[ltkilkee]

For the past few days, I cannot print anything using the file-print path. Does not matter - email, appleworks programs, other loaded off the shelf programs. I have not added any new programs or other files that would cause this.
the error message is Exception-Bad Access (0x0001) kern-protection-failure (0x0002) at 0x00000008; I am running Imac G4, OS X version 10.4. Never had this issue before (and the IMAC is over 4 years old), just started on Tuesday.
Any ideas how to fix? Thanks

[analogika]

Have you recently run a system update?

Have you recently added any external devices to your computer?

Go to your printer manufacturer's home page and download the latest driver for your printer.

If the problem persists, try going into the Print command while having your printer UNplugged.

Also, try deleting the printer from the System Preferences Printers pane and re-adding it.

[JKT]

And if none of that works:

Printer Setup Repair 5.1 - MacUpdate

[ltkilkee]

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried them all, starting with the systems preferences and ending with the Print Repair program, fixing permissions, and deleting and reinstalling the printer drivers. I have both an Epson825 and a HP Photosmart attached via a USB hub, but even a direct connect one at a time to the back of the IMAC does not work. The program I am in when I click file-print closes abruptly, no matter what program. I can print using the printer icon on the toolbar, but only the single copy and only to whatever printer was "pointed to" the last time I used that program.
So, any other ideas? I have done no new hardware or software installs, no upgrades to anything. My husband uses this PC to do email, some printing from Print Explosion, and some music downloads, all of which have been done successfully and printed successfully, for some few years until the other day. He cannot recall doing anything different. the fact that we can still print using the printer icon on the toolbar leads me to think the connection and the drivers are fine, but that it is something else. The permissions idea made sense, but running the printer setup utility has not fixed it.
Thanks again, and if you have any other ideas to try, I would like to hear them. I am not the most literate when it comes to IMACs (my job uses PCs and that is where I am more comfotable), but I am willing to try anything with directions.
And, by the way, Merry Christmas from Athens, Greece!

[analogika]

Hm.

Do you have multiple users set up on the machine? Does printing work from a different user account? Create a new one (System Preferences --> Users) and try it if you don't have one set up.

If that works, then try completely emptying the Caches folder in /YourUserHomeFolder/Library/Caches/ and then logging out and back in.

Also, you could try this:
Leopard Cache Cleaner 4.0.3 - MacUpdate
but only to empty the various system and user caches, not to tinker with the system or for any other "maintenance" - it's unnecessary.



Oh, and please - it's "iMac", not "IMAC". May seem stupid, but we Mac users are a sensitive bunch, and seeing it treated as an acronym by PC users and newbies hurts our precious little heads.

Really.

[ltkilkee]

Thanks for your suggestions. I have tried them in the order you suggested, and then some. Still, the file-print feature does not work, not for the newly created user, not for the original user, not after cleaning cache files, repairing permissions, uninstalling and reinstalling printers, resetting the printers. I'll keep searching.
Thanks again.

[analogika]

Okay. Something got borked.

Archive & Install your system.

When you boot from the Install DVD, and you click the very first "Options..." button that shows up at the bottom left, it's the second option. There is a checkbox below that will allow you to keep all data and settings.

You will then have a completely fresh system, but with all your user settings and applications in place. (The old system will be moved to a folder on the hard drive called "Previous Systems".)