“Unable to load client print control” Error When Trying to Print from SQL Reporting Services

We’ve seen this error on and off for quite some time but for some reason we’ve had a batch of calls recently regarding it. 

The error occurs when a user attempts to print a report from SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) Report Manager using the printer button on the report viewer.  The issue is caused by an update to Windows Server (ActiveX Kill Bits security update) that breaks the printing function in SSRS.

You can read about the update in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956391.

The easiest fix is to apply SQL Server Service Pack 3.