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
    2014-06-23T23:17:19+00:00

    Have tried all of those methods with no results.  And both of my printers HP and Dell work fine with my laptop which is win 7 and not 8.1.  At first it would restart now I can't get it to go at all!!  Very frustrated!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-06-24T14:16:30+00:00

    Have you tried disabling fast boot/hybrid shutdown or whatever it's called?  That fixed it for me.  I've got 4 HPs and 1 Cannon working fine on 8.1 and RT 8.1.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-06-24T23:44:54+00:00

    Thanks, but it did not work for me...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-06-26T10:18:09+00:00

    Hello Brian,

    Thank you for your response.

    I would suggest you to try following methods and check if it helps.

    Method 1:

    Verify the status of Remote Procedure Call and Remote Procedure Call Locator.

    The RPC (Remote Procedure Call) and Remote Procedure Call Locator service in services should be started and the startup type should be set to automatic. Please follow these steps:

    a. Press Windows + W keys, type services in the search box and press Enter.

    b. In the services window, find "Remote Procedure Call" and "Remote Procedure Call locator", right click on them and select properties.

    c. Under the "General" tab, make sure that the "Startup type" is "Automatic" and the "Service status" shows "Started".

    Method 2:

    If it does not help, then refer to suggestions marked as answer by Roger lu Microsoft contingent staff, Moderator on Monday, November 25, 2013 and check the issue.

    http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/a2a7228e-db5f-45c2-9a6d-a940c0b51971/windows-81-upgrde-caused-printers-to-disappear?forum=w8itproappcompat

    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 information helps.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments