Error message when you try to start the Print Spooler service on a Windows XP-based computer: "Error 1075" (915168)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2002
Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify 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 try to start the Microsoft Print Spooler service on a Windows XP-based computer, you receive the following error message:
Could not start the Print Spooler service on Local Computer. Error 1075: The dependency service does not exist or has been marked for deletion.
Additionally, an event that is similar to the following is logged in the System event log:Event Type: Error
Event Source: Service Control Manager
Event Category: None
Event ID: 7003
Date: Date
Time: Time
User: N/A
Computer: Computer Name
Description: The Print Spooler service depends on the following nonexistent service: Service Name
For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://support.microsoft.com.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the following conditions are true:
  • A printer or a fax machine adds itself as a Print Spooler dependency during installation.
  • The printer or the fax machine is then removed or incorrectly installed.
This leaves the printer or the fax machine as a dependency that is unavailable.

RESOLUTION

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
  2. In Registry Editor, locate and then click the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Spooler

  3. Right-click the DependOnService value, and then click Modify.
  4. In the Value data box, delete the event that is mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.

    Note Typically, RPCSS is the only service that is in the DependOnService value.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/22/2006
Keywords:kbSpooler kbService kbprint kbtshoot kbfix kberrmsg kbExpertiseBeginner kbprb KB915168 kbAudEndUser
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