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
    2013-11-05T04:41:58+00:00

    I was just letting you know that I got the error message even when I do not have any printers installed at all. At this point I have uninstalled all printers and am experimenting installing my printer in every different way possible to see if I can get the spool to stay running after a restart or shutdown.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T05:28:59+00:00

    Hi,

    What I'm thinking is that a printer NEEDS to be installed for the Spooler to work properly.

    If you would read my first reply, I stated to TURN OFF THE SPOOLER BEFORE reinstalling the SOFTWARE.

    That means the printer installation disk or download... NOT ADD a Printer...

    I spent TWO DAYS figuring that out... The software installation was not successful any other way.

    Granted, I may have a different brand of printer, but this seems to be a problem with how the 8.1 upgrade is handling things....

    If I Upgrade an image of Win 8 that never had the printer installed, the installation disk works perfectly in Compatibility Mode. But yet it won't reinstall properly if it was already there without all of the messing around.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T16:08:40+00:00

    I got it working finally!!!  I went to print management, then drivers, and noticed a driver for a Brother 2270DW from my work that had not been uninstalled.  The printer was removed but the driver still remained.  I deleted the driver from print management and now the spool starts automatically every time I restart windows.  I guess the driver was causing the spool not to start.  All works now!!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T17:18:42+00:00

    Hi,

    Great... I'm sure multiple printers can be a bit more of a problem....

    Also, sorry if I seemed a bit abrupt... Yesterday was a really long day...

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