Print spooler service failed to start
You cannot print from your computer. If you try to configure or reinstall your printer driver, you receive a message that says that the spooler service is stopped. When you try to start the Print Spooler service, you receive the message: "Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start."
Solution
Method 1
Verify that that the Print Spooler service, and all the services that it depends on, are correctly installed and running.
- Open the Services Management Console (click Start, Run and enter services.msc).
- Double-click the Print Spooler service to open its Properties window.
- On the General tab, check that Startup type is Automatic.
- Select the Dependencies tab.
- Note all of the dependent services listed, then close the Print Spooler Properties window.
- Repeat the above steps for the dependent services noted.
If any of the dependent services are missing or cannot be started, try uninstalling all installed printer drivers and then reinstalling them.
If this method cannot be completed or does not resolve the problem, try Method 2.
Method 2
Remove all Print Spooler service dependencies other than the Remote Procedure Call service.
- Click Start, Run and enter sc config spooler depend= RPCSS (there must be a space after "=" but not before it.)
By removing the other dependencies the Print Spooler service should be able to run, but the printer functionality may be affected, and it may be necessary to reinstall the printer drivers.
Applies to
- Microsoft Windows 2000
- Microsoft Windows XP
