XPS document writer confused after 11x17's

I am generating maps with TopoUSA, running on Vista. After generating about
two 11x17 landscape files, the XPS writer cannot get through another without
failing, leaving a zero-length file. I can reset it by changing most printer
settings -- use my real printer, letter size, portrait. Then I come back and
it works again, briefly. Sure sounds like a Microsoft bug, though I suppose
the HP printer driver could be a factor. All hardware and software is new,
plenty of RAM and horsepower.