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
    2014-07-24T10:32:29+00:00

    Hello Sam,

    Thank you for replying.

    I would suggest you to try all the steps provided in this article and check.

    Print Spooler Crash Troubleshooting Steps

    http://blogs.technet.com/b/perfguru/archive/2008/08/06/print-spooler-crash-troubleshooting-steps.aspx

    (Applies to Windows 8.1)

    Note: Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756

    I hope this helps.

    Thank you

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-10-19T19:18:48+00:00

    This totally worked! and it solved every other problem I was having with windows 8.1. Kaspersky is garbage it slows your computer and makes a lot of things not work. plus with windows defender you don't really need any other programs for virus protection.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-10-19T20:00:42+00:00

    I have never had Kaspersky antivirus on my computer so should you do this anyway and see if it works?

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-12-31T22:02:54+00:00

    None of your suggestions worked, I cannot get the spooler to stay on to add a printer. I have tried everything I can think of (besides throwing it in the air) to get this printer set up! Device manager says the drivers are up to date, yet, if you go into devices and printers, it says no drivers available. The program wont default the new printer as the printer available for ANY office program - yet, if I go through the hp print center - my printer prints the test page no problem. I have reinstalled the software from the DVD, on line and through the hp web site. nothing changes.

    The error message pops up saying the print spooler needs to be restarted, yet I have the print spooler window open and it says it is running!

    I have an hp all in one pc trying to install a hp 4500 e-printer all in one series printer.

    nothing works.

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