Troubleshooting Avery Design & Print on Windows 10: Solutions to Get You Printing

Solution 1: Perform a Clean Reinstallation of Avery Design & Print

A common cause of software malfunction after a Windows update is corrupted installation files or outdated DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries). A thorough uninstallation followed by a fresh installation can often resolve these issues. Here’s how to perform a clean reinstallation of your Avery Design & Print software:

1. Uninstall using Revo Uninstaller (Recommended): Standard Windows uninstallers may leave behind residual files and registry entries. Revo Uninstaller, especially in its advanced mode, ensures a complete removal of the software and its associated components. Download and install Revo Uninstaller Free or Pro.
2. Run Revo Uninstaller and Select Advanced Mode: Launch Revo Uninstaller and locate your Avery Design & Print software (both v4 and v5 if installed) in the list of programs. Select the software and click “Uninstall.” When prompted, choose the “Advanced” scanning mode.
3. Scan and Delete Residual Files and Registry Entries: Revo Uninstaller will first run the program’s built-in uninstaller (if available). After that, it will perform a deep scan of your system for leftover files, folders, and registry entries related to Avery Design & Print. Carefully review the list and delete all identified items. Be cautious not to delete anything you are unsure about, though Revo Uninstaller generally identifies Avery-specific remnants effectively.
4. Reboot Your Computer: After the uninstallation process is complete, restart your Windows 10 computer. This ensures that all changes are properly applied and clears temporary files.
5. Reinstall Avery Design & Print: Download the version of Avery Design & Print you wish to use from the official Avery website or a trusted source. Install the software, following the on-screen instructions.
6. Test the Software: Once installed, launch Avery Design & Print and check if the issues you were experiencing are resolved. Try printing a test project to confirm functionality.

This clean reinstallation process often resolves conflicts arising from corrupted files or DLL issues introduced by Windows 10 updates.

Solution 2: Utilize a Virtual Machine with an Older Operating System

If reinstallation doesn’t solve the problem, or if you suspect a deeper incompatibility with Windows 10, running Avery Design & Print in a virtual machine (VM) with an older, compatible operating system is a robust solution. Oracle VirtualBox is a free and popular VM software that allows you to create and run virtual operating systems within your Windows 10 environment.

1. Install Oracle VirtualBox: Download and install Oracle VirtualBox from the official VirtualBox website. The installation process is straightforward, follow the on-screen prompts.
2. Obtain an Older Windows OS (XP, 7, or 8): You will need an installation disc or ISO image of an older Windows operating system like Windows XP, Windows 7, or Windows 8. If you have an old license, you can use that. Alternatively, you might find affordable older Windows versions online.
3. Create a New Virtual Machine: Open VirtualBox and click “New” to create a new VM.
   • Name: Give your VM a descriptive name, for example, “Windows XP for Avery.”
   • Type: Select “Microsoft Windows.”
   • Version: Choose the version of Windows you will be installing (e.g., “Windows XP (32-bit)”).
   • Memory size: Allocate sufficient RAM (e.g., 1GB for XP, 2GB for Windows 7).
   • Hard disk: Create a virtual hard disk. Follow the prompts to create a dynamically allocated VDI disk of a reasonable size (e.g., 20GB).
4. Install the Older Windows OS in the VM: Select your newly created VM in VirtualBox and click “Start.” You will be prompted to select a startup disk. Choose your Windows OS installation disc or ISO image. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows within the virtual machine.
5. Install Avery Design & Print in the VM: Once the virtual Windows OS is installed and running, install Avery Design & Print within the virtual environment as you normally would.
6. Test Printing from the VM: VirtualBox allows the VM to access your host system’s printers. Test printing from Avery Design & Print within the VM to your physical printer.

Running Avery Design & Print in a VM effectively isolates it from potential Windows 10 incompatibilities, providing a stable environment for the software to function as intended.

Solution 3: Investigate DLL Conflicts (Advanced Users)

For technically inclined users, identifying and resolving DLL conflicts can be another approach. Sometimes, Windows updates overwrite DLLs that older software versions rely on. A DLL analysis tool can help pinpoint these conflicts.

1. Obtain a DLL Dependency Walker Tool: Search online for “DLL dependency walker” or “dependency walker download.” These tools analyze the DLL dependencies of a program.
2. Analyze Avery Design & Print Executable: Run the dependency walker tool and open the main executable file of Avery Design & Print (e.g., the .exe file that launches the program).
3. Identify Missing or Problematic DLLs: The tool will display a hierarchical tree of DLLs that the program uses. Look for any DLLs that are flagged as missing or showing errors.
4. Research and Replace DLLs (Caution Required): If you identify problematic DLLs, you can try to find older, compatible versions of these DLLs online (from reputable sources only!). Exercise extreme caution when downloading and replacing DLL files, as incorrect or malicious DLLs can destabilize your system. Place the downloaded DLLs in the same directory as the Avery Design & Print executable. DLLs in the program’s directory are typically loaded before system-wide DLLs, potentially resolving conflicts.

Note: Modifying DLL files is an advanced troubleshooting step and should be undertaken with caution and at your own risk. It’s generally recommended to try Solutions 1 and 2 first.

By employing these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to overcome compatibility issues and successfully use Avery Design & Print on your Windows 10 computer. Whether through a clean reinstallation, the isolation of a virtual machine, or advanced DLL conflict resolution, there’s a pathway to get back to creating your Avery projects.