DocConverter File-Specific Conversion Hangs (error status -99)
Product
Version
Operating System
DocConverter
3.8
Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows 2003
Description
While converting documents from multiple sources, specific documents hang and do not convert completely. The system attempts to display dialog boxes on the main console which, in some cases, may not be readable.
The APConv.log indicates that the processor application could not be started:
NOTE: While the error code -2146959355 is referenced in other articles, they do not apply to this particular situation.
The log file may also display following error message:
SRV 3708 02/08/2008 18:24:57 Process hung (). Killed and restarted. C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\DCInput\TestDoc1.doc moved to C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\DCError\TestDoc1.doc
Cause
activePDF DocConverter's particular usage of Micorsoft® Word does not allow for an interactive interchange with Word during the conversion process. Therefore, DocConverter may hang if Word is requesting a user response or intervention, as evident from the attempted display of dialog boxes.
Word provides additional capabilities for certain files that implement Microsoft online templates, requiring the Microsoft installation discs to be made available during conversion, so the associated .dll/.exe can be loaded. Once the files have been added, Word offers the user the option to make use of the added assistance or resources associated with using Microsoft online templates.
NOTE: While the activation of Intelligent PDF or incorrectly defined signatures may cause similar symptoms, changes to these did not resolve this issue.
Details
In order to resolve the conversion application (i.e., MS Word) issue, the default DocConverter user account needs to first be replaced with a new Local Administrator account. Under this account, you will be able to change the application settings necessary to prevent specific documents from experiencing hangs and/or failed conversions. Perform the following steps to resolve the issue:
Change the default DocConverter Local Administrative account
Click Start, then Run. Type services.msc and click OK.
Right-click activePDF DocConverter and select Properties.
Click Log On and replace the default DocConverter user account with an appropriate Local Administrator account (e.g., ".\Local_Admin") with password.
Click OK and then exit the Services window.
Resolve the Requirements of Word by Responding to Input Requests
Logon using the newly created Local Administrator account and launch Microsoft Word.
Respond to all requested actions (e.g., provide requested installation discs).
Open a file that is causing a hang in conversion to confirm that it can be opened in Word without issue.
If a dialog box is displayed, perform the necessary action to prevent Word from displaying the dialog during conversion (typically, this means selecting No, Do not ask again, or something similar).
Close Word and run a DocConverter application to confirm reliable operation. The dialog boxes should no longer display during conversion.
The information in this article is for the use of activePDF Customers and Evaluation Users Only. No part of this document may be transmitted or reproduced without the express written consent of activePDF.
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