[Solved] Error: "Prop Res DLL not loaded" ?

[Hagar Delest]

Hi I've just downloaded OO and started to have a look around in Writer. When I click on the formatting menu; specifically, format character, I get an error box pop up saying: "Prop Res DLL not loaded". I have to click on OK several times before it disappears and then this happens again, whenever I try to access any of the tabs in the formatting dialogue.

I'm rather disappointed by this. What's wrong with it and can it be repaired? I'd like to hear from anyone who knows anything about this. Thanks in anticipation.

Regards

Dr. V

[RoryOF]

This is not an OpenOffice problem; it is usually, but not exclusively, associated with LexMark printers installed under Windows. A possible fix is given at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918730

[Dr. Varney]

Thank you, Rory.

I do have a Lexmark printer/ scanner hooked up to the system but the printer part is broken. It's only the scanner that I use. I don't intend to print from OO anyway.

Is there anything I can do locally to fix this problem?

Thanks

Regards

Dr. V

[Dr. Varney]

Okay, I found this:

Method 1: Copy the printer driver files to the System32 folder
To copy the printer driver files to the System32 folder, follow these steps:

In Windows Explorer, locate the following folder:
drive:\Windows\System32\Spool\Drivers\W32x86\3
Press and hold CTRL, and then click each printer file.

Note Each printer driver file has a file name that resembles the following:
lx**prpb.dll
lx**prpr.dll
dl**prpb.dll
dl**prpr.dll
Note ** is a two-letter designation that is associated with the printer.
With the printer driver files selected, right-click the files, and then click Copy.
In Windows Explorer, locate the following folder:
drive:\Windows\System32
Right-click the System32 folder, and then click Paste.

But I can't find the specified files. What can I do now???

Dr. V

[Dr. Varney]

So, onto Method 2...

Method 2: Update the Path environment variable to include the printer driver folder
To update the Path environment variable, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
Click the Advanced tab.
Click Environment Variables.
Under System variables, click the Path variable, and then click Edit.
Press END to move the pointer to the end of the path.
Type a semicolon (;), and then type the path of the printer driver file.
On a computer that is running a 32-bit version of Microsoft Windows, type the following default path:
C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Drivers\W32X86\3
On a computer that is running a 64-bit version of Windows, type the following default path:
C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Drivers\X64\3
For example, after you update the Path variable on a computer that is running a 32-bit version of Windows, the path would resemble the following:
%SystemRoot%\System32;%systemroot%;C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Drivers\W32X86\3
Click OK to close the Edit System Variable dialog box.
Click OK to close the Environment Variables dialog box.
Click OK to close the System Properties dialog box.

I go to control panel... there is no icon called 'Performance and maintenance'. So what now???

This is just great...

Dr. V

[Dr. Varney]

Can I just copy everything from the Lexmark drivers folder up to System 32? Is it safe to do that?

Regards

Dr. V

[RoryOF]

There shouldn't be any problem if you just copy the Lexmark drivers folder to System 32. You should restart your system after that, so that it finds the files.

As far as I can find, in Windows XP the environment variables are accessed this way

Code: Select all   Expand viewCollapse view

In Windows XP
To view or change environment variables:

   1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
   2. Click the Advanced tab.
   3. Click Environment variables.
   4. Click one the following options, for either a user or a system variable:
          * Click New to add a new variable name and value.
          * Click an existing variable, and then click Edit to change its name or value.
          * Click an existing variable, and then click Delete to remove it.

[Bill]

I go to control panel... there is no icon called 'Performance and maintenance'. So what now???

"Performance and Maintenance" is a category. The Control Panel needs to be in Category View mode to see it. If the Control Panel is in Classic View mode, just click the System icon.

[SMA in BG]

I only came to this forum to seek a solution to the error message, so have registered ONLY to say Thank you very much indeed to Dr Varney for the perfect solution. I followed the steps (with Bill's interjection on the performance issue) and the problem was solved. As a non-computer-savvy person I really was extra grateful for clear and simple idiot-proof instructions.

Thank you Dr V for taking the trouble.

[PeaceByJesus]

I also want to thank the doc for this tip, which was fixed by just copying the Lexmark drivers folder to System 32.