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Resolved Question

Why does the Windows XP print spooler locks up.

Aug 11, 2011 10:26AM PDT

After hitting print, the file is sent to the print que. If something happens and the printer is not available (Turned off, disconnected, etc...) the document is put in the Que. Then you pull up the printer, from either the "printers & fax" on the start menu or from the task bar, and the document shows an error. Then, you try to restart or cancel the print but it is stuck. Nothing else will print. It will show up in the que but will not print until the 1st one is eliminated. The only problem is, you cannot get rid of it until you restart the PC.
OK, I know I am not the only one to have this problem. Every PC I have used, running Windows XP or earlier, has had this problem.
I have searched the internet but have never found a cause or solution.

Does anybody have an idea?

Discussion is locked

fclements has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Ideas.
Aug 11, 2011 10:41AM PDT

I found I can stop the spooler, delete the file and then start the spooler but that's too tech for most users. Here's a link about that -> http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=150140 (see first answer.)

As to why this bug is still there, that's a great question. It seems like after a decade this and more would have been sorted.
Bob

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Stopping spooler
Aug 12, 2011 10:46AM PDT

Bob:
Thank You for the info. That helps. I looked at the link and will bookmark it to keep it handy. It looks pretty simple.

I agree. It seems like I remember this same problem all the way back to Windows 3.11 (At the risk of dating myself)
Happy