The Printer Spooler in Windows XP Pro won't start. In fact, when I right-click on My Computer and go to the services section, the printer spooling service isn't even on there! I can't add a printer, because when I try to use the wizard, the message "Operation could not be completed" pops up. I need to fix this by August. Thanks.
WinXpPro Printer Spooler problem
- Thread starter irsmart
- Start date
It sounds like something got knocked out. Have you recently made any software changes adding/removing programs etc.? You could try running a few system utilities if you have an installation disk onhand to use the check disk and system file checker to repair/replace any damaged or missing system files. With the XP cd in the drive type in "sfc /scannow" at the Run prompt off of the Start menu or at the Command prompt found in Accessories to run the tool. It will need the disk in the drive to go through the file verification process first as always. But that will repair/replace the essential printer spooler and other drivers. Check disk at the safe mode command prompt only will expand files needed from the cd when requested. The sfc command generally is faster and easier however.
I tried "sfc /scannow" and it fixed many things.
I had just finnished removing viruses/adware/spyware/worms from the computer, when the printer stopped working. That was when I did the "sfc /scannow". The viruses made msconfig and backup utilities crash once they started up. That scan fixed those, but not the printer problem. Do I have to do that scan in safe mode?
I had just finnished removing viruses/adware/spyware/worms from the computer, when the printer stopped working. That was when I did the "sfc /scannow". The viruses made msconfig and backup utilities crash once they started up. That scan fixed those, but not the printer problem. Do I have to do that scan in safe mode?
If your drive is still infected you will need to first save the current installation if possible to avoid wiping the drive in order to free of any viruses. One option before seeing that however that would help is the "install to repair" option where only the essential system files are replaced. That leaves all folders and programs intact to repair while repairing the basics. To perform that you would need to read over carefully the article found at http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
Before going to that length you can first shut off the system restore process by going to System tools found in Accessories and open the system restore window. Once there look over to the left center to find the system restore settings link to open the next screen. There you can put a check on the disable option. This will delete all current restore points to avoid any further infections. Once that is done try running AVG 7.1 Free edition and other sweepers to insure the drive is clean. Or you can try entering Services.msc at the Run prompt off of the Start menu. then scroll down to the PrintSpooler item and check the status there. If it shows "disabled" right click on it and choose the "start" option. For AVG go to http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
Before going to that length you can first shut off the system restore process by going to System tools found in Accessories and open the system restore window. Once there look over to the left center to find the system restore settings link to open the next screen. There you can put a check on the disable option. This will delete all current restore points to avoid any further infections. Once that is done try running AVG 7.1 Free edition and other sweepers to insure the drive is clean. Or you can try entering Services.msc at the Run prompt off of the Start menu. then scroll down to the PrintSpooler item and check the status there. If it shows "disabled" right click on it and choose the "start" option. For AVG go to http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
I deleted every system restore point except the last one, which didn't have an y viruses. The Services.msc also doesn't have the printer spooler service, so I can't turn it on. I scanned with AVG and other Anti-Virus programs, so the computer is clean.
I will try your suggestion of installing to repair.
Thanks.
I will try your suggestion of installing to repair.
Thanks.
I just came across a thread where there 5 answers with the last recommending the install to repair option. If you have a Lexmark model printer the MS link in response #4 was http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324757 The repair install method will put the services back working again. But there are a few things like video and sound that will probably need to be reinstalled. That does save your current installation however.