Monday, January 17, 2011 | 12:38 AM

Solve Spooler SubSystem App Error

I had this problem with my printer yesterday and as always, I tried to fix it on my own. First, I google it. I landed at Microsoft support site, installed a couple of applications to fix the problem, but didn't get anything solved. Boo Microsoft!

Anyway to make the story short, after a couple of searches and a prayer away I managed to fix it. Here to ensure that I do not forget the 'magic' steps in case the same problem smacks me (or you) on the face again.

Step 1 (optional)

Some websites suggested a system scan because the culprit may be a virus/trojan. But I didn't have any bug, so proceed to #2.

Step 2

Go to "Start", "Run", type in "net stop spooler" and hit enter.

Step 3

One site instructed me to find the printer's temp directories & delete all files with .shd and .spl extensions. But, here's the shortcut, do a file search! I found 1 file with .shd and 1 file with .spl. Delete them. Done.

Step 4

If you feel that it's risky to "delete all registry keys that contain information about printer's job queue", then skip this step like I did. Well, truth is I had no idea how to find such registry key, let alone fix it and risk the future of my pc. So, my advice is to skip it. Don't risk it. As long as you don't have print jobs stuck in the queue, this step is really unnecessary.

Step 5

Start spooler service again. Run "net start spooler" and hit enter. If your printer is missing, go to Control Panel > Printers & Faxes to add it to your system.

Step 6

Restart your pc.

Step 7

Test your printer! Mine's working now!

And there you have it. Another IT problem solved.

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