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General discussion

Printer Uninstalled Unknowingly

by ThePeck Feb 9, 2007 8:38AM PST

About 2 weeks ago, I attempted to print a document in MS Word, and got a message which stated "No printers installed. To install a printer, point to Settings on the Windows Start Menu, click Printers, and then double click Add Printer. Follow the instructions in the wizard." Heres a screenshot:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/ThePecker/6.jpg

I found this very odd, since I had done nothing which could have caused this. Having installed printers many times before, and being fairly familiar with them, I followed the instructions. When I clicked "Add a Printer" a message came up with "Operation could not be completed. Print spooler service is not running." Heres a screenshot:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/ThePecker/7.jpg

I have absolutely no idea what to do from this point. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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Re: print spooler not running
by Kees Bakker Feb 10, 2007 12:58AM PST

Assuming you use Windows XP, try:
- Start>Run>services.mcs to go into the list of services
- Find Print Spooler (it's an alphabetic list)
- See if it's started (message says no, should be yes)
- Right click>Properties and set to automatic
- Exit and reboot

Might help.

Kees

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For quick fix,...
by Papa Echo Feb 10, 2007 10:56PM PST

..try System Restore. BTW, have you checked to see whether the correct printer is selected at the print dialogue, assuming that more than one printer has been installed.

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Reply
by ThePeck Feb 18, 2007 11:51AM PST

I have tried both pieces of advice given to me, and they have both failed to work. Thank you very much for your replies. I'm still pretty clueless on what to do...

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Then...
by Papa Echo Feb 18, 2007 2:07PM PST

...reinstall the printer. If it is a USB printer, plug-in, switch on and boot the computer to Safe Mode. Go to Device Manager and removed every instance of the printer. Shut down computer, switch off printer and unplug from computer. To install the printer, follow instructions which came with it. Otherwise, try: Boot computer to normal and install the printer's drivers. Plug in the USB printer and switch it on. Windows will detect it and automatically install it.

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Just saw this one happen.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 18, 2007 9:45PM PST

The printer had failed and while the printer was never uninstalled it doesn't show up in the selectable printers any more.

Forget what word says and follow the troubleshooting for printing problems instead. The printer maker should have a web site about that.

Bob

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