How to Fix Printing Problems in Registry

Resolve printer problems by resetting the registry keys that are responsible for printing.

You should reinstall your printer drivers if your documents fail to print or if the printer is not displayed in Windows at all. This does not always correct printer problems, unfortunately. There is likely an issue with one or more registry entries if reinstalling drivers then restarting Windows fails to resolve the problem. You can reset the registry information using the Windows Registry Editor.

Instructions

1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously on your keyboard. This displays a "Run" box on the bottom of your screen.

2. Type "Regedit" in the "Run" box, then click the "OK" button. This opens the Windows Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer" in the left pane. Look for "NoPrinting" in the right pane. If this entry is present in your registry, it is restricting the printer from being viewable in Windows Explorer. Right-click "NoPrinting" and click "Delete." Click the "Yes" button in the confirmation dialog box.

4. Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Spooler" in the left pane. Right-click "Start" in the right pane and click "Modify." Change the number in the "Value Data" field to "2" and click the "OK" button. Close the Registry Editor.

5. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously on your keyboard. Type "Appwiz.cpl" in the "Run" box, then click the "OK" button.

6. Click "Turn Windows Features On or Off" in the left pane. This opens a small dialog box that contains a list of Windows components with checkboxes next to them. Click to remove the check mark next to "Print and Document Services," then click the "OK" button. Windows will uninstall the print services on your computer. Click the "Restart Later" button on the "Windows finished..." dialog box.

7. Click the "Turn Windows features on or off" link again. Click in the checkbox next to "Print and Document Services," then click the "OK" button. Windows will reinstall the print services on your computer. Click the "Restart Later" button on the "Windows finished..." dialog box.

8. Click "Start" and type "CMD.exe" in the Start Search box. Right-click "CMD.exe" at the top of the menu and click "Run as Administrator." This opens the Windows Command Prompt.

9. Type "net stop spooler" and press the "Enter" key.

10. Type "net start spooler" and press the "Enter" key. Restart your computer.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Registry Editor Overview
• Microsoft Windows: Turn Windows Features On or Off
• Microsoft TechNet: Start, Stop, Pause, Resume or Restart a Service