Toad slow to start or hangs with "Checking for critical files" or "Setting Policy Restrictions" (4258492)

Cause 1:
Default printer is unavailable. 

Cause 2:
Large amount of .tmp files in the Toad application data directory

Cause 3: 
Version 12.5 (32-bit) Privilege conflict on Windows holding up the application. (Defect ID 115019)

RESOLUTION 1:
Verify that the default printer on the PC is accessible and working properly.  If not, remove the printer from the list or as a default printer.

RESOLUTION 2:

Remove excess tmp/backup editor files.

1. Close Toad
2. Go to: C:\Users\username\Appdata\Roaming\Quest Software\Toad for Oracle\
3. Sort folder by type and highlight all *.tmp files and delete
4. Find ~EditorBackups.txt and ~EditorBackupsPrompted.txt and delete this if they exist. 

RESOLUTION 3:  For Toad for Oracle 12.5 (32-bit)

WORKAROUND 1:
Right-Click the Toad shortcut, or Toad.exe file and choose 'Run as Administrator'.  This can be made a permanent option by right-clicking the desktop icon | Properties | Advanced | tick the 'Run as Administrator' box

It may be necessary to remove the settings before launching as admin: