Windows 7 printer spooler stopped and can't print re-install drivers or add a printer

Anonymous
2011-05-15T16:41:33+00:00

Original title: Windows 7: Print spooler fails, can't print with printers, can't re-install drivers for printers, can't add a printer. Basically everything for printers is no more.

This all started after the lates batch of May Windows 7 fixes were automatically installed.

Ran the MS 'Fix-it' but it was unsucessful; could do no more than stop and re-start the spooler service.

Tried using services to start, stop the spooler service without any luck. Shutdown the machine, rebooted numerous times, have gone back to previous restore point from a month ago.

Downloaded drivers to re-install but half way through the installation it barps - printer spooler stopped and so it aborts installing the driver.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2011-05-16T09:29:28+00:00

I would check the status of the Print Spooler Service.

Click on the Start button and select Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services. Locate Print Spooler in the list. Check that it has started and that the StartUp type is Automatic.

I suspect that it has stopped and that just starting it will not solve the problem.

You may need to show hidden files. Type Folder Options in the search box above the Start button and select View, Advanced Settings and verify that the box before "Show hidden files and folders" is checked and "Hide protected operating system files" is unchecked. You may need to scroll down to see the second item. You should also make certain that the box before "Hide extensions for known file types" is not checked.

Now access Windows Explorer and select c:\windows\system32\spool\printers. Normally this folder should be empty but there is a problem when files with “spl” and “shd” extensions stick there. Delete the files and restart your computer. This should resolve your problem.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-01-30T20:29:46+00:00

    Please upload and share copies of your System and Application logs from your Event Viewer to your Sky Drive and post a link here.

    To access the System log select Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer, from the list in the left side of the window select Windows Logs and System. Place the cursor on System, select Action from the Menu and Save All Events as and give the file a name. Do the same for the Applications log.

    http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/4fc10639-02db-4665-993a-08d865088d65

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-01-30T18:39:06+00:00

    Garry, I have followed your instructions too the letter and I'm still unable to print. I've never seen a

    print spool error messsage. When I try to print, the window that is generated to show the percentage

    of the file loading stops the count somewhere between 10 and 30 %. It'll sit doing nothing until I

    cancel the print file, at which time the printer will eject a blank sheet of paper.I'vee tried everything 

    suggested on these pages with no success. The physical printer works file, as I can do copies and

    send faxes off-line. I can also scan documents into the computer. There seems to be a problem

    between Microsoft's "windows 7" and dells print driver, Considering the number of similar cries

    for  help, you would think these two great companies wound combine to resolve this stressful

    problem for the user community. I've been unable to use my printer since October and it would

    seem such a waste to have to get another printer with no assurance It would work with the soft-

    ware. I need help with this monster problem pronto. Thanks for your shoulder.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-01-28T19:18:14+00:00

    Very helpful.  Thanks.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-08-23T21:57:54+00:00

    Tony

    You do. I have posted a version of that message many times.

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