The default printer setting may change after you install a Windows Vista service pack on a Windows Vista-based computer

Article ID: 949321 - View products that this article applies to.
Support for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) ends on July 12, 2011. To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure you're running Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2). For more information, refer to this Microsoft web page: Support is ending for some versions of Windows
(http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/end-support-windows-xp-sp2-windows-vista-without-service-packs)
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SYMPTOMS

After you install a Windows Vista service pack on a Windows Vista-based computer, the default printer may change to Microsoft XPS Document Writer. Additionally, when you try to do a print job, you are asked to save the print job as a file.

This problem occurs most frequently if you had set a network printer as the default printer.
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CAUSE

This problem occurs because many device drivers are reinstalled during the installation of a Windows Vista service pack. This can cause the default printer setting to be changed.
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RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, set the default printer manually. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start
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    Start button
    , type Control printers in the Start Search box, and then click Control Printers in the Programs list.
  2. Right-click the printer that you want to use, and then click Set as Default Printer. A check mark on the printer icon indicates that the printer is now the default printer.
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Properties

Article ID: 949321 - Last Review: June 10, 2011 - Revision: 2.1
APPLIES TO
  • Windows Vista Business
  • Windows Vista Enterprise
  • Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Windows Vista Starter
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
  • Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 1
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Keywords: 
kbexpertisebeginner kbtshoot kbprb KB949321
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