clicking Find Printer shows error "The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable" i am on a home network

Anonymous
2010-05-21T12:33:03+00:00

When I try to "Find Printer (in MSWord, e.g.) I get the message: The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable.

I'm running Vista Ultimate (SP2) on a home network; and I'm the Administrator.

How do I make the ADDS available?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2010-05-28T03:56:59+00:00

Hello Dick Bard,

Thanks for posting in the Microsoft Answers forum! To add to Lorie – One’s suggestion, please try following the steps below:

>Go to Control Panel

> Select Printers

> Right-click on Add Printer

> Select Run as Administrator

Now try to add your network printer.

Please let me know if this helps J

Adam

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-09-29T03:56:40+00:00

    Yep, this worked for me too. I just disabled Comodo Defense+ and amazingly, the printer shows up.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-09-24T11:53:40+00:00

    Thankyou Asif, for trying to help.  Unfortunately this does not help either, although I did go into services again to check the settings.  If the pop up message about domain directory is related to the inability to print, it is going to be a very complex problem to fix.  It is certainly not something the average user should be expected to understand, so I hope microsoft will pay attention to the problem.  I have been all over the forums and tried just about every suggestion. Because it might be a permissions issue, last night I deleted my daughters' user accounts, then did the Level3 cleanup with services and startups disabled.  I also ran malware and antivirus complete scans.  I have the same problem  after reinstalling the printer for the 15th time.  There most definitely is nothing mechanically wrong with the  printer or the USB cable.  It's got to be a software issue, but whether or MS or HP, I still don't know.  

    I will continue monitoring forums because I don't expect to solve the problem by buying a new printer or computer any time soon.  I will have to use the library for printing my resumes.  If I find the fix, you better believe the solution will be posted all over the internet.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-09-23T18:37:03+00:00

    Hi Helen,

    I just posted this, thought it may be worth a try.

    "Hi guys,

    Unsure if anyone's found a fix for this yet.

    But after searching and searching and trying all sorts,

    I found below to fix the issue.

    • Start.
    • Type, services.msc, in the search box and just press enter.
    • Scroll to Print Spooler.
    • Right-click this and select Properties.
    • Startup Type, should equal, Automatic.
    • Service Status should equal, Started (if not, simply select the Start button).
    • If it already says, Started, then try pressing, Stop, and then, Start.

    My Startup Type said Manual and Service Status was Stopped.

    I did the above and problem solved :)

    Hope this helps.

    Also, if this does help, please pass on to any other forums you may be on,

    since it seems like even the people that manufacture the printers and MS themselves

    can't offer a decent answer.

    P.s. My printer's a HP All-In-One.

    Regards

    Your Saviour (hopefully)

    Lol jus jokin..

    Asif W."

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-09-23T18:31:16+00:00

    Hi guys,

    Unsure if anyone's found a fix for this yet.

    But after searching and searching and trying all sorts,

    I found below to fix the issue.

    • Start.
    • Type, services.msc, in the search box and just press enter.
    • Scroll to Print Spooler.
    • Right-click this and select Properties.
    • Startup Type, should equal, Automatic.
    • Service Status should equal, Started (if not, simply select the Start button).
    • If it already says, Started, then try pressing, Stop, and then, Start.

    My Startup Type said Manual and Service Status was Stopped.

    I did the above and problem solved :)

    Hope this helps.

    Also, if this does help, please pass on to any other forums you may be on,

    since it seems like even the people that manufacture the printers and MS themselves

    can't offer a decent answer.

    P.s. My printer's a HP All-In-One.

    Regards

    Your Saviour (hopefully)

    Lol jus jokin..

    Asif W.

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    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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