ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED - 63 (0x3F)
Your file waiting to be printed was deleted.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED error code indicates that a file intended for printing was deleted before the print job could be completed. This is typically observed when a user or another process deletes the print file while it is still in use by the printer driver.
Error Details
This error is returned by various Windows API functions, such as WritePrinter, which are used to send data to a printer. If the file being written to is deleted before the write operation completes, this error will be generated.
Usage Context
ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED can occur in scenarios where print jobs are initiated and then interrupted due to the deletion of the associated print file. This might happen if a user manually deletes the file or if another process deletes it as part of its operations.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error code as an indication that a critical operation was interrupted, likely due to the deletion of a necessary file. It is important for developers to handle such errors gracefully and provide appropriate feedback to users or other components in the application.
Related Errors
FAQ
Q: What causes ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED?
A: The error is caused by a file intended for printing being deleted while it is still in use.
Q: How can I handle this error in my application?
A: You should implement error handling to manage the scenario where a print job fails due to the deletion of the print file. This might involve retrying the operation or informing the user that the print job could not be completed.
Summary
ERROR_PRINT_CANCELLED is an error code indicating that a print file was deleted before a printing operation could complete. Developers should handle this error by ensuring robust error management and providing appropriate feedback to users.