We have found a way to make possible large-scale plasmid transfection using PEI to produce high titer viral vectors in fixed bed or adherent cell culture bioreactors by using PEI as a transfection agent, while avoiding formation of the PEI-plasmid precipitate which in prior art approaches clogged adherent bioreactor substrates. We have also found a way to improve PEI-based transfection by modifying how pH and CO2 are managed during transfection.