How to FIX Printer Problems (Spoolsv.exe, Printer Missing, Cannot Print, etc.)

If you cannot print from any Windows application or your printer(s) are missing from “Devices and Printers” (in Control Panel) , then probably the print spooler service is corrupted due to a Windows update or due to a virus attack. In these cases a simple method to resolve your printing problems is to reset the print spooler service.

The following tutorial is written to help users to fix the following printing problems – errors in Windows OS:

Error condition No1: You cannot print anything from any program.

Error condition No2: Printers have disappeared (Missing) from Windows Control panel > “Devices & printers”.

Error condition No3: You receive a print spooler error: e.g. “Spoolsv.exe – Application Error“.

How to easily FIX Printing Problems in Windows 10/8/7.

Step 1. Stop the “Print Spooler” service.

1. Open “Computer Management” (right-click on “My Computer” icon and click “Manage”).

2. At the left pane under “Services and Applications”, click “Services”.

3. Look at the right pane to find “Print Spooler” service.

4. Right-click on “Print Spooler” service and press “Stop”.

Step 2. Clear Print Spooler files (jobs).

1. Open the “Run” command box and type: %systemroot%system32spoolprinters

2. Press “Enter”.

3. Delete all files found under “C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS” folder.*

Notice*: Enable the “hidden files” view in order to view and delete all files. (Control Panel > Folder Options > View > Show Hidden Files).

Step 3. Start “Print Spooler” service.

1. Open “Computer Management” (right-click on “My Computer” icon and click “Manage”).

2. At the left pane under “Services and Applications” click “Services”.

3. Look at the right pane to find “Print Spooler” service.

4. Right-click on “Print Spooler” service and press “Start”.

Now see if your printing problem is solved. If not, then try the following:

1. 1. Check your system for viruses.
   2. Uninstall and re-install the printer driver(s) again.
   3. Restore your system to a previous working state.

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