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

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
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.

Was this answer helpful?

70+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

113 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-02-03T20:47:03+00:00

    I've never had Kaspersky, I've never had a problem, well this exact problem, but after working without a problems for months, suddenly I do. Suddenly Windows suggest I restart the print spooler. As always with Microsoft these days, they don't say how to do that, they don't say what a print spooler is, they have no search engine where you can actually find a problem, they have a forum from a year ago with people with Kaspersky problems. In the primitive days, when Microsoft actually had employees who used their products once in a while, you could find "print spooler" instantly and there would be steps to fix problems with it, not to mention vendors would actually work with Microsoft to fix problems.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-02-27T19:10:05+00:00

    I am having this identical problem... every time my computer reboots for automatic updates, the print spooler turns off and won't start up again, even though it's set up as automatic restart.  The Kaspersky thing makes sense to me as that is the antivirus protection I have purchased for our computer.  Wondering though, sounds like you are saying to remove Kaspersky to fix this problem.  I really don't want to do this as I have purchased Kaspersky for protection.  Is this what you meant?  If you did mean that, is there another way to fix the problem without removing Kaspersky???  Please help!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-03-03T12:46:46+00:00

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

    select " printer spool" set it from manual to automatic

    select "printer extention and notification"  to automatic

    select  "printer reports and solutions" to automatic

    Reinstall your printer setup. Work with windows 8

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-03-10T10:26:06+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for your input.

    I hope that your suggestions may help other community members to resolve similar issues.

    I appreciate it.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments