Windows XP / Spoolsv / HP OfficeJet Pro 8000 / Excel freezing
Bit of a weird one...!
Got a Windows XP SP3 PC with Excel 2003 problems. I've just installed an Officejet 8000 printer, and set it as the default.
For some bizarre reason, now, when I open any excel spreadsheet with the new printer set as default, it absolutely will not open. (If left for 5 minutes, it will open but stuck at 100% CPU).
If I stop the printer spooler service (net stop spooler) - The document loads instantly.
I've tried loading a network printer back on, and starting the spooler service and it runs fine. I've tried Excel /s (Safe mode) and doing the same, but as soon as the HP printer is set as default, I cannot open the excel document.
A small workaround I have found while troubleshooting, is setting the network printer as default printer, which allows the Excel document to open reasonably quickly (<1 minute) - However as soon as I attempt to open the 'Print' dialog and select the HP Printer again - It stalls for a fair length of time (Approximately 3-4 minutes) and then allows the diaglog to respond again. I can then continue to print fine.
I've removed all traces of the driver, tried the version from the CD supplier with the printer - Tried the latest drivers from HP's website - Both end up with the same result. I am literally at the point of returning the printer as it's driving me mad!
The printer does feature a network socket so I could set it up with TCP/IP and see if the problem is still apparent, but this is not really practical due to the lack of sockets by the desk.
I've not even attempted to call HP yet due to fear of being put through to someone who will flat out refuse to acknowledge a software problem!
Got a Windows XP SP3 PC with Excel 2003 problems. I've just installed an Officejet 8000 printer, and set it as the default.
For some bizarre reason, now, when I open any excel spreadsheet with the new printer set as default, it absolutely will not open. (If left for 5 minutes, it will open but stuck at 100% CPU).
If I stop the printer spooler service (net stop spooler) - The document loads instantly.
I've tried loading a network printer back on, and starting the spooler service and it runs fine. I've tried Excel /s (Safe mode) and doing the same, but as soon as the HP printer is set as default, I cannot open the excel document.
A small workaround I have found while troubleshooting, is setting the network printer as default printer, which allows the Excel document to open reasonably quickly (<1 minute) - However as soon as I attempt to open the 'Print' dialog and select the HP Printer again - It stalls for a fair length of time (Approximately 3-4 minutes) and then allows the diaglog to respond again. I can then continue to print fine.
I've removed all traces of the driver, tried the version from the CD supplier with the printer - Tried the latest drivers from HP's website - Both end up with the same result. I am literally at the point of returning the printer as it's driving me mad!
The printer does feature a network socket so I could set it up with TCP/IP and see if the problem is still apparent, but this is not really practical due to the lack of sockets by the desk.
I've not even attempted to call HP yet due to fear of being put through to someone who will flat out refuse to acknowledge a software problem!
Ashok Dewan
Check the "event viewer" it will help you to see the more information
ASKER
Event viewer is logging nothing currently. Let me try and get some output and I'll get back to you Neil.
Try one thing, go to help in Exel sheet and you will see detect and repair option somewhere. Or you can add printer in exel sheet also go to help(?) or you will see only symbol like question mark(?) click on it then you will see the printer icon then open it and add printer manually, then check if it is hang or not. I am using office 2007
ASKER
I'm sorry I am using Office 2003 and the ability to add a printer is not possible in this version :-(
have you tried with a more "generic" xp driver like HP laserjet 4 driver?
ASKER
Hp Laserjet? It's an officejet... It's an inkjet printer. If I could attempt it with a more 'generic' driver available from HP I would. Any pointers? :)
didnt see it was an officejet. you can have a try anyway, sometime HP laserjet 4 works for inkjets too.
Otherwise i would say it sucks for you, i've had exactly the same problem with an user a few month ago with win XP/ Excell 2007, his HP printer was crashing excel randomly, i tried everything including reinstalling office/printer/other drivers etc and it never solved it untill i change the printer to another brand.
During my researchs i discovered that many people have had problem with HP printer screwing up excel/office.
Otherwise i would say it sucks for you, i've had exactly the same problem with an user a few month ago with win XP/ Excell 2007, his HP printer was crashing excel randomly, i tried everything including reinstalling office/printer/other drivers etc and it never solved it untill i change the printer to another brand.
During my researchs i discovered that many people have had problem with HP printer screwing up excel/office.
Okies. In the printer properties, advanced set the print processor to Winprint-RAW instead of HPZxxxxx-RAW.
Also turn off bi-directional support (Sharing tab I think)
Also turn off bi-directional support (Sharing tab I think)
ASKER
Tried both these, even restarted inbetween - All to no avail :-(
I remember the officejet causing problems at my brothers office, that was a while ago and there were alot of patches and a pain to install.
As for driver, the better officejets are PCL3...but the LJ4 drivers would work them. Try the Business Inkjet 1100 driver also, that's the core PCL driver. It's replacement was the K5400 which is also PCL3 and support Win7.
I've had both of these, and seem reasonably stable on the driver.
As for driver, the better officejets are PCL3...but the LJ4 drivers would work them. Try the Business Inkjet 1100 driver also, that's the core PCL driver. It's replacement was the K5400 which is also PCL3 and support Win7.
I've had both of these, and seem reasonably stable on the driver.
ASKER
Great, I'll attempt this later. Thanks David!
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ASKER
I'm afraid although all these questions were helpful, no correct answer was posted. The machine was completely formatted and I had to reinstall Windows XP.