When sending a file to the printer (11x17), even with changing the raster size to 600dpi, it's sending nearly 4MB of data to the printer when the file is a mere 119KB. Thus resulting in extreeeemely long print times - which is, of course, magnified when attempting to print an entire drawing package. 

Using AutoCAD LT on the exact same files, print time is very fast - leading me to believe this problem is a DS issue rather than WindowsXP Pro).