WD6: Error Starting Word: "Invalid DC Index: 17"

ID: Q112168

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups, versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you start Word for Windows, your computer may hang (stop responding) or the following error message may occur:

   Invalid DC Index: 17

CAUSE

These symptoms may occur if either of the following Windows 3.0 printer drivers is installed and set as the default Windows printer:

Star Micronix XB-2410, LC-2420 (STARM24.DRV)
Star NX-2430
Brother M1824L (BROTH24.DRV version 1.00, dated 9/20/90)
Canon bj102 (CANON10E.DRV, dated 9/20/90)
Canon bj10E

When the "Invalid DC Index: 17" error message occurs, you can choose OK and continue working in Word.

In addition, Word may hang when you start the program if you have not installed a default Windows printer driver.

WORKAROUND

Microsoft does not recommend using Windows 3.0 printer drivers under Windows 3.1. You should remove such drivers under the Printers icon in Windows Control Panel.

There is no Windows 3.1 printer driver available for the Brother M1824L printer (this printer emulates the IBM Proprinter XL).

A Windows 3.1 printer driver for the Star Micronix XB-2410 and Star NX-2430 printers are available in the file STAR.EXE.

The following file(s) are available for download from the Microsoft Software Library:

 ~ STAR.EXE (size: 297086 bytes)

For more information about downloading files from the Microsoft Software Library, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q119591
   TITLE     : How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services

Additional reference words: hang hung crash crashed locks canon locked frozen freezes crashing quit quits stopped crashes bomb frozen

Keywords          : kbprint
Version           : 6.00 6.00a 6.00c
Platform          : WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: December 31, 1998