Print Spooler won't start (error 1053) after recent wave of updates to Win7 64-bit

Anonymous
2012-12-14T05:57:12+00:00

Hi, all.

I have exactly the same print spooler symptoms that many seem to have but none of the posted solutions worked.  I think the issues started at the end of November when I let Windows Update install the latest .NET updates and security updates.

Yes. I cleared out the \printers directory (nothing there)

Yes. I ran the SFC /scannow. All verified.

Yes. I checked my dependencies (just RPC and http and both running)

Yes. I checked the event log file. (the canon driver crashed a couple of times but the last time was back in March)

I just finished spending the day doing a "repair install" (re-installed the OS as an upgrade on top of itself).  That fixed the problem and I had my printer back for about 30 mins, but it broke again as Windows Update caught up with the 110 updates that it needed since SP1.

At this point, I'm almost certain one of the windows or .NET updates is causing this.  If anyone could figure out which one it is then I'd just re-install again and skip it.

Any more ideas?

Thanks,

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.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2012-12-29T07:45:18+00:00

Fixing this issue is very simple. Here was what I've done to start the Print Spooler:

  1. Click Start, type “services.msc” and hit Enter.
  2. Scroll down to Print spooler.
  3. Right-click Print spooler, then select Properties.
  4. Select the Log On tab, and uncheck the Allow service to interact with desktop setting.

(Microsoft recommends that you do not change the Allow service to interact with desktop setting. If you allow the service to interact with the desktop, any information that the service displays on the desktop will also be displayed on an interactive user's desktop. A malicious user could then take control of the service or attack it from the interactive desktop).

  1. Once you have uncheck this setting, select the General tab and click "Start" (the Print Spooler should be able to start without popping up the Error 1053 again).

Hope this helps!

Was this answer helpful?

10+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

78 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-15T05:55:20+00:00

    Thanks for the reply.

    It's a Canon MG5320 and has been running fine for months.  I don't think it's just that printer though.  All of the printers disappeared with this issue (the XPS printer, Fax printer, and the PDF printer that Quicken installs are all gone.  If a click the "Add printer" I just get an error message that the print spooler in not running.

    I tried all of those again. (I'd already tried them when looking through the previous answers.)

    Both Fix-its say the "Print Spooler is not running...Not Fixed".

    The Print Driver won't update without the Print Spooler running so I can't do that step in Method 2.

    I've manually tried to start the service before.  It just gives the Error 1053 when I go through those steps.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2012-12-15T02:48:22+00:00

    ​Hi,

    Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community forum.

    From the problem description, I see that you have an issue with printer and receive error message "Print Spooler won't start (error 1053)" after installing Windows Updates.

    I can imagine the inconvenience you have experienced. We are here to help and guide you in the right direction.

    What is the make and model number of the printer?

    Method 1:

    Let's first run this fixit which will help to resolve the issue.

    Diagnose and fix printer and printing problems automaticallyhttp://support.microsoft.com/mats/printing\_problems/

    **Method 2:**If the first method didn't fix the issue you may try the steps in the article and check if it helps.

    Printer problems in Windows

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/printer-problems-in-windows

    Method 3:

    If the issue persists you may try to restart the print spooler service and check if it helps.

    a. Click Start, type “services.msc” and hit Enter.

    b. Scroll down to Print spooler.

    c. Stop the print spooler service.

    d. Start the spooler service again.

    Do get back to us and let us know the status of the issue, I will be glad to help you further. We, at Microsoft strive towards excellence.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments