have you tried to manually start the print spooler?
start-run-type 'command' and click ok... and a black window will open.  in the window type "net start spooler" and see what it says.

alternatively i reccomend that you try doing a system restore to a point in time prior to the event that lead up to the missing print spooler service.
go to start-allprograms-acessories-systemtools-systemretstore and follow promtps.

post again if this does not help.

Geminize5,

What make and Model of Printer and how is it connected to your computer?

Rick

I have tried to manually restart the spooler service. I get the following message in the command window:  "The service name is invalid. You tried to start a service that is not configured on this system."

I tried System Restore which resulted in this message: "System Restore is not able to protect your computer. Please restart your computer and then run System Restore again."

The laptop goes back and forth between wireless networks at home and work. Home has a Cannon pixma MP600. I don't know the make and model at work.