Print Spooler Service Not Running


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Hello Everyone!

I would greatly appreciate some help with this issue trying to install a printer that I had previously installed.

I have two printers, both of which were previously installed on my computer. However now when I go to install the drivers, I get an error message stating "Operation could not be completed. The print spooler service is not running."

I have no idea where to start to fix this problem, but I desperately need my printer up and running. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you in advance, and I will answer any other questions I can about the problem.

James

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I should add I tried going into admin tools, then services from the control panel. I tried to start the print spooler from there and it gives me the error "Could not start the Print Spooler service on local computer. Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start"

I'm at school so I can't walk though the steps but it gos something like...

right click on my computer -> select manage -> one should be services and something (or something like that) open that and go to services -> find the printer spool service and right click on it -> click on properties -> in the printer spool service properites click the "Start" button and also under a drop down menu change it from "Disabled" to "Automatic"....

Your problem should be fixed.

Edit: ok I diden't see your second post.... try just setting it to "Automatic" in the drop down menu and then restart your computer.... Thats all i've got.

Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start

The Dependencies tab for the print spooler service only shows the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service. If that service wasn't running you would have more problems than just you printer not working. Is the Remote Procedure Call Service started and set to automatic?

Edited by Ned
  • 3 weeks later...

Try this - I was having exactly the same problems as you - this fixed it in seconds!

Some Lexmark printer drivers install a service called LexBCES, and make the spooler dependent on that service. There seem to be a number of cases where the LexBCES service gets hung, and that then blocks the spooler from starting. To fix this:

1. open a Command Prompt window (Go to "start" "all programs" "accessories" "command prompt"

2. key in the following:

sc config spooler depend= RPCSS

(note there is no space between the depend & the = but there is a space after the = before the RPCSS)

3. press Enter.

This will probably leave the Lexmark printer non-functional but at least allow printing to other printers.

4. Contact Lexmark support or visit www.lexmark.com to get an updated version of the Lexmark printer driver if you still need to use a Lexmark printer

  • 1 year later...

Hi Juliet,

I do not know if you are still on the same address, but I'll try anyway. I have a problem with the printer Lexmark 3100 all in one series. when I tryed to print a document from internet, I've got message communication problems

I could not print even regular documents, not from internet. I removed printer software and tryed to reinstall, but I've got a message print monitor can not be detected. Could you please help me with your advose.

I was using your sugesstion explained below and worked perfectly fine, so thought you may dealt with this one. I apppreciate your help.

Try this - I was having exactly the same problems as you - this fixed it in seconds!

Some Lexmark printer drivers install a service called LexBCES, and make the spooler dependent on that service. There seem to be a number of cases where the LexBCES service gets hung, and that then blocks the spooler from starting. To fix this:

1. open a Command Prompt window (Go to "start" "all programs" "accessories" "command prompt"

2. key in the following:

sc config spooler depend= RPCSS

(note there is no space between the depend & the = but there is a space after the = before the RPCSS)

3. press Enter.

This will probably leave the Lexmark printer non-functional but at least allow printing to other printers.

4. Contact Lexmark support or visit www.lexmark.com to get an updated version of the Lexmark printer driver if you still need to use a Lexmark printer

Edited by zeljko
  • 3 weeks later...
  • 5 weeks later...

Just found advice that suggested uninstalling Adobe Reader. I did this and the problem with the spool has vanished. I've installed the Foxit pdf reader instead. Read comments that said problem did not occur in other browsers like Firefox or Mozilla, only in IE.

I wonder if it also only occurs in protected mode. Anyway, uninstall Adobe, restart the print spool in the services menu and cross your fingers.

Not sure why Adobe conflicts with IE7.

  • 2 years later...

Hi Juliet. I signed up for an account here for the sole purpose of saying THANK YOU! After spending 2 hours trying to resolve this issue and finding all the same responses, I finally happened across yours that worked in my case. Apperent they person's laptop I was working on had a LexMark printer installed at one point and that is what was dorking everything up when I tried to install a new HP.

Disabling the LexMark service resolve the issue.

Thanks!!

LedMatrix

Try this - I was having exactly the same problems as you - this fixed it in seconds!

Some Lexmark printer drivers install a service called LexBCES, and make the spooler dependent on that service. There seem to be a number of cases where the LexBCES service gets hung, and that then blocks the spooler from starting. To fix this:

1. open a Command Prompt window (Go to "start" "all programs" "accessories" "command prompt"

2. key in the following:

sc config spooler depend= RPCSS

(note there is no space between the depend & the = but there is a space after the = before the RPCSS)

3. press Enter.

This will probably leave the Lexmark printer non-functional but at least allow printing to other printers.

4. Contact Lexmark support or visit www.lexmark.com to get an updated version of the Lexmark printer driver if you still need to use a Lexmark printer

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