"Spoolsv.exe Has Generated an Error" Error Message on Computer Connected to a Lexmark Printer (305362)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
This article was previously published under Q305362
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you start a computer that runs Windows 2000 and that is connected to a Lexmark printer, you may receive the following error message:
Spoolsv.exe has generated an error
The Print Spooler service may be stopped. Also, if you try to view the properties of the printer, you may receive an error message that says that the print subsystem is unavailable.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if your Windows 2000-based computer has a Lexmark printer driver that is designed for use with Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows NT.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To resolve this issue, remove the registry key for the Lexmark printer, and then make sure that you use only the Lexmark printer driver that is designed for use with Windows 2000:
  1. Start Registry Editor (Regedit.exe).
  2. Locate and then remove the following key from the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Print\Printers\Lexmark printer

  3. Quit Registry Editor, and then restart the computer.
  4. Make sure that you use only the Lexmark printer driver that is designed for Windows 2000.

MORE INFORMATION

This issue may also apply to printer drivers from other printer manufacturers.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/19/2003
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb kbprint kbsetup KB305362
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