Windows

  • Windows 7
  • Windows
  • All forums
Question

Print Spooler Keeps Crashing in Windows 7 Ultimate Edition

Recently I upgraded my system from Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Ultimate edition. Although the system overall has been working well, I've been unable to print, let alone view my printers because the print spooler service keeps crashing.
When I try printing in various programs I get an error saying I need to install a printer before printing however when selecting yes to install a printing, I get an error message saying something along the lines of not being able to add the "add printer" dialogue because I the spooler isn't running.

I've tried manually starting the service and rebooting however no matter what I try, the spooler stops running after about 10 or so seconds. On a similar note, I've tried two repair installs but to no avail.

Thanks for any assistance.
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation
27 People had
this question

Was this helpful?

5

Votes

Answer


Hi xcrunner645,
 
 
         Welcome to Windows Answers Community Forums
 
 
 
•         This behavior occurs if existed printer drivers are corrupt.
     I suggest that you remove all the installed printers and reinstall the Windows 7 printer drivers if available.
    
Remove a printer
1. Click the "Start" button, type PRINTER in the search box and press Enter.
2. Find the icons of installed printers, and delete them.
3. Right-click on the blank part of the window, and choose "Run as administrator"->"Server Properties".
4. On the Drivers tab, select the listed printers and click the Remove button. Please then select Remove driver and driver package.
5. Open Start menu, input APPWIZ.CPL in the Search box and press ENTER to launch "Programs and Features".
6. Try to remove all related printer software.
 
If the issue is not resolved, I suggest that you clear the printing sub system.
Step 1
======
Start Windows Explorer, and then rename all files and folders in the following two folders:
 
c:\windows\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86
 
To rename a file, we can right click the file and select Rename.
 
Step 2
======
1. Click Start, type REGEDIT in the Start Search Bar, and then press ENTER.
2. Navigate to and then click the following registry key:
 
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environment\Windows NT x86
 
View the list of subkeys. There should be only the following subkeys:
 
Drivers
Print Processors
 
If there are any keys other than those listed above, follow these steps:
 
a. On the File menu, click Export.
b. In the File Name box, type a descriptive name for this key -- for example, type WindowsNTx86regkey -- and then click Save to save it to your local Desktop.
 
We can use this backup of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environment\Windows NT x86 registry key to restore the key if you experience any problems after you complete this procedure.
 
c. Delete all keys other than Drivers and Print Processors.
 
Step 3
======
Navigate to and click the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors registry key. View the list of subkeys. There should be only the following subkeys:
 
BJ Language Monitor
Local Port
Microsoft Document Imaging Writer Monitor
Microsoft Shared Fax Monitor
Standard TCP/IP Port
USB Monitor
WSD Port
 
If there are any keys other than those listed in above, follow these steps to delete them:
 
a. On the File menu, click Export.
b. In the File Name box, type a descriptive name for this key -- for example, type Monitorsregkey -- and then click Save to save it to your local Desktop.
 
We can use this backup of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors registry key to restore the key if you experience any problems after you complete this procedure.
 
c. Delete all keys other than the 5 listed above.
 
Step 4. Disconnect the printer cable from the computer, and then restart the computer.
 
Step 5. Reconnect the printer cable to the computer, install the printer according to the manufacturer's installation instructions, and then check if the issue persists.
 
You can also use these two articles to troubleshoot this issue:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2000007
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933454

Hope it helps. 

 
Thanks and Regards:
Shekhar S - Microsoft Support.

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/answersfeedback/threads/ and let us know what you think.

 

    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Shekhar S

Support Engineer
Shekhar S
Thanks and Regards,
Shekhar Sharma

Was this helpful?

11

Votes

Most Helpful Reply
I've had this problem a lot with both Windows 7 (64-bit) and Window XP. 
 
There is only one solution that has worked for me, and it's not going to the "Services" and starting the Print Spooler, because the Print Spooler will just stop again within seconds or minutes.
 
What has worked for me (in both XP & Window 7), is to delete the contents of the following folders:
 
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
 
and
 
C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers
 
Once I do this, I do not have to reinstall my printers.  I just physically disconnect my local printer (unplugged the USB cable), wait a few seconds, and then reconnect it.
 
Hope this helps.  Let me know.
 
If it does, spread it around.
 
 - Joe
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Was this helpful?

5

Votes

Answer


Hi xcrunner645,
 
 
         Welcome to Windows Answers Community Forums
 
 
 
•         This behavior occurs if existed printer drivers are corrupt.
     I suggest that you remove all the installed printers and reinstall the Windows 7 printer drivers if available.
    
Remove a printer
1. Click the "Start" button, type PRINTER in the search box and press Enter.
2. Find the icons of installed printers, and delete them.
3. Right-click on the blank part of the window, and choose "Run as administrator"->"Server Properties".
4. On the Drivers tab, select the listed printers and click the Remove button. Please then select Remove driver and driver package.
5. Open Start menu, input APPWIZ.CPL in the Search box and press ENTER to launch "Programs and Features".
6. Try to remove all related printer software.
 
If the issue is not resolved, I suggest that you clear the printing sub system.
Step 1
======
Start Windows Explorer, and then rename all files and folders in the following two folders:
 
c:\windows\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86
 
To rename a file, we can right click the file and select Rename.
 
Step 2
======
1. Click Start, type REGEDIT in the Start Search Bar, and then press ENTER.
2. Navigate to and then click the following registry key:
 
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environment\Windows NT x86
 
View the list of subkeys. There should be only the following subkeys:
 
Drivers
Print Processors
 
If there are any keys other than those listed above, follow these steps:
 
a. On the File menu, click Export.
b. In the File Name box, type a descriptive name for this key -- for example, type WindowsNTx86regkey -- and then click Save to save it to your local Desktop.
 
We can use this backup of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environment\Windows NT x86 registry key to restore the key if you experience any problems after you complete this procedure.
 
c. Delete all keys other than Drivers and Print Processors.
 
Step 3
======
Navigate to and click the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors registry key. View the list of subkeys. There should be only the following subkeys:
 
BJ Language Monitor
Local Port
Microsoft Document Imaging Writer Monitor
Microsoft Shared Fax Monitor
Standard TCP/IP Port
USB Monitor
WSD Port
 
If there are any keys other than those listed in above, follow these steps to delete them:
 
a. On the File menu, click Export.
b. In the File Name box, type a descriptive name for this key -- for example, type Monitorsregkey -- and then click Save to save it to your local Desktop.
 
We can use this backup of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors registry key to restore the key if you experience any problems after you complete this procedure.
 
c. Delete all keys other than the 5 listed above.
 
Step 4. Disconnect the printer cable from the computer, and then restart the computer.
 
Step 5. Reconnect the printer cable to the computer, install the printer according to the manufacturer's installation instructions, and then check if the issue persists.
 
You can also use these two articles to troubleshoot this issue:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2000007
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933454

Hope it helps. 

 
Thanks and Regards:
Shekhar S - Microsoft Support.

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/answersfeedback/threads/ and let us know what you think.

 

    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Shekhar S

Support Engineer
Shekhar S
Thanks and Regards,
Shekhar Sharma

Was this helpful?

11

Votes

I've had this problem a lot with both Windows 7 (64-bit) and Window XP. 
 
There is only one solution that has worked for me, and it's not going to the "Services" and starting the Print Spooler, because the Print Spooler will just stop again within seconds or minutes.
 
What has worked for me (in both XP & Window 7), is to delete the contents of the following folders:
 
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
 
and
 
C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers
 
Once I do this, I do not have to reinstall my printers.  I just physically disconnect my local printer (unplugged the USB cable), wait a few seconds, and then reconnect it.
 
Hope this helps.  Let me know.
 
If it does, spread it around.
 
 - Joe
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Was this helpful?

Hi Joe_in_MD,
 
 
I thank you for sharing the resolution that worked for you and I hope it will help many users on this forum.



Thanks and Regards:
Shekhar S - Microsoft Support.

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Shekhar S

Support Engineer
Shekhar S
Thanks and Regards,
Shekhar Sharma

Was this helpful?

This definitely worked for me, Win 7 Enterprise x86. Thanks.
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Was this helpful?

I've tried this, but it doesn't work for me. It might for a few hours, but then it all starts over again. Also, when I do this I have to reinstall all of my drivers.. including Adobe. We are looking at migrating to Win 7 from XP here at the office, but not if this keeps happening. There are tons of complaints about this on the web, I don't understand why there isn't a fix yet....
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Was this helpful?

In reply to deleted message

Hi Michel, 

Please note that posting SPAM in any Microsoft forum violates theCode of Conduct. Kindly read the document and adhere to its policies. We have deleted  the posts in question, but please know that you risk being banned from posting in all Microsoft forums if violation continues. Thank you for your cooperation.


Dena
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Dena B

Forum Moderator
Dena

Was this helpful?

2

Votes

Joe_in_MD, thank you. Your solution put me on track to find a permanent solution. Like many others my print spooler would randomly stop working and I would not have any visibility of my printers, all of them. So I tried Joe's solution and found that even though I couldn't delete everything in the "drivers" folder without taking ownership (which I did not do in the name of brevity when attempting to fix this) I continued and found that the printers would work. However, the problem would always return, so after deleting the content of "PRINTERS" and most of the content of "drivers" (see above) numerous times I noticed that once the spooler stopped working there were always files in the "PRINTER" folder with time stamps that seemed to correspond to when the spooler stopped working. Oddly enough, one of the remaining files included the word "flash" in its name. 

I uninstalled flash and have not had a problem since! I am not a fan of Steve Jobs but he seems to be right on this one. Now I have had to use Chrome as my default browser since flash is an integral component.

Hope this helps someone.

    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Was this helpful?

I seem to have fixed the problem on my HP Windows 7 64 bit machine.  First, I checked the "Event Viewer" and noticed a recurring print spooler error.  When I looked at the details I saw it was related to a decommissioned PC that the printer was previously hooked to.  I searched the registry using regedit for all occurrences of this decommissioned PC's name and deleted two separate entries in the registry.   So far so good, no more missing printers icons.
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Was this helpful?

Thanks! Great fix, worked for me, Windows 7 Enterprise x64 SP1.
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation

Was this helpful?

As an update to my previous post, the problem has surfaced again even though I am no longer receiving print spooler errors in the Event Viewer.  Still looking for the root cause and ultimate fix.
    • Child exploitation or abuse
    • Harassment or threats
    • Inappropriate/Adult content
    • Nudity
    • Profanity
    • Software piracy
    • SPAM/Advertising
    • Virus/Spyware/Malware danger
    • Other Term of Use or Code of Conduct violation
<< PreviousPage of 4 Next >>

Message marked as answers cannot be deleted

To delete this message, first unmark this message as an answer, then delete it.

Reason to remove escalation


Merge

Enter the thread ID of the thread you are merging into


Reply will be posted to a public thread

You are replying to a public portion of this thread. To reply privately, click Cancel, click the Private Messages tab, and Reply on that private message.

Don't show this message again

To report abuse, sign in or continue without signing in

Thank you.

Report abuse

Abuse type:

Details (optional):

Report abuse

Abuse type:

Details (required):
Enter the characters you see (required):
Type the numbers that you see in the picture.
Play audio and type the numbers that you hear.
Show a different picture.

Sign in

Hotmail, Xbox Live, Messenger, or msn accounts will also work.

Don't have one of the above accounts?

Signing in...
This page will automatically update after you are signed in.
If you are having problems, you can close this message and try to connect again.