Spooler errors occur when a print job is stuck in the printer’s queue. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a driver issue, a jammed paper in the printer, or a full memory buffer. In order to fix a printer spooler error, it is important to first identify the cause of the problem and then take the necessary steps to rectify it.
1. Check Your Printer’s Driver
The most common cause of printer spooler errors is a corrupt or outdated driver. To fix this, you need to check and make sure that the driver installed on your device is the latest version. To do this, use the Windows Device Manager to locate the device driver that corresponds with your printer. Right-click on the printer, select “Update Driver,” and then follow the instructions on the screen to download and install the latest driver.
2. Clear and Reset The Print Spooler
If the issue persists after updating the printer driver, the next step is to clear and reset the print spooler. To do this, open the Services window by typing “services.msc” in the Run command dialogue box. Then, locate and double-click the Print Spooler service. Under the General tab, click the Stop button and then press OK. Next, delete all files in the Spooler directory (C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS). Finally, return to the Services window, right-click the Print Spooler service, select Properties, and set the Startup type to Automatic. Once complete, restart the computer and check if the issue has been resolved.
3. Delete Stuck Print Jobs
Another potential cause of printer spooler errors is a print job that is stuck in the queue. To delete these jobs, open the Control Panel and select Devices and Printers. Right-click on the printer icon and select See What’s Printing. Then, right-click each print job listed under the Document Name column and select Cancel. Repeat this step until all print jobs are deleted.
4. Increase Memory Size
If the above steps do not work, the issue may be caused by a full memory buffer due to a large number of print jobs. To fix this, increase the memory size of the printer. To do this, open the printer properties window, go to the Advanced tab, and increase the Maximum Memory value.
5. Reinstall Printer Software
If all else fails, the final solution is to reinstall the printer’s software. To do this, open the Programs and Features window by typing “appwiz.cpl” in the Run command dialogue box. Then, locate the printer software, select Uninstall, and follow the on-screen instructions to remove it from your device. Reboot your computer and then reinstall the software again following the instructions from the manufacturer’s website.
In conclusion, printer spooler errors can be frustrating and difficult to solve. However, by following the above steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the issue and take the necessary steps to rectify it. If you continue to experience issues, it is recommended that you contact the printer manufacturer for further assistance.