Hello,
I am using the Print Folder command (Mixed, no folders) to get me a excel list of all the files in a folder. There are about 30,000 files and I am trying to capture 10 pieces of metadata for each file and the process takes over 2 hours... any way to speed this up 
I think we're going to need more information from you on exactly how you're doing this before anyone can give you much of an answer.
what I am doing is first opening the folder im working on .. this folder might have like 20,000 files and other subfolders in it so I go to View--> flat view (mixed no folders)...... then i go to TOOLS--> print folder... and slect EDIT and include 10 fields i am interested in.. then i make the destination a CSV file and then click OK... after I click OK, the process takes up to 2 hours to finish
I think you've just answered the question... 20,000 files + 10 fields == long time to process any way you slice it. Though perhaps 2 hours does sound a bit excessive. What are the fields you're using for the print folder format? I'm curious what would happen if you set those same 10 fields as the columns in your flat-view mode... if it would also take "as" long... maybe print folder isn't pulling the info as efficiently as it could be or something.
The Ten fields are
Where are the files located?
Files are located on a NETWORK drive.. is that the reason?
Could have something to do with it.