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How to Fix MS Access Report Print Preview Broken by KB5039211
Question details
Users need to restore the print preview functionality for Microsoft Access reports that stopped working after installing Windows update KB5039211.
- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- Windows (KB5039211)
- Scenario
- Attempting to preview or print database reports in MS Access using a dot-matrix printer or the generic text-only printer driver.
- Observed behavior
- The print preview feature fails, crashes, or breaks unexpectedly after applying Windows update KB5039211.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows machine before attempting to uninstall system updates or modify printer drivers. It is also recommended to back up any critical VBA code associated with your Access database.
Isolate the Printer Configuration and Driver
Test alternative printer settings to confirm if the generic text-only driver or physical dot-matrix printer is directly conflicting with the update.
Before modifying system updates, rule out individual hardware and application components. The KB5039211 update primarily disrupts operations relying on the generic text-only driver.
Open a simple Access report and attempt to print it to a different virtual printer, such as 'Microsoft Print to PDF'. This verifies if the core Access printing function is intact.
Review your VBA code that opens the report, assigns the dot-matrix printer, sets margins, and searches for installed printers. Ensure no deprecated methods are causing conflicts.
Navigate to 'Printers & scanners' in Windows Settings, remove the affected dot-matrix printer, and reinstall the generic text-only printer driver to refresh the configuration.
Roll Back Windows Update KB5039211
If driver troubleshooting fails, uninstalling the problematic Windows update will temporarily restore MS Access print preview functionality.
Experience a Stable and Lightweight Office Suite
If continuous system updates frequently disrupt your Microsoft Office workflows, consider trying WPS Office. It offers a highly compatible suite for your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs, ensuring your daily work remains uninterrupted without relying on heavy system updates.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button to get the setup file.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your PC.
- 3. Open Your Office Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX files to experience seamless compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does KB5039211 cause MS Access print previews to fail?
The KB5039211 update introduced system-level changes that conflict with how Microsoft Access renders reports when relying on legacy generic text-only printer drivers or specific dot-matrix printer configurations.
How can I confirm if the generic text-only driver is the actual cause?
You can isolate the problem by changing your default printer to 'Microsoft Print to PDF' and opening the report. If the print preview works perfectly, the issue is directly tied to the generic text-only driver.
What information should I provide to Microsoft Support to fix this?
When reporting the issue, include your exact Windows OS build number, MS Office version, printer make and model, snippets of any relevant VBA code you use to format the report, and system error logs.
Can I prevent Windows from reinstalling KB5039211 after I roll it back?
Yes, you can temporarily pause Windows updates in the 'Windows Update' settings for up to 35 days, or use the Microsoft 'Show or hide updates' troubleshooter tool to block this specific KB update from reinstalling.
