FIX: When you print an XPS file on a Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3-based computer, the characters in the XPS file print incorrectly

You have an XML Paper Specification (XPS) file that has an embedded font file. You print the file on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer or on a Windows XP Service Pack 3-based computer. When you do this, the characters in the XPS file print incorrectly even though the output on the screen is correct. This problem occurs when the Windows XP-based operating system has the same font installed.

Additionally, when you print from a terminal server session by using the Easy Print driver, there may be problems in the print output. Specifically, there may be unexpected fonts in the printed document, the document text may be compressed or truncated, or the document text may contain unexpected random characters. This behavior may affect print jobs that range from e-mail messages to the "Print the test page" document from the printer properties.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, it is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

You must have the .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 1 installed to apply this hotfix.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The global version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

The .NET Framework 3.0, x86-based versions

The .NET Framework 3.0, x64-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

XPS is a new electronic paper format that is an alternative to the Portable Document Format (PDF) format. To add this new format on a computer that is running Windows XP, download and install one of the following packages:

• The Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0
• The Microsoft XPS Essentials Pack

If you have the .NET Framework 3.0 installed, you can open XPS files by using Internet Explorer 6 or later versions.

If you have the XPS Essentials Pack installed, you can open XPS files by using the XpsRchVw.exe tool.

For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: