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General discussion

can't install printer after deleting spoolsv.exe etc.

May 15, 2006 7:30AM PDT

I ended up deleteing all the spoolsv.exe files and anything related to same in registry. Now I can't install any printer get error messages when trying to do so.
15 May 2006
Did some more research at the Dell Computer and found this info. I did some prnt scrn when the image had some information.
I did an alt+ctrl+del to bring up task manager and got info in regards to spoolsv.exe The CPU usage was 99% and of course slowing everything else down.


I did a search on the Computer for spoolsv.exe and found 3 files listed

I did a google search and found these results.
http://www.google.com/search?q=spoolsv.exe&btnG=Search+the+Web

When the spoolsv.exe is not running the system is fine. I deleted 2 of the files, but not the one in the
C:\windows\system32 folder.
Any suggestions on your part will be appreciated. All the best, W.G.

14 May: Noticed today the Dell Computer is having problems. I.E. was very slow and I couldn't do a connection speed test. The router interface shows the DSL connection to be good. My DSL connection here at my place to Frontier is good. Possibly yesterday when I was setting up network so all users could use the printers, Hard drives etc. on the Host (Dell) that process is asking too much from a Computer with only 128M. I realize you are sending (2) 512M for the Dell.
I know little about Computers and less concerning networks. I realize knowledge is relative, but I soon tire of all this extraneous stuff, when my function is caretaking. I have done a Scan disk ok Defrag needed to be done and am in that process. Did an antivius scan ok. Down loaded some software Adobe reader and security software from Frontier
http://myway.frontiernet.net/downloads/
Frontier High Speed Internet Access subscribers - Protect your computer and personal information with Computer Associates

Discussion is locked

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yikes
May 15, 2006 9:39AM PDT

First of all, people see 100% cpu usage and think , oh no! Well this can be a typical occurence when using an application, or if it was hanging.
You shouldn't have deleted the spools from the registry.
There are many variables here, including a possible virus, what have you, which sounds as if you already covered. The only suggestion I can give you is this, before deleting registry files, troubleshoot an issue first to find it's cause. This may have been good advice before you deleted registry keys. The registry is no place for a beginner who doesn't understand it. I don't mean that insultingly, but it's true you can cripple your OS that way.
The only method of recovery (may be) a system restore for one, which is a very simple method and the first safest. Also, I suspect with all this trouble surrounding your pc, that a fresh OS install would be appropriate. Repairing the spools is unlikely and even if you did, you will be back to square one. If you have your OS disk, you may be able to get the proper files from that.I am still trying to make complete sense of your post, but in my opinion, I would do the restore or fresh install. It sounds very messed up.

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You are correct
May 15, 2006 11:29AM PDT

It wasn't my machine and I was frustrated with it. It won't be used by anyone for printing as it is connected to DSL and has wireless router so people can access the internet. I have the printers in a seperate room so if anyone needs to print anything they can connect to a printer of their choice.
My bad for not taking my time and doing it right. Not sure how the problem got there in the first place.
Possibly when I was trying to setup the network so all the lap tops could use all the printers connected to the Dell and its CD and A; and C: drives. I also downloaded from Dell some drivers for the Dell AIO 920 about 20+M. Should have scanned all the files for virus. etc. GIGO I noticed that under services this is not print spooler listed.
Thanks for your help.

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you are welcome
May 15, 2006 1:55PM PDT

We all make mistakes, I have made my share of drastic ones myself as have many techs. So long as we learn from them, and out of this mess, you did learn something and that is a good thing.
Take care, Paul

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Print Spooler
May 15, 2006 10:55PM PDT

Into control panel administrative tools services no print spooler listed. Any idea how to get it back. The Computer Dell 2400 came with no CD's or manual. I can get documentation on line but have no XP CD's etc.

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I doubt it
May 16, 2006 3:48AM PDT

Give me all the specs on the machine in question and I will see, but aside from re-installing the OS, not sure.

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Dell 2400
May 16, 2006 7:40AM PDT

As I stated it is not my machine. 40 G Hard drive Windows XP sp1 128 M Ram expect (2) 512M chips today should have 1 G Ram. I had 2 printers connected to it no problem, Hp LaserJet 6P Dell AIO 920 I have copied spoolsv.exe to proper directory. Possibly if I put the info in registry then I can correct problem. Looked at Dell and Microsoft site and also Google various searches. I have a Dell Dimension 8300 that should have registry entries similiar if not the same as the 2400. I certainly appreciate your assistance, W.G.

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maybe if...
May 16, 2006 2:06PM PDT

...You install SP2 which you should have in either case, this may repair the spools.exe. It's a bit hard to attempt to correct when I don't have the pc in front of me with something like this but thinking that SP2 has the spools.exe may work.

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Thanks
May 16, 2006 11:03PM PDT

Sounds like a good idea. Maybe after I put in the (2) 512M Ram chips. I went to Dell site and had the link check the computer for problems. It found the problem but can't fix it. Wonder if I Restore back to pre problem date if the Restore process fixes the registry back to where it was?

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Suggested
May 17, 2006 3:58AM PDT

Yes, I did suggest a system restore in my first reply to your post. Wasn't sure that you did or not, but obviously not. So yes, typically up to 90 days a restore is good until, just go back to the last good point before this mess and you MAY be ok, sometimes try more than one point. No guarantees here but it's worked for many.

Paul

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Thanks again
May 17, 2006 8:10AM PDT

Yes I tried restore a while back. I tried again today back as far as I could go. 6 May 2006.
None of the restore points worked. I was sent 4 packages in December to this location and was informed that there was no Computer in any of the packages. Just books, silverware etc. Come to find out there was this Computer, with no keyboard, Original CD's etc. etc.
I didn't look in the boxes as none of the stuff was for me but just stuff that was to be put into storage here for a later look-see by the owner.
I also received a chip with 512 M Ram so now there is a total of 640M Ram. I was expecting (2) 512M chips but was sent one. Should be fine with the 640, the basic problem is that I'm usually not informed of changes etc. etc.
I might try the SP2 upgrade if it will solve the print spooler problem. Possibly I will post that question to Microsoft. Thanks for you thoughtful assistance. W.G. Shaw

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You are welcome
May 17, 2006 8:50AM PDT

I wish you luck, take care, Paul

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Called Microsoft
May 17, 2006 11:13PM PDT

I called Microsoft support.
1-866-234-6020 They stated that the SP2 upgrade would not fix the problem. I would need Windows XP Home ed. CD to do a so-called Repair installation.

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Latest and Last?
May 18, 2006 2:44AM PDT

Just re installed Windows XP didn't see any repair option. Used a copy I made of CD I got with my Dell Dimension 8300. Had trouble with the activation and had to call Microsoft to get acceptable activation key. That worked alright but then the video display was locked at 640 X 480 and was slowing down the operation of everything else. Of course when people sent the Computer there were no CD's or even keyboard included. I checked in Device Manager and did Google search for Intel display adapter. After down loading same the video displays works better than ever. The current Memory 640 Ram seems to work. Have print spooler so, hopefully activating print options will be possible. All the best, W.G.