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

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
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
    2011-07-08T08:19:05+00:00

    Rhea

    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.

    My advice has been updated. This has been added.

    There are reports in Adobe Forums, going back over some time, linking the problem to Adobe Reader. This software is common installed on a computer as a result of prompts from web sites across the internet. There is a freeware alternative provided by Foxit. If you have persistent problems with the Print Spooler I suggest you uninstall Acrobat Reader and install Foxit Reader.

    http://www.foxitsoftware.com/products/reader/

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-07-08T02:12:37+00:00

    I went through all the suggested steps down through \system32, but have no spooler folder.  Spooler will start and install printer if I reboot.  Have done this many, many times and want to fix.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-06-17T23:07:34+00:00

    Tom

    It is only a temporary fix. The problem is likely to occur again. The problem lies with certain pdf files but not others. Some users seem to have found a solution by using Foxit and removing Adobe Reader. However, in my view, there is either more than one cause of the problem or it concerns the way the pdf file is made available for printing.

    The problem has been known about for over a year as you will appreciate if you visit the Adobe forums.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-06-17T22:03:47+00:00

    Gerry,

    This was so SIMPLE - and it worked right away.  I searched this website and worked on this problem for 10 HOURS, and finally found your advice.  MANY THANKS!!!

    Tom

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