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
    2013-10-31T05:05:15+00:00

    Hi Timothy,

    What is the make and model of the printer?

    I suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below and check if it helps.

    Method 1:

    a. Press Windows key + R and type services.msc in the search field and press enter.

    b. In the Services listed stop the Print Spooler service.

    c. In Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder below, and open the PRINTERS.

     C:\Windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS

    d. Click on Continue or Yes (if prompted by UAC) to approve opening the PRINTERS folder.

    e. Delete all files in the PRINTERS folder until it is empty, and then close Windows Explorer.

            Note: DO NOT DELETE the PRINTERS folder itself. Only delete its contents.

    f. Open Services, and start the Print Spooler service.

    Method 2:

    Let's start the all the dependencies service for the printer spooler service. Follow the steps provided.

    1. Press Windows key + R and type services.msc in the search field and press ENTER.

    2.  Scroll down to Print spooler.

    1. Right click and click properties, click the tab “Dependencies”
    2. Note all of the dependent services listed, and then close the Print Spooler Properties window.

    If any of the dependent services are missing or cannot be started, try uninstalling all installed printer drivers and then reinstalling them.

    Method 3:

    If the issue still persists, I would suggest you to install the latest driver for the printers from the manufacturer website and check if it helps.

    You can also refer to the article mentioned below if the issue persists.

    Fix printer problems

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/printer-problems-in-windows-help#fix-printer-problems=windows-8&v1h=win8tab1&v2h=win7tab1&v3h=winvistatab1&v4h=winxptab1

    Hope this helps.

    For any issues related with Windows, feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help.

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