Lost ALL printing permissions & printer access

Est2015 · 16 Jun 2015

Ok guys I really goofed up.
I was trying to change the printing permissions to prevent the other accounts on this laptop from printing. After switching some things around, I guess I ended up denying printing permission to the group called "Everyone", when managing permissions. This includes me, the admin of the computer. I tried to remove the device and add it again, but I'm denied access to doing that. I can't print, I can't change any settings, or anything. I'm completely blocked out from the printing settings.

As you can see in the pic I've posted, I'm trying to add my printer back (The one you see in the pic is another one, disregard it). I can't do that. I tried the method outlined here but that does not get me anywhere. System restore does not help either. I want to resolve this without re-installing my OS.

oscer1 · 16 Jun 2015

Hi have you tried with the hidden adminastrator account? Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable

Est2015 · 16 Jun 2015

I logged in with the hidden administrator account and found no luck. I am being denied access as I was before.

Ranger4 · 16 Jun 2015

Have you tried a System Restore. Open Control Panel, select System, when that opens select from the menu up on the left hand side System Protection, when that opens click on the System Restore button. Select one of the restore points that are listed.

Est2015 · 17 Jun 2015

I've tried System Restore multiple times. Does not help.

GokAy · 17 Jun 2015

Try this https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/968003

jumanji · 17 Jun 2015

Check whether this helps.

"1. Log in as a computer admin, click on run, cmd and type regedit
2. Navigate to the following keys and delete any entries related to the printer you're having issues with

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\ Windows NT x86\ Drivers\Version-2\

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Printers\

(That's a 32bit system - if a 64 bit, go to x64 key instead

3. Unplug your printer and reboot your system.
4. When the system comes up, navigate to "Devices and Printers" click on the printer and "Remove Device" and confirm deletion of the printer.
5. Plug the printer back in and Windows should re-install the drivers for you
- All permissions will be reset and you can re-assign new permissions making sure you don't lock yourself out this time." :)

Source: Mistake on Printer Permissions won't allow any users to print, - Microsoft Community

Note: Backup your registry before making any modifications.

Est2015 · 17 Jun 2015

GokAy: I tried your method. The script ran successfully but did not help, and I am still receiving the errors.
jumanji: I tried the method you stated before, as stated in my original post, and this did not help, either.

Ranger4 · 17 Jun 2015

Do you have the printer software DVD that you can use to reinstall the printer.

Est2015 · 17 Jun 2015

unfortunately, no.