How to Troubleshoot Printer Spooler Error 1068 in Windows XP
Common Printer Issues
Some dependency services are required for starting a print spooler in Windows XP. The printer spooler error 1068 suggests the failure of a dependency service or group in loading up for the spooler service to run properly in the old operating system of Microsoft®. If you were still using Windows XP on a local computer, you can resolve this particular error with the below troubleshooting steps.
Restart Print Spooler
This is a common step to troubleshoot most of the spooler-related errors in Windows computers, including the error code 1068.
- Click on the Start button on desktop. Click on the Run shortcut to open its dialog box.
- Type services.msc and click on OK button to open the list of services in Windows XP.
- Double-click on Print Spooler from the right column of the Services window, choose Dependencies and start the service.
- Moreover, click on Restart Print Spooler button on the left column of the Windows XP services list.
After the printer spooler restarts, you will be able to close all windows associated with that. Usually, this step frees up print jobs in print queues or allows you to cancel them all at once.
Edit Windows Registry Manually
- Click on Start button, and type Run to open the command box.
- Key in regedit in the dialog box, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor
- Then, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet and open the Services Select Spooler from the subsequent window.
- To the right column or side, look up for the value of DependOnService and double-click on that.
- Remove any DependOnService values, in case you happen to see it, and enter RPCSS.
- After that, close Registry Editor and reboot the computer to see if that works.
In case the printer error persists, click on the Start button, type Run in the search box, and key in CMD /K SC CONFIG SPOOLER DEPEND= RPCSS in the command box. Click OK or press Enter. A black window will show up on your Windows XP system with information relevant to the troubleshoot. In case you come across printer related issues in a distributed computing environment, which is hard to understand, get in touch with a printer tech support professional to fix it.
Steps to Take When the Printer Shows as Offline
Printer Offline Error
The printer is one of the most important devices in offices and homes. It lets you take printouts from computer data, which can be carried and filed and perused at leisure or need. There are many things, which can go wrong with the printer, such as when the local print spooler service is not running, the printer is offline, or the print paper is jammed. Following are some things you can do when the printer shows an offline status.
When the Printer Is Offline
- Check the printer connection. Maybe this is a hardware issue. Turn it off and back on. If it is connected by USB, see that the connections are secure. If it is connected via Wi-Fi, see if it shows up on the network.
- Use Windows troubleshooter. This tool is designed to be able to diagnose and resolve almost any problem your system may exhibit, such as when the local print spooler service is not running. You will find it in Settings; type in Troubleshoot and choose the option when it comes up. Find and select Printer, and then Run the Troubleshooter. You may be asked to restart the computer.
- Check the printing settings, especially if you are fresh out of an OS update. Head to Devices, choose Bluetooth & Other Devices, and from Related Settings, choose Devices and Printers. If the printer is inactive, right click and choose Set as a Default Printer. This may also help in cases where the local print spooler service is not running.
Adding Another Printer
- If the printer is connected through a network, try adding another printer. You will need the printer’s IP address for this, so dig it out from the printer manual or product website.
- Head to Settings and choose Devices and Bluetooth & Other Devices in succession. From the Related Settings section, find Devices and Printers. Find the default printer, right click it, and choose Printer Properties.
- Go to the Ports tab and choose Add Port… If you cannot select this, right click and choose See What’s Printing. Select Printer, and then Open as Administrator. Choose Printer again, and then Properties. Go back to Ports and choose Add Port…
- Choose Standard TCP/IP Port and then New Port.
- Click Next in the wizard window, ensuring that the printer is turned on and set up right. Type in its IP address, and a new name for it. Hit Next to proceed and complete the installation.
Steps to Run the Printer Self-Tests
Run The Printer Self-Tests
There are different types of printer issues, and in most cases, the print spooler will be at fault. Hence, it is common for people to mull over the topic how to fix print spooler error. Worry not, there are many printer self-tests to identify most of these errors. You can refer your printer manual in order to perform the self-test. Alternatively, follow the steps given below to run the software self-test so that you can figure out whether your computer can detect the printer and it is able to do the print jobs.
For Microsoft Windows 7, 8, and 10 Users
- Open the Control Panel. In the dropdown list, double-click on the Printers, Devices and Printers, or Printers and Fax The option varies in different OS versions. Then, a list of printers connected to your computer will appear on the screen.
- From the list, right click on the printer you would like to test and select the Properties or Printer Properties In the case that you are not able to see the printer, it indicates that your printer is not properly installed.
- If you see the printer listed, click on the Print Test Page button in the Properties
- Check whether the printer can print the test page; if yes, the computer can detect the printer and the software is set up properly. In case you are not able to print, contact printer tech support team for advanced troubleshooting.
For the Older Versions of Windows
If you are using an older version of Windows such as Windows 3.x, Windows 95, MS-DOS, Windows NT, or Windows 98, follow the steps given below in order to run the software test.
- Go to the Windows command line or MS-DOS prompt
- Type cd\ in order to go the root directory
- Type dir>lpt1 in the root directory, so that you can reroute the directory to the printer. If you are able to print the directly listing after this step, your printer is installed properly. Else, check the operating system troubleshooting methods in the manual.
It is also recommended to check if the printer drivers are up-to-date as well, if your printer is not working correctly. Contact a reliable printer repair services provider for more tips on how to fix printer spooler error.
How to Install Printer Software
Install Printer Software
Printers are essential in offices these days. However, setting one up can be hard if you do not know what you are doing, or how to fix printer spooler error. What you need to know is that there is a software that allows the printer to be controlled easily, but this has to be installed first. This holds true for almost any type of printer, from specialist photo printers, to technical plotters. Following are five of the things you should do.
Read the Manual
You will not believe how many people skip this step and rush on to installing or connecting parts. The manual is there for a reason. You will need to follow what it says. Aside from specific instructions on how to get the most out of the machine, you can also get the specifications of your printer from this small book.
Connect the Computer and the Printer
With most printer brands, there are two ways that you can connect the printer. One is through a wireless connection, while the other is through a USB connection. Either way, you should make sure that the connection is made, or else the printer will not work.
Turn on the Printer
Slow Printing Problems
This explains itself. No one needs to be told that a device that runs on power must first be switched on for it to work. Ensure that you plug the printer into the correct power source, and that it is getting the correct voltage, so it does not fry.
Wait for the Operating System to Recognize the Program
The printer software can be installed after downloading it or transferring it to your computer from the disc given with the package. At this point, the computer’s operating system will begin to automatically detect whether the two are compatible with each other. Sometimes they are, and sometimes they are not.
Install the Printer Software
After the OS detects the software or the program that you have connected, you will see some instructions on the screen. Other than that, you will also see terms and conditions from the manufacturer. After accepting these, hit Install and wait for the time it takes for the program to become fully functional.
After you install the printer software, it is possible to send commands from your computer to the printer. This can be for operations including cleaning, scanning, copying, and printing. Just be sure to note down the license key of the software after buying it.
How to Troubleshoot Low Ink Error Message in Windows
Troubleshoot Low Ink Error
A low ink warning occurs despite the ink cartridge having sufficient ink for printing needs. Thus, the warning misleads a Windows user to think soon-to-be empty cartridge soon requires a replacement. However, much like temporary print spooler service not running issues, even troubleshooting a low ink warning is a matter of following some routine steps to bypass the low ink error in Windows 8. Follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned below to fix the issue.
- Right-click on an empty space on desktop and select All Apps from the context menu.
- Select the icon of the print application of your model of the printer being connected to the Windows computer. Else, you may have to select Printer Configuration from the menu that pops up on right-click.
- Click Configuration on the toolbar of the application that comes bundled in the printer. Instead, if the printer app shows an option titled Estimated Ink Levels somewhere other than the toolbar, click it.
- Wait until the Printer app confirms connection between the Windows PC and the printer device. Alongside that, the application would also double-check remaining ink levels.
You will come to know that if your inkjet printer model has sufficient ink or whether the warning was a perfunctory one being popped up much to your annoyance. If that is the case with the printer, following the advanced steps mentioned below for the misleading low ink warning.
- Click Advanced Settings or a similar link that denotes the warning.
- Choose Do Not Show the warning or any similar options that pops up automatically and then confirm the same following on-screen prompts, when the warning shows. After that, quit the printer application installed in Windows 8.
Manual Workaround to Reset the Printer
This seems to work in certain branded inkjet printers, so try it out to troubleshoot the low ink warning if other options fail. Note that it may pop up as low ink reminder, insufficient ink, or something like that. This step is done to soft reset the printer and clear its memory.
- Press & hold down Reset button or Resume button on control panel of the printer for 10 seconds. It is easy to find this particular button, as a light would flash upon the warning on Windows.
- When done, reconnect the printer to the PC and do a test print to confirm that the issues are resolved.
Some Workarounds to Troubleshoot Incorrect Printouts in Windows PC
Troubleshoot Incorrect Printouts
If an error happens with documents being sent to the printer, it may cause scrambled text or unknown symbols to form on the printout. If this printing issue occurs repeatedly, the cable interface, its bundled software or the particular file you are trying to print may be to blame. Follow any of the below troubleshooting steps if your printouts turn out incorrectly.
Ensure Connections Work Fine
Firstly, try restarting both the PC and printer. Certain branded printers keep memory despite turning off, so you would have to unplug it from the wall socket and wait a few minutes prior to reconnecting it with the PC. Try taking a printout after establishing a new connection. If it fails to resolve the issue, try swapping the present USB cable that connects the printer to the PC. Make sure the labeling of the USB cable mentions it compatible with your printer. If you are using a USB hub to connect the printer to PC, unplug its cable and connect it to the USB port of the computer to rule out loose connections in the USB hub.
Install Latest Printer Drivers and Output Print Management Software
Common Printer Issues
If bugs exist in either the printer driver or the software that has output print management capabilities, the printout may turn out incorrectly. If you install incorrect drivers for an unsupported printer or wrong OS update in the PC, it may cause this issue. So, it is best to download and install latest version driver of your printer model from its manufacturer website. Even if you have installed the latest printer driver in Windows, install it anyhow, since the update may have bug fixes that would replace corrupted files.
Change the File Font in Control Panel
A font file or a text document may render fine on the PC, but if it is corrupted, it may cause strange characters on the printout. To work around that, create a sample document with a distinct font and test print it. If it resolves the issue, change the font in the document you previously encountered strange characters to one that worked. However, if you cannot take a printout of any document in that specific font, navigate to Printer Properties and set its resolution to a lower one. If you still cannot print a document in that font, navigate to Fonts in Control Panel and try reinstalling it from its source.
Ways to Troubleshoot the ‘Local Print Spooler Service is Not Running’ Error
Print Spooler Service Not Running
One of the most common printer issues in offices and homes shows up with an error message saying, local print spooler service is not running. It asks you to either restart the spooler or restart the machine to fix the problem. In cases where this is not enough, you can try something else.
First off, the error occurs on Windows 7, 8, and 10 machines, and only when the spooler service is disabled for some reason. This service is in place to help users add printers, print documents, and keep tracks of files that are in the print queue.
After restarting your PC, you will find either that the print spooler service is back to running normally, or that it still has a problem. If the error still shows, the printer spooler will need to be manually restored as an auto-launch service.
- Go to the Start menu and type in service. You will see a Services result under Control Panel, so open that. Here you will find all the registered services. Type in print to find Print Spooler fast, and right click on it. Select Start. If this option is grayed out, move on to the next step.
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Common Printer Issues
Go to the Start menu and type in msconfig, then hit Enter on the top result. This utility controls the actions that happen when the computer boots (this includes the services that are launched at startup, as well as the drivers that load. If you did not know, drivers are software that communicate directly to the hardware connected to the computer and make them usable, such as the CD drive, the printer, the webcam, etc.). If the UAC settings were left as the default, then you will have to give permission to run the utility by typing in the administrator’s password.
- This will open up System Configuration, where you will see many tabs including Services. Choose that, and find the spooler service by typing print. When Print Spooler comes up, ensure that its box is left checked. Considering you have the spooler issue and saw the error message, this may be unchecked at first. Change that, and hit OK to save the change.
- After this, restart the computer. Provided the spooler was the only cause of the error you saw at the beginning, the problem will have gone away.
Everything that relies on the print spooler service will be back to functioning normally. This includes print jobs, the option to add printers, etc. If not, get in touch with printer tech support for help.
Manually Clearing the Print Queue in Windows
Manually Clearing Print Queue
Ever had to deal with the printer not printing as and when you want it to? Sometimes, you are just stuck waiting for the printing to happen, but the job will not go through. There is a plethora of reasons why this happens with print jobs, like maybe the local print spooler service is not running, but usually, it is the most obvious reason that is the culprit: a stuck job in the print queue.
Any number of causes can be behind this. If, for instance, you had tried printing something a few hours before and the printer was off, and you then forgot about the whole thing. What happens then is that you come back to make another print, but the new job gets stuck behind the old print which never happened. The new job simply gets added to the queue.
You can also try manually deleting the old print job, but this isn’t guaranteed to work. If it does not, that means you will have to clear the print queue. Below are steps to make sure that gets done right.
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Common Printer Issues
Head to Start, then Control Panel, followed by Administrative Tools. Run Services.
- Here, move down until you see Print Spooler, and when you do, right click it and choose Stop. For this, you will first need to have logged in as administrator. When you hit Stop, it means no printouts can be made on printers hosted on the server.
- After that, go to the C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\PRINTERS If the C drive is not the one in which Windows is installed, then go to %windir%\System32\spool\PRINTERS by typing this into the Explorer address bar and hitting Enter.
- Select and delete all the files here. This is supposed to clear the print queues. If it is being done on a server, you may want to first ensure that there are not any print jobs currently being processed on the other printers. Otherwise, carrying out the steps mentioned above will delete those jobs as well.
- Head back to Services and find the print spooler service. Right click on this, and from the drop down menu, choose Start.
This should let you print without any issues. You could alternatively use a script type out in Notepad saved as a batch file. The commands are as follows:
net stop spooler
del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\* /Q /F /S
net start spooler
The first command stops the spooler service, and the third one restarts it. The middle command deleted everything in the print queue without asking for confirmation.
How to Clear Stuck Print Jobs in Print Queue in Windows PC
Clear Stuck Print Jobs
A printer may stop functioning unexpectedly due to several reasons, including stuck print jobs. If a system’s hardware is working fine and yet printing will not work, first you have to clear print jobs stuck in the spooler.
When users sent multiple files to a network PC, the print queue keeps a list of printing tasks being requested and the respective data of such files in a temporary storage area in a system’s memory called as a print spool. This way, once a shared printer completes a print job, the system sends the next one in the queue from the print spool. If this queue gets backlogged due to sending plenty documents for printing, first you would have to clear the print queue on Windows instead of the printer’s inbuilt memory.
Note that a networked laser printer of a particular brand may also have inbuilt memory. To cancel print jobs from the queue, open Devices and Printers in Control Panel on Windows 7 or later, right-click on the respective printer icon, and select See What’s Printing. Then open the Printer menu, choose Cancel All Documents, and click Yes to confirm the same. It should clear in seconds but if some jobs backlog in the print queue, restart the computer to clear its memory.
Common Printer Issues
Yet again, if the printer will not function despite canceling print jobs and restarting Windows PC, you would have to clear the printer’s active memory. For that, switch off the printer and unplug it from the wall socket. Leave the printer like that for 60 seconds prior to plugging it back on to ensure its inbuilt memory loses power. Once you turn it back on, wait until the printer completes startup and Windows detects the hardware, prior to sending new print jobs.
A high-end printer saves set-up info to a memory that lasts even if users unplug it. Such information may comprise of paper and network settings. Clearing such permanent memory by rebooting the printer by pressing dedicated a button would revert the printer settings to factory defaults. This is known as a Hard Reset. You can restart the printer to clear its inbuilt memory and troubleshoot lingering or backlogging data. Use it as a last resort only if canceling print jobs and restarting the system fails to clear stuck print jobs.
How to Fix Printer Driver Issues on Windows
Printer Driver Issues
Several computer users who recently upgraded the operating system on their PC or laptop to Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 complained that their computer printer is not working properly. If you are experiencing print spooler keeps stopping error and other common printer issues after upgrading to a new operating system, then the printer driver you are using might not be compatible with the new Windows operating system. In addition to that, these kinds of issues also occur due to improper installation of printer driver software.
So, the first and foremost thing you should do is to check if your printer driver is compatible with the new operating system or not. If you have no clear idea on how to check that, it is best to seek the help of expert printer support technicians. However, customers who are planning to fix the issue on their own should update their printer driver, as it may resolve the issue. Below are a few simple steps that will enable you to fix printer driver issues on Windows.
- Start your PC and then go to the official website of your printer manufacturer
- You will need to check whether the printer driver is compatible with the latest operating system that you have installed on your PC.
- If yes, simply download and install the newly released printer driver
- Wait for the download to complete, open the downloaded file, and then install it on your PC.
Common Printer Issues
On the other hand, if your printer driver is not compatible with the Windows operating system that you are using, simply download the latest available update and check whether the issue is resolved or not. If not, consider getting in touch with printer support technicians.
You should take note of the fact that some computer users might also experience a ‘printer driver is unavailable’ error once they have upgraded their Windows operating system. If you are stuck in such a difficult scenario, then you should initially reinstall your printer driver. If that troubleshooting step does not help you to solve the issue, then you will probably need to install all the newly available updates for your new Windows operating system to resolve the issue. Expert printer support technicians will remotely access your PC and update your computer system to the latest version available.