Large format printing error

I'm receiving program errors when printing large documents from photoshop on my HP designjet 120nr (plotter). I'm getting the error "Cannot complete your request due to a program error". After I get this error, I lose the print with preview option making it impossible to set up documents to print until I restart photoshop.

I'm trying to print a 2foot by 12foot banner. I'm fairly sure that I've been able to print this size in the past and am confused as to why I get this error now. It says "...program error" so that must mean something is wrong with photoshop. Is there a certain size limit?

Any ideas?

--SYSTEM--
Windows XP
Pentium 4 2.4ghz
Photoshop 7
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30,000 pixels limit in Photoshop 7.

Yup. 2x12 feet, just over 200ppi hits the limit.

But if OP is able to reopen the file, then it must be under the limit, and shouldn't it print? Under .5GB file in RGB.

Mac

I don't totally understand your reply. What is "OP"?

and a few more questions...

How do I figure out how many pixels my image has if I know the image size in inches?

What would be the largest size (in inches) I can print before I hit the 30,000 pixel mark?

Is there any way I can reduce the amount of pixels without severely shrinking the image dimensions?

-max

... "OP"?

"Original Poster"

You can simply use Image/Image Size dialogue box to answer all those questions, either from existing image or from making new image.

Photoshop 7 will not LET you create an image beyond 30K pixels on either side, or over 2GB in uncompressed file size. However, you can later add layers, effects, whatever and get the image beyond those barriers, and it will save it, but never reopen it!

PS CS lets you go beyond this barrier with a new proprietary file format, but I'm unclear as to whether you can print it regardless of size or not; is it still just dependent on spool scratch size and etc?

Mac

Max,

if this large format print is used for a photo exhibition then you´ll need 200..300 dpi.

If it´s only for advertizing, viewing distance larger than
1.5m, then you´ll need 72 dpi.

Eye+brain resolution is 0.1mm for 1ft viewing distance.
For 5ft 0.5mm. 25.4mm/72 = 0.35 mm (or so). Good enough.

Best regards --Gernot Hoffmann