How to Fix Microsoft Works Out of Memory Error When Printing
Question details
The user encounters an 'Out of Memory' error message when attempting to print documents from Microsoft Works.
- Product
- Microsoft Works
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to send a document to a physical printer directly from the legacy Microsoft Works application.
- Observed behavior
- The printing process fails, and the application displays an 'Out of Memory' error, which is often caused by outdated drivers, incorrect default printer settings, or legacy software limitations.
Ensure your printer is properly connected and turned on. Because Microsoft Works is a discontinued legacy program, consider saving your document in a standard format like RTF or TXT before making system changes to prevent data loss.
Update Printer Drivers and Manually Set the Default Printer
Modern Windows settings that automatically manage the default printer, or outdated manufacturer drivers, can trigger memory errors in legacy software like Microsoft Works.
Microsoft Works often struggles to communicate with modern printer setups. Taking manual control of your default printer and updating your drivers directly from the manufacturer can resolve the memory allocation failure.
Open your Windows Settings, navigate to 'Bluetooth & devices' (or 'Devices'), and select 'Printers & scanners'. Locate the option that says 'Let Windows manage my default printer' and toggle it off.
In the same 'Printers & scanners' menu, click on the specific printer you want to use. Select the 'Set as default' button.
Visit the official website of your printer's manufacturer (e.g., HP, Brother, Canon). Search for your exact printer model, download the latest available drivers, and install them.
Restart your computer to apply the new driver changes. Open your document in Microsoft Works and attempt to print again.
Export the Document to PDF Before Printing
Converting the file to a modern PDF format bypasses the Microsoft Works internal printing mechanism entirely, avoiding the memory error.
Install a Legacy Emulation Printer Driver
Installing a generic emulation driver can bridge the compatibility gap if your modern printer driver is too complex for Microsoft Works to handle.
Upgrade from Legacy Software to WPS Office
Microsoft Works was discontinued over a decade ago, leading to frustrating printing issues and 'Out of Memory' errors on modern computers. Switch to WPS Office for a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative that seamlessly handles your document needs without the legacy limitations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Open your legacy files: Launch WPS Writer and directly open your older document formats without losing formatting.
- 3. Print flawlessly: Enjoy seamless communication with modern printers without encountering outdated memory allocation errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Works say 'Out of Memory' when I have plenty of RAM?
Microsoft Works is an older, 32-bit legacy application with hardcoded internal limits. Even if your modern computer has gigabytes of RAM available, the software cannot properly process the complex, high-resolution data streams required by modern printer drivers, resulting in the 'Out of Memory' error.
Can I still download an update for Microsoft Works to fix this error?
No. Microsoft officially discontinued Microsoft Works in 2007 (with Works 9 being the final version). There are no modern patches or updates available. Migrating your files to a supported word processor like WPS Office is highly recommended.
Where can I find emulation drivers like the HP DeskJet 550C?
Basic emulation drivers are often still included in the Windows Update driver repository. You can access them by clicking the 'Windows Update' button while using the 'Add a printer' wizard in your Windows Settings. It may take a few minutes for the full list of older drivers to load.
