On a Windows Server machine which has an HP printer attached or connected to it, the printer spooler is crashing randomly because something is wrong with a file called hptcpmon dll. How to remove this error and start printing as soon as possible?
A lot of users have complained about the same symptoms. Windows Server users have reported that if there is an HP printer connected to the machine, the printer spooler crashes randomly without any warning. Hptcpmon.dll is one of the files that is known to cause this behavior.
Unfortunately, a workaround that you could do yourself does not exist yet. To solve this problem, and as you said, get to printing as soon as possible your best option is to go ahead and call the third-party organization that is responsible for service and maintenance of your printers.
It appears this error is common on HP printers connected to a Windows Server. On a Windows Server computer that has an HP printer installed, the printer spooler may crash randomly and the cause is one of the following files:
If your problem is with the “HPtcpMon.dll” file, here’s a workaround. Press the Windows key + R to bring up the “Run” dialog then type the following and then hit Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor:
regedit
After this, navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors\HP Standard TCP/IP Port
Next, in the Registry Editor window, click “File” then “Export.” In the “File name” field, type without quotes “HPprinter” then click “Save.” Next, right-click the “HP Standard TCP/IP Port” entry then select “Delete.” Click “Yes” to verify. After this, navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors\Standard TCP/IP Port
Double-click “Driver” on the right pane and verify that the value of the “Value data” box is the following:
tcpmon.dll
On the other hand, if the “Driver” entry doesn’t exist on the right pane, click “Edit” then point to “New” and then select “String Value.” Type without quotes “Driver” then hit Enter. Next, right-click “Driver” then select “Modify.” In the “Value data” box, type the following then click “OK”:
tcpmon.dll
Exit the Registry Editor then restart the computer. After booting, open Windows Explorer then navigate to the following location:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\
Locate the “HPtcpMon.dll” file and rename it to something like “HPtcpMon.old”. If the problem continues, open your web browser and visit HP Printer Customer Support – Software and Driver Downloads. Here, enter your printer’s model name then click “Submit” to search. You can find the model name or model number printed on a sticker on the side or bottom of your device.
Once your product is located, click it to go to the download page. The page should detect your operating system automatically. If the page shows a different operating system, click to change then select your correct operating system. Download and install all available drivers and software for your printer. On the other hand, if your operating system is not available, it means the printer is not compatible with your computer.
