can't add printer

I have just completed a new Windows XP installation (after an unsuccessful upgrade) and now after spending 5 more hours with updates to all SPs, re-installing all apps, etc. I find I can't install a printer. Add A Printer simply responds with "Operation could not be completed ". I also got the spooler substem error once. I had no problem with Windows 2000 on this PC. Does anyone have a suggestion short of starting over with a fresh install, wasting another day or two?
Scott

 

Welcome to the board Scott. Maybe this?
"Spooler subsystem app has encountered a problem and needs to close" and "Operation could not be completed" error messages

 

OK, I had looked at this before because I don't have the Lexmark file installed, but after your post, I did what was outlined. There are no files installed for any printers. In fact, I was in the process of connecting printers when this occured.
Thanks for the reply, but it didn't work. Do you have any other suggestions?
Scott

 

scarroll--As you probably know, USB peripherals have to have the drivers (hopefully on the CD that came with the peripheral) installed before you hook up or plug in the peripheral. Are you doing that?

 

In addition to what Jim advised, I strongly recommend that you check to verify that all the XP services are running with their default settings.

I recently had a two day ordeal/nightmare trying to install a Lexmark All-In-One printer for a friend. It turned out that he had set Application Management Service to disabled as opposed to the standard Manual setting. That wasn't something I expected to make any difference but when I reset it, the install went smooth as silk.

You can review your settings here.

HTH

 

Thanks to both of you for your replies
First to Welshjim.
The printers are connected to the peer to peer network with their own IP address through either a built-in ethernet port or HP Jet direct print server. The other PCs on the net connect and reconnect w/o incident. This PC connected when running Windows 2000, only developing a problem when upgrading to Win XP. Third installation now (first was an upgrade, subsequent 2 were new installs) Even after installing all SP upgrades, the printer install utility still isn't working.

Next to Surferdude2
I've checked all the setups I can think of and they appear to be working properly. Obviously, that isn't the case or it would be working. I don't know of a way to reset all services to default other than to accept default settings during an install. Is there a utility or (??) which you know of to reset them?

This unit is a laptop with an Intel P4-2.0 processor, 512 MB RAM and 40 GB HD. The only other option I see open to me is to reinstall W2K and forget XP.
Scott

 

scarroll--You can see your Services settings by Start|Run|type services.msc|OK. If Application Management Service is not set as Manual in the StartUp Type column, right click on whatever setting is indicated, then Properties and change to Manual.
Going back to your original question: Other than the possibility that the printer might not be compatible with WinXP, I regret I have nothing else to offer other than this long list of possible solutions from Google.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...result&cd=1&q=spooler+subsystem+error&spell=1

P.S. I have never seen a method to reset all Services to Default.
An helpful guide to Services is http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm
I seem to remember that I emailed The Elder Geek once and he responded. Maybe he would again if you contacted him.

 

never mind. my booboo

 

Hey all,
Thanks for your suggestions, but I finally just gave up on Windows XP and reinstalled Windows 2000. No more spooler errors, all my printers install and work perfectly.

Scott