SPOOLSV.EXE using 99% of CPU

Question

My new Dell 4600 was working great and now is extremely slow.  I discovered in the task manager that my CPU usage is constantly at 100%.  The file spoolsv.exe is the culprit using 99% of the CPU.  This is true right from startup before opening any programs.  I have tried using system restore back a week and back two months and neither had any effect.  I also uninstalled all local and network printers to no avail.  I run Windows XP.  I also tried using MSConfig to empty the startup folder, that did not work.  I have cleaned up the hard drive, ran error check and defragmented.  Nothing works.  Any ideas?

creeper · Answer

I found these suggestions doing a Google search. There are alot of tips. One or two may help. http://www.computing.net/windowsxp/wwwboard/forum/89990.html

fishfan · Answer

I finally discovered the problem!  If a print document is spooling then this file will consume all of the system resources.  I had checked my printer and there were no documents spooling and had even uninstalled the printer.  After an hour on the phone with Dell, and I won't even tell you how many hours on my own, Dell recommended reformatting my hard drive and reinstalling windows!  I consulted another friend and we discovered that there was another 'printer'  Microsoft Document Image Writer, and when we opened it there was a document spooling away with no where to go.  Deleting this file solved the problem!  The moral of the story is, go with the easiest solution first.  Open every program listed under printers and faxes and make sure there are NO documents listed as trying to print.  I have no idea how the file got there, or even what the image writer is, but I learned from this experience, and I am thankful I did not have to reformat my hard drive and build up everything from scratch again!  Hope this may help someone else as well.

bugman72 · Answer

I have spent many days and hours with tech support and none of them ever mentioned this. I followed your suggestion and everything is back up to speed. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

LABanker · Answer

Thank you so much.  I too called Dell and was told I must reinstall my operating system.  I happened to stumble across this forum, read your note and tried it on the client station giving problems.  As you stated there were 2 documents in a Microsoft Document Image Printer just sitting.  I deleted them and wham the PCs buzzing now.

Windows General

SPOOLSV.EXE using 99% of CPU

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