PRINT SPOOLER PROBLEM ON XP/VISTA

If you are receiving SPOOL.SVC or PRINT SPOOLER ERRORS when trying to uninstall/reinstall your printer, or when trying to print a document or access the printer properties, please follow the steps below.

The following are examples of some of the messages you may be receiving:

Spool.svc is not running. Make the service active and try again.
Printer Properties cannot be displayed. The print spooler service is not running.
Printer cannot be removed. The print spooler service is not running.
Windows cannot print due to a problem with the current printer setup.
(When clicking Add Printer) Operation could not be completed.

NOTE: Only these types of errors warrant the troubleshooting steps clearly defined below.

Resolution:

SPOOL.SVC is an operating system function which carries files through the operating system for printing. It must be STARTED (active) to be able to print or access any printer's functions. This file usually starts automatically with Windows, however operating system issues may cause it to become stopped. You cannot uninstall or reinstall a driver while this service is stopped.

Please try the following to start the service again:

1) Click on START, right click MY COMPUTER, left click MANAGE.
2) On the left column, double-left click SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS, then click SERVICES.
3) Locate and highlight the PRINT SPOOLER on the list of Services.
4) Click START THE SERVICE.

If errors occur and the service cannot be started, there is another issue within the operating system itself.