Windows 7 local printing subsystem. Error: The local printing subsystem is not running - what to do and how to fix it

If the printer does not work because the xp operating system does not see it, or the system complains about the print manager, then first you should try restarting both the printing device and personal computer. If the system still does not see the printer, then you need to completely scan all drives of your PC for malware.

For this purpose, you can use any high-quality and popular antivirus or some special antivirus utility, for example, Microsoft Safety Scanner, Dr.Web CureIt, AVZ, etc. With their help, you can scan the entire volume in a fairly short period of time. hard drive, find viruses and deal with them.

If a task like “printing subsystem is unavailable windows xp how to fix” is still relevant and thus, scanning your PC for viruses did not help you, then you can check your hard drive on another computer. Those. Perhaps the cause of the error is not the xp operating system itself. To do this, you just need to remove the HDD from system unit and connect it to another computer that is in full working order.

Checking the integrity of system files

If the system does not see the printer or the print test page is not printed correctly, then you would do well to check XP for system errors. For this purpose, you only need to log into the installed on your PC operating system with administrator rights, then open “Run” using the hotkey combination “Win ​​+ R”. Then in the small window that appears, enter CMD and this way you will have access to the command line.

In the window that appears with a black background, enter the command “sfc /scannow”. With this simple action, you will launch a procedure aimed at checking for errors and problems in all protected system files. All detected faults will be automatically corrected.

After graduation this process Note whether your printer has become visible or not. If troubleshooting system files does not resolve the issue the desired result, then go to further actions described below.
Emptying the Printers Folder

If a normally installed and connected device suddenly ceases to be accessible due to the fact that the OS does not see the printer, then try deleting the entire contents of the “Printers” folder. To do this, go to the “C” drive to the following path WINDOWS\system32\spool\. Find the “Printers” folder there and delete all the files you find there. Restart your PC, and then try printing a few test sheets.

System rollback

To resolve the print subsystem inaccessibility issue that prevents XP from seeing the printer, you can try rolling back the system to a previous restore point. Typically, such points should be set automatically - if the “default” mode is selected. If you have not disabled it, then follow these steps:

1. Go through “Start” to the “Programs” => “Accessories” menu and find the “Utilities” item there.
2. In the list that opens, find the item related to system recovery and run it.
3. On the right side of the new window, click on Restore your PC to an earlier state and select Next.
4. In the new window you need to select control point recovery - select the day on which your PC worked in absolutely normal mode and when you quietly printed necessary documents. Click on "Next".
5. Read all the information provided in a new window, taking it into account and clicking on “Next”, wait until the system recovery comes to an end.

Print queue problem

It happens that normal communication between the printer and the computer system is not established due to the print manager.

• To check for this possible source of the problem, right-click the computer icon on your desktop or Start menu and go to Control.
• In the new window that opens, go to the “Services” tab, where a list of all utilities running on a PC.
• Find “print manager” there and pay attention to what mode it is in. In fact, its operating mode should be “Working”, and the startup type should be “Auto”. If this is not the case, then set the options listed, and then try printing several documents.

Driver problems

If none of the above helped and XP stopped seeing the printer, then try uninstalling the printer drivers and installing them again. To do this, go to “Printers and Faxes”, click on “File” in the new window and select “Server Properties”. Open the drivers tab and, having selected the printer you need, uninstall its software. Then insert the disk that came with the device and install the drivers from it. If there is no disk, then download them. Wait for them to install and try a test print.

As a last resort, try replacing the following files responsible for printing in Windows XP: spoolsv.exe, spoolss.dll, sfc.exe, sfc.dll, sfc_os.dll, sfcfiles.dll. To do this, you need to take them from another “healthy” computer.

Periodically occurring “bugs” never cease to amaze Windows users– this is the most popular operating system on the planet. This time the problem concerns the local printing subsystem, which does not run in Windows 7.

A series of complaints from OS users to the company's support service led to the latter having to provide intelligible comments with recommendations for correcting the error.

What is the essence of the problem? When you try to install the printer using standard procedure, Windows displays a message that the associated local print service cannot be started. Well, if it doesn’t work, then installing the printer is impossible. By looking at the window with the list of services, you can make sure that the “print manager” has the “starting” status. Manually restarting this service does not bring any results - the user receives the same error message.

Those who have dealt with this problem offer two ways to solve it:

• Reassigning the Print Manager task status
• Manually creating a new port and assigning it to the printer.

We treat the “print manager”

The local printer printing subsystem is nothing more than Windows service called "Print Manager". You can get to this service and make sure that it is running or find that it is unavailable by following the following path: “Control Panel” -> “Administration” -> “Services”.

Scrolling through the list until you find a name required service, open the window with its properties and select the “Automatic” value in the “Startup type” drop-down list. Then click on the start button (if it is active, if not, we do nothing), close the administration window and return to installing the printer again.

More often this method allows you to solve the problem - the printer is installed and working in Windows. But under certain circumstances this does not happen and local printing is still not available. It is believed that the source of this problem lies in the clogging of the so-called spool. There are even recommendations for cleaning it, which, however, we will not need. So, if the printer is still not installed, move on to the next instructions.

Assigning a port

The Windows operating system has a so-called system of “ports”, certain areas in the computer memory through which interaction with external devices, like a printer. Each device is assigned its own port. This is exactly what we do when solving a problem with the local printer subsystem in the case when it is unavailable or not running for one reason or another.

We perform the following sequence of simple operations:

In principle, this is all you need to know to cope with any difficulties encountered during installation.

Only very inexperienced user The computer seems that the operating system's printing subsystem is simple and works flawlessly, regardless of user actions, OS settings and printer type.

Experienced programmers who have lived through the reign of MS-DOS know very well what great difficulties you face when you try to print a document on a printer controlled by this ancient console axis. It would seem that the new generation of “operating systems” and printing equipment should completely relieve computer owners from problems of this kind. Well, not really.

Problems still occur, although for reasons different from those that caused printing failures previously. Let's look at the circumstances under which the printing subsystem is not available in Windows XP. Here is a far from complete list:

• The system is infected with a virus.
• "Broken" system files.
• Malfunctions in the printing subsystem itself.

As we proceed, we will discuss all three alternatives and offer specific recommendations for correcting the situation and restoring software printing mechanisms in Windows. So, as Winnie the Pooh used to say, let's start at the beginning and finish at the end. Please be patient and follow our instructions carefully.

Reason one: virus attack on the system

Viruses are one of the main causes of failure in the document printing mechanism. Availability in the system firewall is not enough to prevent this type of attack. After all, the infection could have entered the system not through the network, but in another way, for example, together with Office documents, transferred to the computer from a flash drive. We are talking about so-called VBA viruses written in the built-in office language Microsoft package Office. To clean hard drive from such pests, you need to use some more serious tool. Here is a small list of them:

There is one interesting way do two things at once: make sure that the printing error is caused by problems in Windows itself (and not the hardware), and at the same time print the required documents, without waiting to find out the reasons for the inoperability of the print server.

It consists of creating in advance bootable USB flash drive with an axle on board (optional Windows family). Then start the computer and try to print documents.

We treat the system

A virus attack or other manipulation could cause damage to system files. Including those responsible for creating hard copies on the printer. You can treat the system using the command line interface. To do this, open a console window and enter the command into it, as in the figure shown below:

As a result, the OS will not only scan system files, but also replace damaged ones with backup copies. Finally, the problem may also be that the print service is simply not running.

To find out if this is so and to make the service available, open the “Control Panel” window => “Administration” => “Services” and look for the line “Print Spooler” in the list. Double-click on this line and check the activity of the service. If it is deactivated, click on the “Start” button.

A very common error is the printing subsystem is not available in Windows XP, and sometimes in Windows 7 you can encounter the same problem. At the same time, it is impossible to print anything because everything is interrupted by a characteristic problem. Sometimes it happens that immediately after restarting the computer, you manage to print 1-2 documents, and then everything stops.

We hasten to please you, the printing subsystem is not available in XP - this is most likely systemic problem, usually the printer is not the main problem of the problem. Again, on some devices this problem occurs more often than others, but printer repair is usually not required, it is enough to full reboot printing systems.

The printing subsystem is unavailable, how can I fix the error?

Method 1: Scan your computer for viruses

If the print subsystem is unavailable, how can I fix the error? There are several main reasons for this failure. The first point we will highlight is viruses; in the vast majority of cases they become the cause of this problem and more. Even if you manage to fix the problem without studying and complete removal reasons, it won't give full result because the error will still return, and even with the consequences of a deeper infection.

There are 2 main methods of fighting viruses in the system, both involve using antivirus programs. The first, more effective, but also complex method is to use a LiveCD application, which should be run under Windows, this makes the work of the antivirus easier and the chances of achieving the goal are much greater. Another option that will suit most users is to simply download the program, you can use Kaspersky or Dr. Web.

Method 2: System Integrity Check

The printing subsystem is not available in Windows XP - the reason for this is often in the system plane of the OS itself, that is, there are some files that have been replaced, damaged or missing. Without full Windows it's hard to count on correct operation not only the printing media, but also other elements.

The printing subsystem is unavailable, how can I fix it? – The best remedy sfc:

1. Click on Start and select the “Accessories” category;
2. Find the “Command Prompt” element and right click on it;

1. Select "Run as";
2. Select the column " Account specified user" and specify an account with Administrator rights;

1. Paste sfc team/scannow.

After the verification process, which may take for a long time, you should check the operation of the printer, there is a possibility that this action is sufficient.

Another option for checking the health of the system is the official Microsoft utility Easy Fix It. It does not require any action from the user and checks not only the correct state of the OS, but also the system settings. If there were failures in the service, the program will also help overcome the problem.

Method 3: Check the Print Spooler

There is a special service that is responsible for the correct distribution and construction of the document printing list, it is called the Print Spooler. This is very important element, without it the printer will not work correctly. To check that the service is configured correctly:

1. Click on Start;
2. RMB on “My Computer” and select the “Manage” option;
3. In the menu on the left, select “Services and Applications”;
4. Then go to Services;
5. Among the list you need to find “Print Spooler”;
6. Check that the “Startup Type” is set to Auto and the “Status” is indicated as “Running”;
7. If you find any different parameters in point 6, then double click open the “Properties” of the service and change the principle of its operation to the appropriate one.

Another method is discussed: the printing subsystem is not available in Windows XP, how to fix it, but the main, usually key place is not mentioned, and this is the driver.

Method 4: Reinstall the driver

Unable to complete printing, is the printing subsystem unavailable? In this case, you also need to pay attention to the incorrect operation of the device drivers. Alas, like any system, drivers have failures, which are expressed in a variety of ways, including this error.

To reinstall drivers you need to do:

1. Click on Start and right-click on “My Computer”, where select “Properties”;
2. Follow the link “Device Manager”;
3. Expand the “Printers” category, it may be called “Printing Devices”;

1. Double-click to open the device information and go to the “Drivers” section;
2. Click on “Delete” and turn off the printer itself;
3. Then reconnect it probably new installation drivers will help in the situation, but if this is not the case, then you will have to go to the official website of the printer manufacturer and download them from there.

You can also use alternative method, so go from the “Control Panel” to the “Devices and Printers” section. Remove all devices that the system remembers, especially pay attention to the item corresponding to the problem printer.

Method 5: Manual system setup

Some Windows files XP changes, in particular due to viruses, including the fundamental elements of the print center. If previously through command line or Fix It was not possible to set the correct value for all system parameters, you will have to do it manually.

Go to the C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS partition and delete the destination directory completely so that there is nothing left in it. Returning back to the system32 folder, find the elements sfc_os.dll (the correct file weighs 140 kb), sfcfiles.dll, sfc.exe, sfc.dll. If necessary, you need to replace the files that were listed earlier; you can take them from another, similar OS or from backup folder Windows\DllCache.

Despite the fact that Windows XP has not been supported for a long time, not all users have even the latest updates outdated system, you need to update and, preferably, install the latest Service Pack 3.

At some stage, the printer must work, since we have created fertile ground for its activity, the only thing that needs to be noted is that you should not rush, it is better to complete each procedure and only after that try to start printing again.

If you still have questions on the topic “How to fix the “Print subsystem is unavailable” error in Windows XP?”, you can ask them in the comments

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Windows is an operating system to which even experienced user sometimes there are many questions. This time the topic is about printer failure. Repeated requests for a detailed explanation of how to fix this problem led to the writing of this article.

What is this problem? The gist of it is that if Windows 7 fails, the local printing subsystem does not run. This means that when you install the printer using normal steps, your operating system displays a printer error or a message that local printing cannot be started. As a result, it is impossible to install the printer itself. But when you go to the list of services, you are convinced that the dispatcher is in the start-up state, and you cannot restart it manually, because the problem does not disappear after that.

Having dealt with this error, we found several ways out of the unpleasant situation, in addition to the following two:

Now let's look at other ways to troubleshoot the problem.

Checking the print manager

When you try to print a document, your OS fails because local system printing cannot be performed. The first thing you should do is start checking your print service and make sure it is enabled. To do this, follow these steps: go to the menu "Start", chapter "Control Panel" and go to "Administration" which is in the service "System and Security".

After completing the steps you need to go to the category "Services" and find . In the column "Startup type" status should be indicated "Automatically", and in "Service status" - "In progress". If you observe any other entries in these columns, then they must be corrected to those written above, and then recheck the operation of the printer. If after these steps the problem is not resolved, you should continue setting up your computer. The next step is to check for viruses on your computer.

Virus scanning

If everything you did earlier did not help, and the system again does not print, then you need to check your PC for viruses that are interfering with the system, which can affect the printing process, slowing down or blocking it. For this check, you need to have an antivirus with system databases on your computer latest updates. How antivirus options can be offered ESET NOD 32, Dr. Web, Kaspersky or any other time-tested antivirus.

There are two ways to initiate a scan of our system. Firstly, you can launch it from your antivirus interface. Secondly, it is possible to check the specific information we are interested in local disk, and this is usually a disk "C", since the operating system and drivers must be installed on it. To check you need to go to "My computer", select disk "C" and check it by right-clicking and then selecting the item we need in the context menu.

To be as precise as possible, we are interested in the integrity of files and libraries such as sfc.dll, sfc_os.dll, sfc.exe, and sfcfiles.dll, which can be found in the folder Windows\system32. If specified files damaged or missing, you need to find them backups, which are in the folder Windows\winsxs. The next step is to clear the print queue.

Cleaning the print queue

As a consequence of the printer's refusal to execute the print command, another factor may be that the print queue commands that you ran earlier are stuck. To clean them and set up the printer in working order, you need to clean the folder "Printers", which is on disk "C" in the directory Windows\system32\spool\.

Attention! Access to the “Printers” folder can be denied or allowed, but cannot be deleted. In this case, you need to re-login to the system. safe mode and clean out the above folder. After completing these steps, you need to restart the computer and start the OS in normal mode, after which the problem should disappear.

If after all the obstacles have been overcome, namely, checking the computer with an antivirus and trying to start In the active state, you still receive a message that the printing system is unavailable, then the most effective solution would be to perform a system rollback. This is done for the entire operating system to absolutely working version. The method helps to return the computer to the state when there were no problems with the printer at all.

But this method, alas, is only possible if you have activated the system recovery function. You can check its status like this: click on the shortcut "My computer" right mouse button, after which you will see context menu. In this section you need to select the item "Properties". The next step is to open the tab "System protection", and if you have a modified version, then . In status "State" we need a recording "Observation". If the system is “watching”, that is, active, it creates restore points, and rolling back to a working state will be a very simple task.

Reinstalling the Printer

And the last option for starting the printer is to reinstall it!

If the above steps did not help, and the computer recovery function was disabled, and your OS still informs you that the printing system is unavailable, then reinstalling the printer will most likely help you. For of this action you need to completely clean your computer of old drivers and download them again. If you can't find installation disk, then below is a diagram according to which you can do everything.

Installing a local printer in the operating room Windows system 7 if there is no installation disk:

After this, the drivers should be installed and the printer will start working properly!

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