Windows 7: Print spooler needs continually restarting

Windows 7 64bit laptop connected to HP CP3525 laser jet, networked printer fails to print with the message 'Print spooler is not running' When I check in services the spooler service is runing but if i restart it printing functionality is returned. This happens at least once a day on this machine.

Update:

This is now happening on a number of Windows 7 machines, both 32 & 64bit. Printing to different network printers the local print spooler service requires restarting.

Hi,

I am also having the same issue with a number of Windows 7 machines on our domain. We have a few Windows 7 machines in different areas of the building, with different models of printer on each machine. There is nothing in the Windows event logs. A simple restart of the print spooler service fixes the issue.

Windows XP machines have been happily printing to these printers for years.

Has anyone else come across this?

Thanks

Domain environment? Group Policy enabled? If so: Both in the same OU?

Do you use freeware "print to pdf" apps?

Yes, Yes, and Yes - Domain is 2003 Native.

We do use "print to pdf" apps, but the issue is happening to PC's with and without these installed. Do you think this could be the cause?

We are in a domain environment with group policy enabled, no print to pdf apps. Although I don't see how these, apart from maybe print to pdf apps could be the source of our problem. As far as I'm aware there is no Windows 7 driver yet for the HP CP3525 printer which I presume is the root of the problem, although I don't claim to be an expert, who is? lol .... hence if I am proved wrong on any of the above and provided with a solution I will be more than happy to acquiesce :-)

oooo a quick update, just checked the HP site and there appears to be a 64 bit driver available now. I will let you know how I get on.

Well the issue has not raised it's head since my last post so it looks to be fixed

I've tried many of the suggestions found online. The following worked for me:

1. Turned off AVG anti-virus programs for 15 minutes.
2. Accessed print spooler via “Run” by typing “services.msc”
3. Started Print Spooler and this time it did not automatically stop.
4. This allowed the printers to be accessed in the printer control panel. However, Word did not show any printers as available. Got the “active directory domain services is currently unavailable” error (AC DS) message.
5. Immediately restarted computer.
6. Immediately turned off AVG programs for 15 minutes
7. This seemed to take care of the AC DS issue. Printers showed up in Word.
8. Restarted AVG programs.

Windows 7 (64) with HP1022 and Canon MG8120