Skip to main content

Slow Print Speed of Large Documents over ICA

Problem​

If you're running ScrewDrivers Server 4.8.2 or 4.8.3 (bundled with Simplify Printing 5.8.2 and 5.8.3) and notice significant delays when printing large documents to ScrewDrivers Clients connected via Citrix ICA, you've hit a known bug. The delay doesn't affect all systems, but when it does occur, it can make large print jobs painfully slow.

The issue's in how the server DLL manages traffic through the ICA virtual channel. Under certain conditions, the traffic management introduces unnecessary delays that become noticeable with larger print jobs.

Solution​

Tricerat identified and fixed this issue after the 4.8.3 release. If you're running version 6.1.0 or higher, you've already got the fix—the resolution's built into those releases.

If You're on Version 4.8.3 or 5.8.3​

Tricerat created a patch specifically for ScrewDrivers 4.8.3 and Simplify Printing 5.8.3 that updates the server DLL to handle ICA virtual channel traffic without introducing delays. Here's how to apply it:

Important: This patch is version-specific. Only apply it if you're running exactly version 4.8.3 or 5.8.3. If you have questions about whether this patch is right for your environment, contact Tricerat Support before proceeding.

Installation Steps​

  1. Download the patch file (contact Tricerat Support for the download link)

  2. Stop the Print Spooler Service

  3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 and replace the following DLLs, renaming the old versions first:

    • sd4prdp5.dll - RDP channel handler
    • sd4pica6.dll - ICA channel handler
    • sd4ptcp.dll - TCP handler (only if using Simplify Printing)

  4. Restart the Print Spooler Service

  5. Test with a large print job to verify the delay's resolved

Best Long-Term Solution​

While the patch resolves the issue, the best long-term solution is upgrading to version 6.1.0 or higher. Those versions include the fix along with many other performance improvements and bug fixes. If you're still on the 4.x or 5.x line, consider planning an upgrade to get ongoing support and improvements.

Affected Versions​

  • ScrewDrivers 4.8.2
  • ScrewDrivers 4.8.3
  • Simplify Printing 5.8.2
  • Simplify Printing 5.8.3

All these versions have been superseded by version 6.x, which doesn't have this issue.