproduce the error at will (i.e. it always happens with the same page of a particular document), then repeat the print, but use the 'print to file' option (in the driver Properties dialogue).

Then post the resultant .PRN file here (as an attachment to a reply).
Analysis of the captured print stream should at least confirm whether or not the Operator (and its attendent Attribute list) has a valid format.

[Heatherlea213]

Hello!

I am having similar problems with a new HP Color LaserJet CM1312 MFP series printer.

Since the poster did not attach a prn file, I thought I would, in hopes of aiding with a determination.

Here are the types of errors I have been receiving when attempting to print from any program, but primarily Word and QuickBooks:

PCL XL error
Subsystem: TEXT
Error: InternalError 0x50
Operator: BeginChar
Position: 32**
**The above error occurs most often... always with different numbers after Position:

I've also received:

PCL XL error
Subsystem: KERNEL
Error: IllegalTag
Operator: Ox4C
Position: 128

PCL XL error
Subsystem: KERNEL
Error: IllegalOperatorSequence
Operator: SetBrushSource
Position: 752

- I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling the printer. That didnt' help.

At the suggestion of others on this forum, I was going to install a PCL5 driver but can't find one for this model. (I was on hold for two hours for HP yesterday and couldnâ t wait any longer).

I have also changed the Print Data Optimization in printing preferences to optimize for Raster as well as Text and Vector, and can generally print a page or two successfully, but then the error occurs again.

HELP!!
Thanks in advance. I'm going batty trying to fix this myself.

[Heatherlea213]

Hi again,
I can't tell if the file attached.
Here it is again, just in case.
Thanks! Heather

[Chris H]

Attached is an analysis of the .PRN file.

But this doesn't tell us anything unless we know that the contents of the file will cause an error on the printer - and the exact details of that error.

... so you now need to 'send' the contents of the .PRN file to your printer, and report back what happens.

How to 'send' the contents of such a file to a printer depends on how the printer is connected; briefly:

- for a TCP/IP-connected device, use the 'lpr' command.

- for a parallel-port device, use the 'copy' command with the /b switch.

- for a USB device, as per parallel port, but copy to share-name of installed Windows printer (may require use of 'net use' redirection?).


Even with details of the error (assuming one is produced), the cause of the error may not be easy to determine - it may be that only HP (with their knowledge of the 'internals' of the firmware) would be able to determine the cause.

[Heatherlea213]

Hi Chris!

Thanks so much for your help with this.

I'm sorry, but I am not sophisticated enough with DOS to know how to send the contents of the file to the printer.

If you don't mind, could you please list step by step directions for a USB connection? The printer port is USB001 and the name of the printer (which is not shared) is HP Color LaserJet CM1312 MFP Series PCL 6.

I am going to get in line on the phone again with HP and see if I can get someone to help me. If I have the error from this excercise (assuming one is produced) ready, maybe they can help me diagnose.

Chris, truly, thank you so much for your help. I wasn't even sure if you'd reply since the thread was old. I really appreciate your help!

[Chris H]

For a USB-connected device, you'll first need to set up a 'share' for the instance of the Windows printer that you have (already)installed.

I can't help with detailed instructions on setting up a printer-share (it will possibly vary slightly from one version of Windows to another), but (roughly) you should find a 'Share' button on the printer's Properties dialogue; just follow the dialogue instructions.
You will probably need to be an administrator user, and you should choose a short (8 characters or fewer) name.

Then you should be able to copy the file to the printer, using the following command in a command-prompt session:

copy /b test.prn \\pc-name\sharename

where:

test.prn is the name of the file to be copied.
pc-name is the name of the workstation.
sharename is the name of the printer share you have set up.

If that doesn't work, try:

net use LPT1 \\pc-name\sharename
copy /b test.prn LPT1

[rumi talukder]

The PCL XL error can be resolved by installing a generic PS driver.
The PCL XL error is specific to PCL 6 driver.
If u are using WIN XP or VISTA try to install a Color laserjet 5/5M PS driver by going into the Add printer wizrad in control panel.

Hope it helps

[goshort]

Thanks rumi talukder! Installing the 5/5 M driver solved our problems.

[giorgio santarossa]

Hi Keith Hearns,

I have same problems with
PCL XL error but I'm using OS Windows 7.
Could you help me?

Best regards
Ciao
Giorgio

[Alan Sowell]

The thing that worked for me as rebooting my computer.

[rumi talukder]

In WIN 7 install the generic HP Color Laserjet 2800PS driver by going into Device & Printers.

Hope it helps!!

[Patricia S.]

I get exactly the same error message on the HP CM1312 MFP PCL 6. I'm working with Vista and a USB connection.

Sometimes the printer works, sometimes it does not print at all.

Sometimes the printer produces 100 pages with some codes on each page in stead of the 1 page of text that I sent to the printer.

Sometimes, like today, the HP prints Adobe (Acrobat Reader) files flawlessly, but not MS Office 2007 (Word) files.

Sometimes it helps to shut down and restart the computer, with all cables connected.

Sometimes it helps to switch off computer en printer and unplug the printer completely (disconnect from the computer, switch power off, USB cable unplugged, power unplugged, wait a few minutes and reconnect).

Sometimes it helps to re-install the driver.

Whatever solution, it is never definite. After a while the error pops up again. Of course always at a moment that I need the printout NOW and not after hours of trouble shooting.