Spool32.exe is a critical component of Windows 95, 98, and 98 Second Edition because it manages the spooling of print jobs in Windows, allowing the job to be temporarily stored on disk before being sent to the printer. This lets the processor quickly return control to the application that started the print job (rather than making the user wait until the print job is completed).

However, Spool32 can cause General Protection Faults, Invalid Page Faults, and Stack Faults in Kernel32.dll, all of which send the user a message. Here are some troubleshooting measures you can take to solve Spool32 errors.

First, use Msconfig.exe to cut out unnecessary programs from starting during Windows startup. (If you've never run the msconfig.exe utility, you may want to talk to a computer technician first.) Spool32 can conflict with other programs, so incrementally starting more programs on each boot may pinpoint where the conflict lies.

If that step doesn't do the trick, change the job spooling format from the default EMF (Enhanced Metafile) to RAW format. Some poorly written print drivers may cause Spool32 to fail in a specific format.

To change the format:

1. Click Start | Settings | Printers.

2. Right-click the required printer and click Properties.

3. Click the Details tab and Spool Settings.

4. Click Print Directly To The Printer.

5. Select RAW in the Spool Data Format box.

6. OK your changes and close the Printers folder.

Now restart Windows and try printing to that printer again.