Printers disappeared, can't start Print Spool service

[ugabuga]

Hi, I'm having troubles adding a printer on Windows 7 Pro 64bit. All of the printers suddenly disappeared. There's nothing in c:\windows\system32\spool\printers to delete. That folder is empty. The dependency services are all started and running. When I start the print spool service it will start, but it stops almost right away by itself. Any suggestions for what could cause this issue? Let me know if more information is needed.

 

[mitchell65]

Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers and see what that shows. How many Printers have you installed on this system?

 

[ugabuga]

There were 4 there before troubles started, now there are none. When I click Add Printer, get Cannot open add printer

 

[mrjimphelps]

Rather than simply adding a printer, run the printer's install program.

First, go to Control Panel / Programs and Features and uninstall any items which pertain to your printer. Then reboot. Go back into Windows.

Next, run the printer's install program.

 

[ugabuga]

That's not an option with the way we have our print server. Going to try an sfc scan this afternoon.

 

[mitchell65]

I assumed from your brief description of your problem, that you had one computer with more han one printer connected and you were trying to install another printer. It now seems that you have a print server!!!! Without you provide full details of your set up I am unable to suggest a solution!

 

[ugabuga]

Yes, but this is the only PC with the problem. Spool service is crashing constantly. Using Windows Debugger and adplus to try and find the dll causing the issue, but will probably just reinstall Windows.

 

[mitchell65]

Have you a system restore point dated before this problem occurred? Do you not keep a regular image backup?