takes awhile to spool a file - actual printing is fast

Hi

I have code that depending on the option selected by the user, from
Word it either A. sends the document to the printer.
Or B. it sends the document to 'Print to File' - the code then
processes the file. when completed it sends the applications spooled
file to the printer.

When the users just select option A - it spools & prints the file
immediantly.
When the users just select option B - it spools & prints the file
immediantly.
When the users select a combinaiton of option A & option B - the
result is: option A - the 1st document is sent to straight to the
printer, however it spools the file for quite some time (60 seconds or
longer) before it begins to print. Option B file is sent to the
printer, however it cant print as Option A is still spooling & holding
up the print queue.
When Option A has completed spooling it will then print at the
expected speed (fast) & all the other print jobs follow.

The environment is OfficeXP, Windows NT 4.0 & Windows2000. & the
printers are networked using Novell netware. We have printers lexmark
MFD e820's. the latest version of printer drivers lexmark W820 PS3 ver
7.4.
The printer driver settings - tab Properties>Scheduling - the settings
selected are:
'Spool print documents so program finishes printing faster'
'Start priting after last page is spooled'
'Print spooled documents first'

It appears to be how its handled at the pc? its not network related.
but I could be wrong.
any ideas or suggestions?
diana