The Print Spooler is a computer program that manages the sending of documents for printing. It temporary stores print jobs on the disk to allow queuing of multiple printing requests. It is also responsible for feeding print images to the printer but at a slower speed. When you attempt to print and an error message appears that say:

“Spooler subsystem app has encountered a problem and needs to close ”or “Operation cannot be completed,”

Then your printer has encountered a print spooler error.

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What is Print Spooler Error?

This error occurs when a third party printer driver prevents the operation of a newly installed printer . It disables printer-computer communication and other services, making it impossible to print any job. However, there are many methods to resolve this printer problem.

Safe Mode:

Starting your computer in safe mode will allow the spool files to be removed.

To start in safe mode:

1. Restart computer and repeatedly press F8 while the computer is restarting.

2. When the “BOOT” menu appears, press F8 to run multiple OS (operating system).

3. Once the “Windows Advanced Options” appears, select “SAFE MODE” then “ENTER”.

You can now delete spool files.

Simply start “Microsoft Windows Explorer”, and delete all folders and files in the following folders:

– C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers

– C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Drivers\w32x86

For Windows XP

Turn on the computer. Click the start button and then open the control panel after the computer boots up. Type in “Computer Management” in the search box found on the top left corner of the control panel. Open the icon that appears in the search results. Click “Services” once a breakdown appears. Click “Print Spooler” then “Restart” to reset the spooler service. Send a print job and do a test print.

For Windows 7

Turn on the computer. Click the start button and type in “Services.msc” after the computer boots up. Check if the printer spooler is turned on. If turned on, proceed to step #4. If the spooler automatically turns off after turning it on, proceed to the next step. Click the start button and search for “spoolsv.exe”. Right click and go to properties. Click the “Security” tab and go to “Advance,” then to “Owner”. Take the full ownership of the file and grant full permission. After setting it up, close the windows and reset the printer spooler service. Run “CMD” as an administrator from the start search and type in “del /Q C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS\*.* “ Once completed, close the window and again restart the spooler in the service and test print.

If the steps above do not fix this laser printer problem, try Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site for additional option. If nothing else works, it would be best to contact a professional. It is always good to have basic troubleshooting knowledge but if problems persist, calling a technician is always the best solution.