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
    2013-04-08T13:37:14+00:00

    This was super Helpful.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-03-30T05:40:00+00:00

    This post was made in 2011, it's now 2013.

    UNINSTALL ALL TRACES of printer (everywhere one can think of.

    Printer has to be removed, first, though.

    Get a new printer, install it's software.

    Use the new printer, it cost less than the OEM Ink Refills.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-03-30T02:05:39+00:00

    I've always said that the sign of a true mechanic is when you take your car to the guy and you can't get the problem to repeat itself as long as the mechanic is in the car!  All I can figure is the car is scared of the real mechanic so it performs right!

    Well, as soon as I posted my application log and system log to my skydrive and replied I went back for one more attempt at printing and for the first time in days I was able to print from Word and Windows Live Photo Gallery!  My printers stayed active and didn't disappear from the printers list

    I guess my computer was just scared of you Gerry! :)  I'll keep you posted if the problem repeats itself.

    Tim

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-03-30T01:55:20+00:00

    Hi Gerry,

    Ok, here goes.  I've uploaded both the System Events Log and the Applications Log to my skydrive.

    https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=0d06d5049668fa19

    Let me know if anyone has any trouble accessing them.

    Tim

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