Error: Unhandled Access Violation Reading 0x0000 Exception at 78a2b9h when attempting to open Options in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011

When you tried to open the Options dialog box or to switch between layouts, AutoCAD crashed with an error
Unhandled Access Violation Reading 0x0000 Exception at 78a2b9h

In addition, there may be an error "Failed to load PLCFMGR.dll"
The crash may also occur at a different memory address.

Solution

This problem can occur when the Windows dll prntvpt.dll is missing or corrupt.
The following hotfix from Microsoft includes a copy of the affected DLL, therefore after installing this hotfix you should not experience the problem anymore:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971276