TRACKING DOWN SPOOL32.EXE ERROR MESSAGES

Spool32.exe is a critical component of Windows 95, 98, and 98 Second Edition because it manages the spooling of print jobs in Windows, allowing the job to be temporarily stored on disk before being sent to the printer. This lets the processor quickly return control to the application that started the print job (rather than making the user wait until the print job is completed).

However, Spool32 can cause General Protection Faults, Invalid Page Faults, and Stack Faults in Kernel32.dll, all of which send the user a message. Here are some troubleshooting measures you can take to solve Spool32 errors.

First, use Msconfig.exe to cut out unnecessary programs from starting during Windows startup. Spool32 can conflict with other programs, so incrementally starting more programs on each boot may pinpoint where the conflict lies.

If that step doesn't do the trick, change the job spooling format from the default EMF (Enhanced Metafile) to RAW format. Some poorly written print drivers may cause Spool32 to fail in a specific format.

To change the format:

1. Click Start | Settings | Printers.

2. Right-click the required printer and click Properties.

3. Click the Details tab and Spool Settings.

4. Click Print Directly To The Printer.

5. Select RAW in the Spool Data Format box.

6. OK your changes and close the Printers folder.

Now restart Windows and try printing to that printer again.

We looked at some preliminary steps for troubleshooting General Protection Faults, Invalid Page Faults, and Stack Faults in Kernel32.dll caused by Spool32.

First, you can also troubleshoot an error by changing the print driver assigned to the printer. Some print drivers may have a coding error that causes Spool32 to crash. Or you can update the driver to the latest version from the printer manufacturer and print again.

If updating isn't possible, try another print driver, even if it may not format correctly. For example, try the Generic or Text Only Print driver. Even though the print may not format correctly, you will know that Spool32.exe has functioned correctly if a hard copy is produced without an error message. If this happens, the problem is with the original driver.

Finally, at Windows startup, check for programs that interfere with Spool32.exe. To work around interference problem, try the following method. Create a desktop shortcut to

c:\windows\system\spool32.exe

or wherever Windows is installed on your computer and restart Windows. Then if you receive the error message again, you can restart Spool32.exe by double-clicking on the shortcut icon.

You can also troubleshoot an error by changing the print driver assigned to the printer. Some print drivers may have a coding error that causes Spool32 to crash. Or you can update the driver to the latest version from the printer manufacturer and print again.

If updating isn't possible, try another print driver, even if it may not format correctly. For example, try the Generic or Text Only Print driver. Even though the print may not format correctly, you will know that Spool32.exe has functioned correctly if a hard copy is produced without an error message. If this happens, the problem is with the original driver.

Finally, at Windows startup, check for programs that interfere with Spool32.exe. To work around interference problem, try the following method. Create a desktop shortcut to

c:\windows\system\spool32.exe

or wherever Windows is installed on your computer and restart Windows. Then if you receive the error message again, you can restart Spool32.exe by double-clicking on the shortcut icon.