HP LaserJet 3030 problem: printing multi-page document on single sheet

One of the printers shared from a Windows 2003 server is a HP LaserJet 3030, via a JetDirect print server. For unknown reasons this printer started printing documents consisting of multiple pages on one single sheet, printing each page right on top of the previous information. Printing any page individually from the same document worked fine.

I immediately updated the drivers on the server. In fact, I tried a range of old and new drivers, each time removing the drivers in between attempts. Then I replaced the print server (which used a Centronics cable) with a JetDirect J6038A USB model (the HP 3030 has both), thiking that this would exclude the print server, the cable, and Centronics port on the printer. It didn't solve the problem.

What solved it for me was removing the printer from the server's Control Panel and removing all drivers associated with it (Server Properties, Drivers tab). Since I received an error message about files being in use I cycled the print spooler service. Then I added the printer as an older HP 3200 series LaserJet and used the drivers that came with the server OS.

And what do you know: problem solved.

I left the new JetDirect print server in place, but I am convinced that has nothing to do with it.