Microsoft confirms Epson Printer bug caused by November 2017 updates
Microsoft confirmed today that November 2017 updates for the Windows operating system affect the printing functionality of some Epson printer models.
Print jobs are terminated with the error message "Win32 error code returned by the print processor: 2147500037" on affected devices.
The issue seemed to affect Epson dot matrix printers, and users reported issues with printer models such as Epson LX-310, Epson FX890, and Epson LQ690.
Update: Microsoft has released the Windows Update KB4055038 that fixes the issue.
Microsoft confirmed the issue affecting Epson printers in an addendum added to the know issues section of update support pages. The KB4048955Â update page for Windows 10 Version 1709 for instance lists it as a new issue:
After installing this update, some Epson SIDM and Dot Matrix printers cannot print on x86 and x64-based systems.
Microsoft confirmed the issue but has yet to release a fix for it. The company notes however that the issue is not caused by printer drivers, and that it cannot be corrected by installing different printer drivers for the Epson printers.
Microsoft and Epson have determined the cause of the issue and are working on a solution. This problem is not related to the printer driver, so installing current or older print drivers will not resolve the issue.
Microsoft will provide an update in an upcoming release.
Günter Born published workarounds on his blog that help Windows users and administrators fix the issue on affected machines.
Here are the solutions:
Option 1: Uninstall the update
The following updates cause the issue. Please note that these may have patched security issues on Windows machines.
- KB4048955 for Windows 10 Version 1709
- KB4048954 for Windows 10 Version 1703
- KB4048953 for Windows 10 Version 1607
- KB4048958 for Windows 8.1
- KB4048960 for Windows 7 SP1
- KB4048957 for Windows Server 2012 R2
You may uninstall updates by running the command wusa /uninstall /kb:xxx /quiet /warnrestart using an elevated command prompt.
Updates can also be removed using the Control Panel (Programs and Features > View installed updates), or the update history on Windows 10 devices.
Option 2: Install the default Microsoft printer driver
Günter Born notes that installing the Microsoft printer driver may resolve the issue even though Microsoft states that it is not an issue caused by the printer driver.
He suggests the following to find the right Microsoft printer driver for the Epson printer model:
- Open the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- Search for the printer mode, e.g. Epson FX 890.
- Download the printer driver, provided that one is provided for the operating system of the affected machine.
- Install the driver and see if it resolves the issue. If it does not, uninstall the driver again.
I have no problem with KB4048955 for Windows 10 FCU x64. However it is installed by Windows Update on my ASUS laptop, and Update History says it is for “Windows 10 Version 10 Version 1709 for amd64 based ststems….” My processor is an Intel Core M-SY10C.
https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=4048955 does not clear up whether Update History is just an information error, or prove I have the wrong code on my laptop.
AMD64 (or x64 or x86-64) is the name of the 64-bit architecture, since it was developed by AMD – based on Intel’s 32-bit (x86) architecture.
Thanks for the clarification. Previously Microsoft used “x64-based” in my Installed History. Perhaps a Microsoft lawyer changed the term; we will see what language the next cumulative update uses.
Cumulative Update KB 4051963 for Windows 10 x64 1709 continues to reference it is for amd64-based systems. So the terminology continues, as expected. FYI….
uninstalling the updates worked for me
Dot matrix, I haven’t seen one of those for a while, or should I say heard.
It’s not only Dot matrix printers with the issue. I have an Epson Stylus Color 740 (approx. 22yrs old) connected through the LPT port (only type of connection at printer) with the same issue.
I think this era machine was at the point where there was a switch to USB ports also. I think I bought a Epson Stylus Color 460 (left with ex-wife) around the same time which had both types of connection port.
In Peru we use matrix printers to print invoices, and it is a using big headaches for me, as they call me in the middel of the night to tell me they Cannot print invoices. Very annoying. Good to finale find a fix
Pardon my ignorance, I have a few questions not too sure if they are related.
Last 3 days, WIndows 10 Home tried to install updates, at least 3 times and it failed all 3 times. I can not figure out if these issues are related and I do not have Epson printer. I have printer from Brother.
Second, the uninstall update option, how does one get it? That screen looks like from Windows 7 as I can not get screen like that in Windows 10. Is there any utility to Windows 7fy windows 10?
Thanks in advance
right click on the update to get the uninstall option in windows 10
Sugath-
Many EPSON LQ 690 Printers are effected. but uninstall new MS KB’s will solve the issue.
hi,
My Epson lq350 not working.. for two days..
any one kindly suggest to resolve this issue please…
I thought my old printer gave up the ghost so ordered a new one after spending hours trying to troubleshoot. So I bought a new one and tried to no avail to set that one up. Finally, on Sunday there was info about Microsoft’s update. Now, I have to send back the new printer at my cost and spent well over 5 hours screwing around. My guess is Microsoft doesn’t care about lost time or money.
My Epson Stylus Color 740 stopped printing the day after this 13 Nov. 2017 Windows 10 update. It prints the nozzle check ok from Win 10 but nothing else. It prints fine from my Mac OS 10.4.11.
I have wasted at least 15 hours trouble shooting this issue and checking up on a new printer.
For the Edson Dotmatrix printers, Use the Built-in Gerneric IBM 9pin driver found in the windows printer drivers listing until Microsoft fixes this bug.
yup, install driver update wont solve the issue, just remove the microsoft updates dated on nomveber 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 21. this resolve my issue.
Hi,
It indeed works when you unistall the Windows Update, but in some cases Windows reinstalls the update (even when you desactive the option)…
This then causes some PCs to not function correctly anymore…
Any solutions???
Thanks!
i don find lq 690
Effected on Epson DFX-9000, solved the issue after uninstall MS update. Thanks
Client uses LQ-590 to print multi-part work orders. Printing stopped on November 14 or 15. Windows 7 desktop. Spent hours trouble-shooting print spooler, un-installing, re-installing, changing USB ports, installing parallel port pci card, pooling printer ports, installing printer on another pc that had never had any Epson printer on it before, and on and on. Printer performed self-test with no problems. Client was looking for original invoice to pursue warranty service but I wasn’t convinced.
Finally on November 21 I came across an article on the Epson support site “Epson Point of Sale and Impact Printers – Windows Update KB4048957”.
Followed the advice to un-install the update and printing worked again. The following morning the update re-installed itself so I un-installed again and this time marked “hide this update” to prevent re-installation.
Note: the Epson article includes the following list of operating systems / update numbers
Windows 7 KB4048957, KB4048960
Windows 8 none
Windows 8.1 KB4048958
Windows 10 RTM KB4048956
Windows 10.1511 KB4048952
Windows 10.1607 KB4048953
Windows 10.1703 KB4048954
Windows 10.1709 KB4048955
Server 2008 KB4048970
Server 2008R2 KB4048957
Server 2012 KB4048959
Server 2012R2 KB4048958
Server 2016 KB4048953
Thank you for the guidance….
Thank you for the information..