Printer spooler Windows XP

[Big Al1st]

We are unable to get any printers working on our PC. All printers appeared to have vanished from Control panel and when you try anything ( e.g. install printer ) you are stopped with an error messgae saying that the printer spooler is not working.

I have looked at the spooler and it appears ok identifying the printer ect, but apparently is not running.

Any ideas and suggestions gratefully recieved

Rgds Big Al

It's worth a pint! Maybe two if you get the thing working!!

[Ralph]

Check to see if the Print Spooler service is running. Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop (or in Windows Explorer) and choose Manage. Click the plus beside Services and Applications and then click on Services. Scroll through the list on the left to Print Spooler. Its status should be Started and its Startup Type should be Automatic.

If something's not right here, right click the service, choose Properties and then set the service to start automatically, then start the service. On the recovery tab, set the service to restart on at least the first and second failure. Probably not a good idea to restart the service on subsequent failures as it may cause an endless loop that locks up your PC!

[Ralph]

That should be "Scroll through the list on the right to Print Spooler."! Sorry.

[Big Al1st]

Hey Ralph, Thanks alot for that. Will try tomorrow and will let u know if OK. Appreciate it!

[Big Al1st]

Hi Ralph, If you are out there.

I tried the things that you suggested and did find that the spooler was not running. Following your instructions the spooler started to run automatically, I also kicked off the RPC which was a dependent and was'nt running.

However things, although slightly better in as much as I can now see the printer, still are bad. I cannot do anything. I cannot even look at the printer properties. Everything I try, including adding a new printer is blocked with message spooler not running.

I think I will have to get the system to a Doctor as I do not have the tools to do a complete re-load which I fear maybe the solution.

I have learnt quite a few things going down and beyond the path you suggested and appreciate your help. If you can think of something else let me know.

PS will still buy you a pint if I meet you

Rgds Al

[Ralph]

If the RPC service isn't running, that's not good. Is your virus scan software up to date? Best to update it and do a full scan. It might be a virus or worm shutting the service down to protect itself.

Also check that both the Remote Procedure Call service and the Print Spooler service start when the computer does..... Click Start... Run and then type in msconfig and click OK. On the services tab, make sure the above two services are ticked.

You can get me a pint if this works! :-p

[Big Al1st]

Hi Ralph. Sad day. Did'nt work.

Before I went to work I checked the system on my home PC and evrything was running as you said it should be. Checked at work and everything was also the same with Printer Spool and RPC appearing AOK.

My only explanation is a virus, as you suggested, or the spooler S/W being corrupted.

The NEC PC was'nt much cop, bought in a sale and was rather slow. My boss hauled an old PC out of the cupboard and I set that up and we now have a printer again.

Anyway thank you very much for taking the time to help me and although the excercise was'nt successful at least we gave it our best shot eh?

Take care and hope to catch you again

Al