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

Anonymous

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.

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

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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Anonymous

2013-02-16T21:20:04+00:00

Update! I used system restore to restart the system at the point prior to the install of the 14 Windows updates on 2/13. Now my printers are all back and seem to be working (just checked one, the atached physical printer). So now, what is the best course? Install the updates one at a time? Or, does someone know how to find out which of these updates (IF that is the cause) resulted in the spooler going south?
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Anonymous

2013-02-16T19:36:10+00:00

Gerry (or anyone),

I have a similar problem. This is a Dell XPS8300 running Win7 Home Premium 64 bit with all updates. The problem started shortly after the install of 14 Windows updates; I can't say if it was immediately after. All printers are gone, both physical printers and the soft printers like SnagIt printer, etc. The Spooler service was stopped. Trying to start it gets: "Windows could not start the Print Spooler service on Local Computer. Error 1053: The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion"

I sure could use a brilliant idea!

Wayne
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Anonymous

2013-02-16T18:48:21+00:00

Gerry,

The system information file link is as follows:

http://sdrv.ms/15kP5U5
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Anonymous

2013-02-16T17:31:30+00:00

Well Crosby we seem to have resolved your difficulties with Sky Drive.

Your Event Viewer unfortunately records no reports since 31 January 2013!

Type System Information in the Search Box above the start Button and press the ENTER key. Select File, Export and give the file a name noting where it is located. Please upload to your Sky Drive, share and post a link here.
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