Files in Spooler Folder Not Printed

If you are experiencing issues with files in the spooler folder not being printed, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. The spooler folder is a temporary storage location for print jobs before they are sent to the printer. When files get stuck in the spooler folder, it can prevent new print jobs from being processed.

Step 1: Clear the Print Spooler

The first step is to clear the print spooler, which will remove any stuck print jobs from the spooler folder. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "services.msc" and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down and locate the "Print Spooler" service.
4. Right-click on the "Print Spooler" service and select "Stop".
5. Minimize the Services window and open File Explorer.
6. Navigate to the following folder: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
7. Delete all the files in the PRINTERS folder.
8. Maximize the Services window again, right-click on the "Print Spooler" service, and select "Start".

After completing these steps, try printing a test page to see if the issue is resolved.

Step 2: Update Printer Drivers

Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can also cause issues with printing. To update your printer drivers, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type "Device Manager".
2. Click on "Device Manager" from the search results to open the Device Manager window.
3. Expand the "Print queues" category.
4. Right-click on your printer and select "Update driver".
5. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.

Once the printer drivers are updated, try printing again to check if the issue is resolved.

Step 3: Restart the Print Spooler Service

If the issue persists, you can try restarting the print spooler service. Here's how:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "services.msc" and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down and locate the "Print Spooler" service.
4. Right-click on the "Print Spooler" service and select "Restart".

After the service restarts, attempt to print a document to see if the problem has been resolved.

If none of the above steps solve the issue, it is recommended to contact your printer manufacturer's support or seek assistance from a professional technician.

References