Jul292011

How can I resolve a print spooler issue in Windows Vista?

baba asks:

How can I resolve a print spooler problem in Windows Vista? After uninstalling printer driver I can’t install printer driver.


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  • Anonymous August 1, 2011

    Try unchecking the Print and Document Services feature in the Programs and Features applet.this will remove the items that are selected in the subcatagory of that feature. let the machine reboot when it ask’s. Log back in and try to print.

    There may be a dependancy in the Spooler registry setting that is pointing at a printer driver or service that is not available.
    look at the HKLMSystemCurrentControlSetServicesSpooler registry key. Looking for “Dependant on service” reg_Value
    Look for your drivers service name there if so, Remove it and leave only the default.
    Review
    1. removing and then adding the print and document services feature in affect reinstalls the spooler components and reg values.
    2. verifying the spooler service is not dependant on a non existant or broken applications service entry
    and return the spooler registry values to default.

    Stop the print Spooler service from services.msc.Delete contents of the
    C:WindowsSystem32spoolprinters folder.Restart print spooler service from
    services.msc.or open command prompt and type

    Code:
    net stop spooler
    del /Q /F /S “%systemroot%System32SpoolPrinters*.*”
    net start spooler

    Restart PC > Turn on printer > Intall Printer with the driver.

    Reply
  • FIDELIS August 3, 2011

    Hello, if nothing else works you could try using the sfc command.  The system file checker, scans your computer for operating system files.  If during the scan, your computer is missing a file, it will install it for you.  Keep in mind that you will need to have an installation disk for your operating system.  In your case, you would need the installation disk of vista.  To run the command, follow the instructions:

    – click on start
    – click on run
    – type cmd
    – once command prompt opens type the following:

    sfc /scannow

    or
    sfc /scanonce

    For more information, visit the following link:

    http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/system_file_checker.mspx?mfr=true

    Reply
  • Tina August 3, 2011

    Baba,

    were you able to fix the print spooler issue? Which solution worked for you?

    Reply
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