Ok - one last post on this topic before leaving it to NNA....
The following workaround seems to give the results that NNA intended, though not at all close to what I expect for a real solution. (Requires Adobe Acrobat/Distiller)
Step 1
- Select the VW batch print option and related options for starting the print job
- In the print menu select "Output Options", check the "Save as File" box and select "Postscript" as the format.
- Pick the "Save" button on the lower left and navigate to where the PS files are to be saved. (You get to name the first file only and the following files are appended with sequenced numbers as per Kevins experience).
- Repeat steps above for each VW file.
These PS files will be big, but the job isn't done yet..
Step 2
- Start up distiller and config to suit output requirements (FWIW we find 300dpi the best balance between file size and print quality for 24x36 b/w architectural drawings)
- Drag all of the PS files created by VW into the Distiller window, select where the pdf files are to be deposited.
- Go back to doing something productive while Distiller crunches out the pdf files. This can take quite a while for complex and large PS files, but the resulting files sizes are very reasonable.
Now wasn't that easy!?
footnote:
In theory this should work as a one step process with the printer set to "Acrobat (7.0)pdf" as NNA suggests, but we've found that Acrobat 7 "breaks" shortly after install and won't automatically run through distiller. The "print" looks like it processes but there is no trace of a resulting pdf to be found.
Adobe's misbehaviour compounds the difficulties and is considered a co-factor in the further thinning of my hair.