The dreaded error message, which simply interrupts anything you might be doing, can be triggered by random causes, from copying files to running some programs.
It turns out that the most recent trigger was caused simply by trying to print. Fortunately, the situation got so out of hand that Microsoft decided to bring the fix forward and release the update ahead of schedule.
BSODs often bring down the entire operating system when certain operations hit a violation or bug in the Windows code. Unfortunately, these reasons can be so random that they seem to confuse even Microsoft developers. In this last scenario, for example, all users know is that they were trying to use the printer normally before seeing the dreaded blue screen of death on their monitors.
Microsoft became aware of the issue and even published a temporary solution for those affected by it. A fix would be coming, but under normal circumstances users would have to wait for the next "Update Tuesday" before it becomes publicly available. Some users, especially those in businesses, probably wouldn't be able to wait for that day before wasting precious time.
Microsoft has just released an update out of its schedule for just that, which means the update is available now. Unfortunately, the company doesn't give any information on what caused the bug in the first place, nor what specific printers and applications can trigger the BSOD. Maybe it's the hope that everyone just keeps their PCs updated every day.
But beware, the patch itself brings with it another known issue that can affect certain users under very specific conditions. Fortunately, it doesn't appear to be serious enough to warrant another patch (which could come next week) and the bulletin includes a workaround for those affected by it.
