In Windows XP, when you want to cancel a print run but your printer refuses to halt churning out pages when you press Stop – because it has numerous copies in its own memory – it is possible to take back control.

To do this, begin by opening Control Panel (from the Start menu) and, if using Control Panel in Category View, click on the Printers and Other Hardware option, followed by Printers and Faxes. If you are using Control Panel in Classic View, then simply double-click on the Printers and Faxes icon. Now right-click on the relevant printer’s icon and choose Cancel All Documents. Lo and behold, the printer obeys.