"Spooler subsystem app has encountered a problem and needs to close" and "Operation could not be completed" error messages
This is an article from Microsoft Knowledge Base. Article ID 324757 created July 29, 2005
SYMPTOMS
- When you start your computer, hen you try to start the PrintSpooler service, when you try to stop the Print Spooler service, or when you click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes, you may receive the following error message: Spooler subsystem app has encountered a problem and needs to close.
- When you click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes to try to view your print's, no printers appear even though you have a printer installed. If you click Add a printer, or if you try to print, you may receive the following error message: Operation could not be completed. As a result, you cannot add a printer.
CAUSE
For example, this issue may occur if the Lexmark print service (LexBce Server service) is installed and is running on your computer before you try to add another printer.
RESOLUTION
Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may
cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your
operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve
problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use
Registry Editor at your own risk.
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
For a picture of the location in the registry, click the link
1. If the Lexmark print service is installed on your computer, turn off the LexBce Server service. To do this, follow these steps:
a. Click Manage
d. Expand Services and Applications
e. Click on Services
f. In the right pane, right click LexBce Server
g. Click on Properties
h. On the General tab, click disabled under Startup type.
i. Under Service Status, click Stop
j. Click OK
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k. Right click the Print Spooler service
l. Click Start (if it is stopped)
m. Close computer management
2. Test whether the issue is resolved. If the issue is resolved, you do not have to follow the remaining steps. If the issue is not resolved, follow the remaining steps.
3. Boot to safe mode.
4. Open Microsoft Windows Explorer
5. Delete the files and folders in the following two folders (Where C: is the drive where you have Windows XP installed):
a. C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers
b. C:\Windows\System32\Spool\ Drivers\w32x86
6. Access REGEDIT (The page will open in a separate window)
a. Double-click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
b. Double-click SYSTEM
c. Double-click CurrentControlSet
d. Double-click Control
e. Double-click Print
f. Double-click Environment
g. Double-click Windows NT x86
10. There should only be the following subkeys
a. Drivers
b. Print Processors
11. If there are any subkeys listed other than the two above, do the following
12. Click on File
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13. Click on Export
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14. In the File Name box, type a descriptive name for this key. For example, type WindowsNTx86regkey
15. Click Save
16. You can use this backup of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM \CurrentControlSet\ Control\Print\Environments\ WindowsNTx86 registry key to restore the key if you experience any issues after you complete this procedure
17. Delete all the subkeys other than the subkeys that are listed in step 10.
18. To do this, right click each subkey that is not on the list
19. Click Delete.
20. Say Yes.
a. Double-click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
b. Double-click SYSTEM
c. Double-click CurrentControlSet
d. Double-click Control
e. Double-click Print
f. Double-click Environment
g. Double-click Windows NT x86
h. Double-click Drivers
21. The registry entries for the printer drivers that are installed on the computer are stored in the Version-x subkey or subkeys, where x is a number (typically 2 or 3).
22. Expand the Version-x subkey or subkeys
23. Delete the printer driver entries by right clicking each printer driver subkey
24. Click Delete
25. Say Yes
a. Double-click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
b. Double-click SYSTEM
c. Double-click CurrentControlSet
d. Double-click Control
e. Double-click Print
f. Double-click Monitors
26. View the list of subkeys. There should only be the following subkeys for the default print monitors
a. BJ Language Monitor
b. Local Port
c. PJL Language Monitor
d. Standard TCP/IP Port
e. USB Monitor
27. If there are any subkeys other than the subkeys that are listed in step 26 follow these steps
28. Click on File
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29. Click Export
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30. In the File name box, Type a descriptive name for this key for example, type MonitorsRegkey
31. Click on Save
32. You can use this backup of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ CurrentContrlSet\ Control\Print\Monitors registry key to restore the key if you experience any issues after you complete this procedure.
33. Delete all subkeys other than the subkeys that are listed in step 26 by doing the following
34. Right click each subkey that is not on the list
35. click on Delete
36. Say Yes
37. If you have a local printer attached, disconnect the printer cable from the computer
38. Restart the computer
39. Click Manage
42. Expand Services and Applications
43. Click on Services
44. In the right pane, right click Print Spooler service
45. Click Start (if it is stopped)
46. Close Computer Management
47. Install the printer.
APPLIES To
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional
- Microsoft Windows XP Home