Printer Properties/Preferences Doesn't Work

Question

For the past month or so, anytime I have tried to click on the "Properties" button within the print dialogue of any application, nothing happens at all. The button just depressed and the printer properties does not launch. The printer works fine, except I have no access to the preferences dialogue.

If I go to my Control Panel and click on "Printers and Faxes" and then select my printer (right-click) and choose "Printing Preferences".. I get an error saying "Operation Could Not Be Completed".

I have tried uninstalling/reinstalling the printer and drivers (no luck).. have tried stopping/starting/restarting the Print Spooler in the Services (no luck).. and have also tried "scannow /sfc" with no luck.

Anyone have a clue what could be going wrong here? And worse yet, this computer has never been on the internet so I can't chalk this up to virus/spyware. Any ideas? Thanks for your help.

fireberd · Answer

Post your PC Model Number, Operating system and what brand/model of printer.   Otherwise we are just guessing and a 'shot in the dark'.

PCguy5 · Answer

Sure thing. Dell XPS Desktop (1.5 yrs old) Windows XP/SP2 HP Deskjet 5740

fireberd · Answer

When you uninstalled/reinstalled the printer, did you (1) delete the printer and unistall the HP software then (2) physically disconnect the HP printer and (3) restart Windows.  Then do a new install and only physically connect the printer when the HP software install tells you.     If you didn't follow this procedure, do that and see if that fixes it.

PCguy5 · Answer

I'm fairly sure I did that about a month ago (this problem has been going on for 2 months now), but just to make sure, I went ahead and did it again today through the process you mentioned... and unfortunately I still have the problem. I certainly do not wish to reinstall windows and I can't believe I can't figure this out.

fudgieguys · Answer

PCguy5: For the past month or so, anytime I have tried to click on the 'Properties' button within the print dialogue of any application, nothing happens at all. The button just depressed and the printer properties does not launch. The printer works fine, except I have no access to the preferences dialogue   Login as Administrator and see if it works. Sounds like a permissions issue or user profile is corrupt.

PCguy5 · Answer

Only 1 account and is Admin by default. :(

Ncoming · Answer

I had same problem with my HP deskjet 6122. I went to HP website & it said use alternate driver deskjet 990c. Now I can get to the preferences. It seems some drivers are more compatible than others with Vista.

You might want to check if you printer has alternate drivers.

Windows General

Printer Properties/Preferences Doesn't Work

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