Cannot install printer

[Jerry Rolape]

I had 2 HP printers (Laserjet 5P & Inkjet 722C) installed
for about 13-14 months now. A couple of days ago both
printers disappeared from the printer window. When I try
to add a printer now I get the following error
message "Operation could not be completed." I tried to
add hardware (the printer) by manually selecting the
printer from database of printers. Looks like drivers are
being installed but when I get to last step I get the
following. "An error occured during the installation of
the device." The specified port is unknown.
I have a HP Pavilion 762 computer.

Any help appreciated. Jerry

 

[Jerry Rolape]

Added as forgot to include in frustration. I am running XP Pro, Pentium 4 at
2.26 GHz, 1 Gig memory. Printers connected via parallel port w/electronic
switch. I've eliminated switch and connected printer directly. Computer does
nor even blink when I connect printer. I've started and restarted spooler
(net start spooler), no change. I've checked the files using "sfc /scannow"
and all appeared normal.

Again thanks for any and all help. I am wits end and need to get Christmas
cards printed soon.. {>

 

[Jerry Rolape]

Disregard all above. Seems like the "sfc /scannow" cleared up the problem.
All the previously installed printer magically reappeared in the
Printer_Faxes Window...
Thanks anyway. {>

 

[Cari MS-MVP]

Sounds like your Print Spooler has stopped.

From the command prompt, type

net start spooler

(and hit enter)

Do they now reappear?

Cari
www.coribright.com

 

[Jerry Rolape]

Thanks for the reply.

It seems like doing the "sfc /scannow" cleared up the problem. I had tried
the "net start spooler" and that did not help. I had done both commands a
number
of times but know for sure I had started the spooler as I was aware of that
command. I noticed the command to restore files on newsgroup. Trying it and
rebooting several times is what finally cleared the problem.