Resolved Printer Problems

Hello, I've just purchased a new computer with Windows 7. I also bought an HP Photosmart C4680 all-in-one printer that is supposed to be Windows 7 ready. I initially installed the software and printer, but had issues with scanning. The error message from the printer said to uninstall then install again. During the second installation I got a message that the install has been stopped due to the print spooler not functioning. I was directed to right clik on My computer>manage>service and apps>service. Then highlight "print spooler" and click start. I did all this and got this error message.

Windows could not start the print spooler service on local computer. Error 3: the system cannot find the path specified.​

Is it possible this was deleted during the uninstall? If so, how do I resolve this problem?
Thanks, Ron

PS: I installed the printer on my old XP computer with no problems. Also, talked with HP tech for about an hour. She said that the install for Windows 7 should be done from their web site, which I did.

 

Check these
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01944516&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=3739150

I suggest you try to completely uninstall the printer software. Note steps like these

When you think it is completely uninstalled, act as though you are installing it for the first time (taking it out of the box). Run the installer program and make sure you have not connected the printer until you are told to by the installation program.

This is the printer's home page
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?product=3739150&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us
If you are stuck, start looking through the information there.

Matt

 

Thanks Mattman,
I've been to the page you suggested and either the solution is not there or I am not able to find it. But I will go over the page again, very carefully .

With the scanning issues and not being able to complete the second install, I completely uninstalled the software and printer and, thinking the printer was defective, returned it for a new one. Following the instructions carefully, including not hooking up the USB cable, I tried to re-install the new printer. I didn't get to the point of hooking up the USB cable since it quit the install due to "print spooler" issues.

After talking with HP support for over an hour with no solution, then talking to microsoft until they wanted a fee, I decided to write to you.

I also wanted to do a system restore back to before the initial printer instalation, however, this feature is no working either! So maybe I have more issues in this NEW computer then should be, or is Windows 7 that unstable?

Thanks again,
Ron

 

Did you download the latest HP printer driver that is compatible with Windows 7. Go to hp.com, insert your printer type and search for driver for Win 7.

 

The HP tech took "control" of my computer and tried to install the drivers and printers from hp.com like you are saying. She said the installation disc does not work with Windows 7 "yet ". I still got the same "print spooler" not working and "windows unable to find specified path ". She then said it's a microsoft's problem.

On a side note, today I got a message that my version of Windows 7 "was not genuine ". I was told that I had to register the version. I didn't received a Windows cd with the computer. The guy at Best Buy says the newer computers do not come with a cd; the customer have to make a copy. I found the product key on the side of the computer and until I register it, windows will not update. I haven't bought a computer in many years, is this standard procedure?

I haven't had time to register the version due to work and I'm wondering, could this have anything to do with my problems?

Thanks

 

I expect you mean activation because registration is not compulsory
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Activating-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

When you go to run the installer right-click on the file (Setup.exe?) and select Run as administrator. (I have Vista, but I expect it should be the same.)

I saw a suggestion to run System File Checker. Look in Help and Support, it will tell you how to do it there (it might say the Widows DVD is required). Also search in Help and Support for spooler, it should tell you at least how to check it's setting.

Matt

 

Yes. I should have said activation. However, when I clicked "start>computer>properties>click here to activate ", there was not a place to "click here to activate ". I right clicked on computer, then clicked properties and under "activation" it said "no product info available and windows not activated ". Calls to Gateway and Microsoft on how to activate were fruitless. But Gateway is sending me a Windows restore disk.

I decided to talk with a computer repair man at a shop down the street. Since System Restore was not working, he suggested to use the "restore computer to original factory condition ". So I back up everything manually, since that option for Windows wasn't working either, and then did the factory restore.

Well golly gee!! When all this was finished, I was prompted to activate my version of Windows and also to make a backup of the factory install, drivers and apps, neither of which were given when I first turned on the computer. I also checked on system restore and backup and both are now functioning properly. I ran out of time and had to go to work, but I'm fairly confident that I will have no problems with the printer install.

Lesson learned;
1. Just because a computer is brand new doesn't mean it will work right.
2. Before installing anything, make sure that the basics of the computer are in working order. (I lost a paid for downloaded program following Gateways "help ".)
3. Don't assume that how things worked the last time you purchased a computer that it will be the same the next time. (I have always gotten backup disks with every other computer I bought and never had to activate a version of factory installed software.)
4. For the most part, online tech support and phone tech support are pretty useless.

Sorry for rambling, but I hope my experience can be of help to somebody else. I wish I had the time to install the printer to be able to positivly say that this problem is fully resolved.

Thanks for all the replys.
Ron

 

Thanks for letting us know. With several (seemingly unrelated) problems like that, your solution probably saved a lot of time. Some of the symptoms you mentioned remind me of malware activity, so you might want to be wary of that possibility. Good luck with it. I will mark this thread resolved. Post back if you still have problems and I will remove the resolved notification.