Print Spooler Problem

Question

I have a Dell Dimension 4600 running Windows XP.  I use Microsoft One Care Live, so operating system has latest XP updates.  My primary printer is an Okidata 4200 laser, normally connected through the parallel port.   While attempting to print a couple of days ago, I received the following error message 'Spooler Subsystem APP has encountered a problem and needs to close.  We are sorry for the inconvenience.'  Any attempt to print on that printer or any other printer prompted a message that spooler was not running.  Any attempt to delete the printer so I could attempt to reload drivers received the same message.  Computer had to be re-booted.  I had not made any software/hardware additions/deletions/changes prior to the problem starting.   I moved parallel cable to Sharp 1641 copier/printer.  It recognized the printer and printed a test page just fine.  I connected Okidata 4200 to my laptop using a USB connection, and it worked fine.   I deleted the Okidata 4200 from the Dimension 4600.  I used CD to reload the drivers and do new setup on the Okidata.  When I attempted to print a test page, I got the same error message 'Spooler Subsystem APP has encountered a problem and needs to close......'.   I re-started the computer and on start-up got the above error message.  I re-started again and Dimension started up normally.    I went into Microsoft knowledgebase and found message which seemed to be same issue.  I cleared the registry as suggested, re-started, then re-loaded drivers.  As soon as I attempted to print a test page on the Okidata, spooler locks up.  Re-start twice and spooler is unlocked.  Prints to Sharp 1641 fine,  attempt to print to Okidata 4200, spooler locks up.  Tried changing Okidata connection to USB port instead of parallel.  Same problem.    Don't understand why Dimension works fine with Sharp printer, not Okidata, yet Okidata works fine with laptop????    Can anyone help??

Uncle Ripper · Answer

Go to the Okidata and see if they have new drivers instead of using the supplied disk.

I believe this is latest driver:

http://my.okidata.com/PP-B4200.nsf?opendatabase

Even if it's the same one you may want to try it. Also do not plug your printer in until prompted, that would be after you install the drivers.

May want to go to your hard drive program files and see if there are any residual files from the printer after you uninstall and delete them prior to re-installing.

Message Edited by Uncle Ripper on 01-13-2008 01:06 PM

rakfire · Answer

Uncle Ripper.   Tried the download.  re-started the computer.  Didn't change anything.  Still get the error message when I try to print anything and print spooler is locked up.   I'm pretty sure there is something in the print software that is corrupted, but I get the feeling that deleting the printer and uninstalling the software associated with this printer is not really removing all the files associated with the printer.  Something is remaining that is corrupted that is causing the print spooler to lock up, but I don't know how to find it.   I don't know where to turn on this.

Uncle Ripper · Answer

Uninstall the printer again then download and run CCleaner:   http://www.ccleaner.com/   Run the registry/issues scan and delete what it finds.  You have the option to back up your registry.  I've never had a problem with this product and never needed to use the backup.  May also want to use the other functions of CCleaner as well.    Then try again.

rakfire · Answer

Uncle Ripper,   Tried the ccleaner.   Uninstalled the printer, ran the ccleaner.   It removed 149 items from my registry.   Reloaded the printer.   Still got the error message.

Uncle Ripper · Answer

Have you tried a different USB port?

Ck this article out:

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/419550.html

I've read other articles sasying a trojan can cause this problem. I'd try Ad Aware:

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2007-Free/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5

Run this to get rid of any spyware, etc and delete all it finds. If nothing else you'll have a clean computer when you're done. Also do a disk cleanup to get rid of all the temporary internet files and other garbage.

Message Edited by Uncle Ripper on 01-14-2008 09:35 AM

RoHe · Answer

You might try a system restore to last date available before the problem started. Personal files will be ok, but any XP updates and software (eg drivers) originally installed after the date used for the restore will have to be reinstalled (if needed).

click start>help&support
click "undo changes..."
follow prompts and pick last date availabe before the problem started.

Ron

rakfire · Answer

RoHe and Uncle Ripper,   Thanks for the help, but finally solved the problem on my own.   With the printer turned off, I opened the Printers and Faxes window and deleted the printer.   I then clicked on FILE, then SERVER, and deleted the drivers associated with the printer.   I then turned on the printer, and plug and play located it and said it was ready.  I tried to print a page, but got the same error message.   I tried the same process again, but this time after deleting the drivers I restarted the PC before turning the printer back on.  Then, after it found the printer and said it was ready, before trying to print, I restarted the PC again.  After the re-start I printed a page and it worked --- no error message.   It has been fine since.

Locked Topics – Desktops General

Print Spooler Problem

Was this post helpful?