Print to pdf [Mac desktop] not working

Discussion in 'Parallels Desktop for M Series Mac' started by RobertW1, Sep 11, 2021.

  1. RobertW1

    RobertW1 Bit Poster

    Messages:
    14
    I can no longer print PDFs from my VM. Running Parallels v17 and Windows 10 (dev channel) on an M1 chip MacBook. Until recently I could use "print to pdf [Mac desktop]" for some applications on this set up - but not all - now it just tells me "printer in error state'. I don't know what's changed.
    Tried the usual configurations, sharing settings etc.
    Anyone else with this problem, and a solution? tks
     
  2. ConnectixSoldOut

    ConnectixSoldOut Bit Poster

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    Try another PDF printer? CutePDF maybe.. ? (google + install).

    Microsoft of today couldn't code their way out of an Electron powered wet paper bag, so.. don't rely on their built-in print to PDF.
     
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  3. SamS4

    SamS4 Bit Poster

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    Yes, I have the same problem. This was my workaround for inability to use Shared Printers so it is painful.
     
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  4. RobertW1

    RobertW1 Bit Poster

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    Have you got round the problem?
     
  5. SamS4

    SamS4 Bit Poster

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    There is a printer called "Microsoft Print to PDF" that seems to work...
     
  6. SWANDY

    SWANDY Kilo Poster

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    I was able to add my Epson XP7100 to Windows 11 FOA but unfortunately Windows has the "print to PDF (Mac Desktop)" as the default printer and I can't change it. Even after turning off Allow Windows to Manage Default Printers
     
  7. ShlomitH

    ShlomitH

    Messages:
    1
    Hi
    Took a while and finally I figured it out: Under my mac system preferences>Sharing, on the left column my Printer Sharing was off so I marked it. I than wen back to Paralles and selected the printer "print to pdf (Mac desktop)" it asked me chagne the paper size so I did and than clicked on "Print". There was no progress window or anythging so at first I thought it doesn't work but than I find that the PDF was created on my Desktop. I couldnt figure out where to ask that it will get the same name as my document nor to select a folder it will be saved to.
    At least it finally made the PDF.
    Shlomit
     
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  8. SteveK15

    SteveK15 Bit Poster

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    have the same problem and cannot fix ... any ideas?
     
  9. RobertW1

    RobertW1 Bit Poster

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    No, I gave up and use "Microsoft print to pdf" instead.
     
  10. PeterE18

    PeterE18 Bit Poster

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    2
    Hi chaps, anyone had any joy with this? I used to use PDF Creator by Forge but this is now not compatible with Windows 11 Pro Inside Preview (evaluation copy I've had to use as normal Windows 10/11 is no longer compatible with M1 mac chips :mad:) Microsoft print to PDF (Mac Desktop) is the only way in which I can print the A1 sized PDF's for my drawings. This would be fine if you could give the PDF a path to the folder in which you need it to be located and the name. Currently have to drag it off the desktop into the correct file then rename it, diving me nuts!o_O. Question is, does anyone know how to change the directory? Tried Microsoft print to pdf but I cant print anything larger than an A3 using this option. Thanks in advance to anyone that can help or point me in a direction of a pdf creator without a costly monthly subscription. :). Pete
     
  11. RobertW1

    RobertW1 Bit Poster

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    Sorry, can't help you with that one.
     
  12. PeterE18

    PeterE18 Bit Poster

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    Thanks Robert. It is terribly frustrating seeing that printing to PDF was ever so simple!!
     
  13. Willis43

    Willis43 Bit Poster

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    7
    I had the same problem - Print to PDF (Mac Desktop) had stopped working.
    I find that it is now working again in Desktop 18 for Macintosh (v18.1.1)
     
  14. RobertW1

    RobertW1 Bit Poster

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    That's odd, still not working on mine (also P18). What settings have you got in the printer's properties? Mine seems to want send to USB001 - no idea if this the root of the problem. I tried copying the settings from MS Print to pdf but that didn't work either. Oh well.
     
  15. Willis43

    Willis43 Bit Poster

    Messages:
    7
    Mine is also printing to Port USB001 'ParallelsParallels Shared Printer'. I'm using Windows 11 Home ver 21H2 build 22000.1574 if that helps.

    I'm not sure what caused it to start working again so I can't give any advice on how to fix it - just to say that it can work. I had given up on using it to print because it wasn't working for a time, and then tried months later and found it was working again. Maybe it was Parallels updates, maybe reinstalling Parallels Tools, maybe Windows updates, or maybe something else.
     
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  16. PeterG30

    PeterG30 Kilo Poster

    Messages:
    140
    If the "Print to PDF" feature is not working on your Mac desktop, you can try the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

    Restart your Mac: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches and restore the functionality of various features, including the "Print to PDF" function. Restart your Mac and check if the issue is resolved.

    Check system updates: Ensure that your Mac is up to date with the latest macOS updates. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update and install any available updates.

    Reset the printing system: Resetting the printing system can help fix issues related to printing. However, note that this will remove all printers and scanners from your system. Follow these steps to reset the printing system:
    a. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
    b. Right-click (or Control-click) anywhere in the Printers list and select "Reset printing system" from the context menu.
    c. Confirm the action when prompted.
    d. After the printing system is reset, add your printer again by clicking on the "+" button in the Printers & Scanners preferences. Make sure to select the correct printer and install the necessary drivers.

    Check printer settings: Ensure that the printer you are trying to use for "Print to PDF" is selected as the default printer. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, and confirm that the correct printer is set as the default.

    Repair disk permissions: Repairing disk permissions can resolve issues related to file permissions that may be affecting the "Print to PDF" feature. Here's how to repair disk permissions:
    a. Open the Disk Utility. You can find it in the Applications > Utilities folder or by searching in Spotlight.
    b. Select your main hard drive in the left sidebar.
    c. Click on the "First Aid" tab.
    d. Click on the "Repair Disk Permissions" button and wait for the process to complete.
    e. Once the repair is finished, restart your Mac and check if the issue is resolved.

    Reinstall the PDF printer driver: If the issue persists, you can try reinstalling the PDF printer driver. You can typically find the driver on the website of the printer manufacturer or the website of the PDF printer software you are using. Download and install the latest driver or software, then try using the "Print to PDF" function again.

    Greetings,
    Peter
     

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