A customer experienced in Microsoft Word, the cursor rapidly flickering between the loading blue circle icon and the arrow cursor. Typing a document is disconcerting when the cursor is flashing, especially  when selecting text. Thankfully I was able to solve this issue for my customer.

Affected software

• Microsoft Office 2010 Home & Business, Microsoft Office 2010 Home & Student
• Microsoft Office 2007 Home & Business, Microsoft Office 2010 Home & Student

Cause

Either one or both of the following:

• Default printer has driver incompatible with Microsoft Word
• Print spooler service failed

Solution

• Uninstall printer driver
• Download latest printer driver from support or driver download section of manufacturer website, e.g. Canon printer? go to http://www.canon.com.au
• Install printer driver