Cannot add printer

[Guest]

I can no longer add a new printer to Windows XP. I get an error message that
the operation cannot be completed. The only solution I have found is to
enable the Print Spooler, However, I have already checked the Print Spooler
and it is enabled.

My existing printers work fine.

Any suggestions will be welcomed.

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Is this XP Home or Pro.... and how many printers do you have already? Are
they local or networked?

 

[Guest]

Thanks for replying.

It is XP Pro. In the "Printer & Faxes" window I have four printers, only
one of which is a physical printer, an HP Officejet 550. The others are:
PaperPort black & white printer, PaperPort color printer, and Microsoft XPS
Document Writer. The HP is networked with my other computer.

I had just uninstalled one fax program and was trying to install another fax
program when I discovered the problem. When the fax printer driver wouldn't
install I tried to install a print driver for a "real" printer and got the
same error message.

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

XP Pro allows 10 simultaneous connections. If all the other PCs on the
network have all your local printers installed on their PCs, then you're
probably at the limit which is why you can't install another one. Which
make and model printer are you trying to install on this XP Pro PC?

 

[Guest]

I only have two computers on my home network, so I don't think I am over the
10 limit you mentioned. I was originally trying to install Symantec's
WinFaxPRO. There are two drivers that are supposed to install, regular fax
quality and photo quality. When those wouldn't install, I picked a couple of
printers from the list provided by Windows and tried to install them. Same
error message. It first tells me that the installation was a success. Then
a window pops up saying the operation could not be completed.

I am beginning to suspect that some of my operating files have been corrupted.

 

[Alan Morris [MSFT]]

try this next


Click on Start, then Run and type "cmd" and press enter or click "OK".
At the "C:\>" prompt, type "sfc /scannow" to run the system file
protection scanner. This may prompt you for the Windows CD to restore the
original file versions.


If that does not help read this KB.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;271248
Add Printer Wizard Does Not Work and Previously Installed Printers Are Not
Displayed



--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

When I try to enter the "printer and Faxes" area in the control panel I
get a
system error stating that windows explorer has encountered an error and
needs
to close. I've run numerous virus and spy/mal ware scans and all are
clean.
Any ideas?

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.