Print spooler issue causing programs to crash

[Tom_P]

Hi,

 

Recently we've started getting reports of programs crashing when trying to print. This is an intermittent issue, doesnt always effect the same user or PC.

 

When a user clicks 'print' the program crashes. This happens before a printer is selected and ive experianced it on all Office programs, Chrome, Acrobat and Edge. Im sure it happens on others too. I am then unable to load control panel, settings, services etc. Just nothing happens. Restarting the PC resolves the issue and the user can print, but then the next morning or a few days later we get the same problem.

 

Today i found that switching user, loading services and restarting the print spooler also resolves the issue. However, while switching the user it did take around 10 - 15minutes to load the profile, so may have been able to load services on the original user if i waited that amount of time. I'm yet to be able to check the status of the print spooler before a user clicks print as there is no indication there is an issue untill 'print' is clicked. Event viwer also doesnt log anything other than when the program crashes.

 

The PC's are set to automatically shutdown of an evening, and are then automatically powered on early morning, and then a 10 minute delay before a restart. This has been in place for years and applied to all PCs. So a bit confused why a second restart is required.

 

We've not had any changes to the printers/server, other than a papercut upgrade last week.

 

Its difficult to say when this started happening as when it was first reported I was told "its been happening to 'user a' for ages". When speaking with 'user a' they claimed its been doing it since January. I dont know if this is an exageration or not.. i do tend to believe this user as they do just get on with things and never complain :').

 

I suspect the print spooler service is related, but not sure where to go next..

 

Anyone experiance the same issues? or know where i can troubleshoot next?

 

Thank you!

Tom.

Edited April 27, 2023 by Tom_P

[mavhc]

Probably a driver, try to use Type 4 drivers where possible, otherwise just update them all

[ITGuyNW]

Does it also happen when searching for a printer?

[Tom_P]

Does it also happen when searching for a printer?

It crashes as soon as the 'Print' button is clicked. So before you get the option to search for a printer.

 

I havent been able to check settings before the crash as it isnt clear when that is going to happen.

[GaryPad]

Change the default printer to something else. It might narrow down which printer driver is causing this.