Printer Spooler not found in registry

[Bobbi]

My printer wasn't working, so I uninstalled the printer and when I tried to reinstall it, I got printer spooler won't start. I went in the services and tried to start it manually, and it says it's missing, path not found. I have tried Fix-It on microsoft, I have done all the steps at HP (printer make), I have windows XP service pack 3. I am at a loss here, can someone please help me please?

[Digerati]

This is typically a driver issue, so you might have to try again. Did you reboot after you uninstalled the printer? Drivers can be tricky, printer drivers often the most troublesome, especially if a multi-function printer. Some printer driver installation instructions are pretty specific as to when to connect the printer so be sure to check the instructions, if there are any.

When reinstalling drivers for a troublesome printer to [hopefully] fix a problem, I generally recommend:

• Uninstall old printer drivers and associated software, if any,
  
• Shutdown, power off computer and disconnect printer,
  
• Power on and boot,
  
  Follow printer installation instructions to install new drivers - if none,
  
  
• Install new driver, reboot, shutdown and power off,
  
• Attach printer, power on printer, boot computer, strategically place tongue and see if it works.
  
  Note: The excessive number of boots and reboots ensures settings in both the hardware and operating system environments are totally reset and refreshed after each step.
  

It would be good to try the printer on another machine - just to make sure it is not something in the printer, or cable messing with the communications back to the PC.

[Bobbi]

I rebooted and attempted to reinastall over a dozen times. I've tried all the troubleshooting Microsoft and HP has. The printer isn't even connected to the pc because this printer requires it not be connected until prompted, but I can never get that far. I did connect it to see if it wa sdetected by the PC and it was. I have used differnt start ups, I have made a new registry entry for the spooler, and to no avail. Any other advice?

Thank You

This is typically a driver issue, so you might have to try again. Did you reboot after you uninstalled the printer? Drivers can be tricky, printer drivers often the most troublesome, especially if a multi-function printer. Some printer driver installation instructions are pretty specific as to when to connect the printer so be sure to check the instructions, if there are any.

When reinstalling drivers for a troublesome printer to [hopefully] fix a problem, I generally recommend:

• Uninstall old printer drivers and associated software, if any,
  
• Shutdown, power off computer and disconnect printer,
  
• Power on and boot,
  
  Follow printer installation instructions to install new drivers - if none,
  
  
• Install new driver, reboot, shutdown and power off,
  
• Attach printer, power on printer, boot computer, strategically place tongue and see if it works.
  
  Note: The excessive number of boots and reboots ensures settings in both the hardware and operating system environments are totally reset and refreshed after each step.
  

It would be good to try the printer on another machine - just to make sure it is not something in the printer, or cable messing with the communications back to the PC.

[MANEMAN]

Hi Bobbi.

As it has now been since February 3rd since you first posted this question it may be time to "Throw in the Towel" ( http://forums.windowsforum.org/index.php?showtopic=47634&st=0&p=320455entry320455 )

You have tried the "Fix it's" from Microsoft. You have tried Digerati's advice. You have tried "Stalled Printer Repair". You have tried the troubleshooting techniques of both HP amd Microsoft.

Apart from reinstalling the operating system, changing the printer, or a combination of both it seems fairly obvious that after 10 days that you are spending as much time typing as you are to coming any closer to solving the problem.

As much as it galls any of us to have to give up, I do now think that you need someone with computer skills physically present to take a look at your computer.

No loss of pride whatsoever in having to say "I'm not up to the job in hand" and pass it over to a professional. We have all had to do it in lots of situations in life.

Delegation isn't always a bad way out of a bad situation.

When you've got it fixed come back and tell us how. :)

The solution may just help someone else in your situation.

John.