How to Repair a Print Spooler

When attempting to install a printer or print a document in the Windows operating system, you may receive errors concerning your computer's print spooler not working correctly. When this happens, you will need to reset your print spooler files and service in order to repair the print spooler. After fixing the print spooler errors, you will be able to add new printers or send documents to be printed.

Things You'll Need

• PC running Windows XP or later

Instructions

1. Open the Start menu and click on the "My Computer" icon.

2. Navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\Spool directory, which is where print spooler data is stored.

3. Move all of the files within the "Spool" folder to the Recycle Bin and then delete them.

4. Open the Start menu and again and click on "Control Panel."

5. Open the "Administrative Tools" folder and then double-click on "Services."

6. Highlight "Print Spooler" from the list of services running on your computer.

7. Hit the "Restart" option on the left side of the window to reset the print spooler and repair any errors.

References

• You cannot add a printer and you receive printer spooler error messages in Windows XP