Printer spooler won't start at startup - Windows 8.1

Anonymous
2013-10-30T06:00:37+00:00

Hi,

Problem started with trying to add a home network printer. I get the error message "Windows can't open Add Printer. There are no more endpoints available from the endpoint mapper."

Each time I boot the PC I have to go to Services and start the Printer Spooler, and then I can add printers, and print, but after a reboot I have to repeat this action again.

The Printer Spooler is set to automatic, but like I say it won't start automatically.

I also checked out the c:\windows\system32\spool\printers folder but it was empty. (deleting all files in this folder has been offered as a solution)

Has anyone worked this one out yet? There seems to be a few people suffering the same issue.

Thanks

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2013-11-26T18:24:31+00:00

SOLUTION!!!  This worked for me and I have tested it over and over again.

"As suspected by many, the problem is Kaspersky related.

I found a solution: download kavremvr.exe (Kaspersky Lab Products Remover), run the program, select "<Remove all known products>" and then click on "Remove".

Restart the computer, wait, do not panic, the first reboot is slow.

On the first reboot, still the spooler will not restart automatically.

Again, restart the computer, everything should be ok now."

I originally had Kaspersky antivirus installed from the manufacturer which I removed thru add / remove programs back when I had windows 8.  I guess not everything was removed when I originally uninstalled it.  You must do the 2nd restart as described above for it to work.  I found this solution on another thread while searching different keywords trying to get answers.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-09-06T23:49:56+00:00

    I came on this thread quite a while ago, did everything that was suggested, nothing helped.

    Now I recently upgraded to Windows 10 and the problem is gone.

    I am not promoting W10 but it shows that it is a problem hidden deep down in Windows 8.

    Cheers

    Sam

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-09-06T13:35:26+00:00

    I don't use Kaspersky.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-06-24T00:32:30+00:00

    Thanks for this Michael.

    I had been following all the other suggestions re registry changes, scandisk, removing AV/Firewall, etc. but nothing worked.

    This simple fix did it for me.

    I know that it may not work for everybody but if you have a multi-function printer, check the Fax Service first.

    Cheers,

    DCW

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-04-16T13:52:01+00:00

    Answer....

    Hi,

    This problem is not related to Windows or the printer.....

    It is caused by your security software. Check the settings for how your security software allows network computers or devices to interact with your computer.

    Eg. If you use McAfee look under the settings > "connection type" > make sure you check "trusted".

    If it has "un-trusted" checked then McAfee treats any wireless device as a threat and stops the "printer spooler" forcing you to restart it manually every time you want to print.

    Other security software will have that setting somewhere so make sure it is set to give permission to allow network computers/devices etc to communicate with your computer.

    Cheers

    Fred

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