What is a Spoolsv.exe Error?

in Windows

The spoolsv.exe is a system file that Microsoft Windows uses to control the printing process on all versions of windows. The file is located in C:\Windows\System32.

This service handles all of the necessary printing and faxing tasks so that the user can continue to work. The service handles spooling the document to the print processor so it can be formatted in the correct printer display language, then the service routes the formatted document to the actual print device the user selected.

Can the Spoolsv.exe File be a Virus?

Yes, it can be a virus, Trojan or worm. In fact if that file is located anywhere other than the C:\Windows\System32 folder, it most likely is some form of malware. The official Microsoft system file is always located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. According to Symantec, there are three viruses that use the spoolsv.exe filename. They are the following viruses:

  • Backdoor.Ciadoor.B
  • VBS.Masscal.Worm (vbs
  • Hacktool.Privshell

I recommend that you first run a complete anti-virus and spyware scan of your computer to eliminate the possibility that the error is being caused by a malware infestation.

What Causes a Spoolsv.exe Error?

It is usually caused by having too many .SHD and .SPL files in the spool directory. These are the files that the service creates to save the necessary data for a print job. The .SHD holds the configuration information for the print job and the .SPL has all of the drawing instructions about how the page should be rendered by the printer.

When an error occurs you may get a warning notice similar to the one show below

It may also read:

  • Spoolsv.exe – Application Error
  • The instruction at “0x77fcc2c0″ referenced memory at “0×00000000
  • The memory could not be written

How to Fix a Spoolsv.exe Error

In order to fix the problem, you will need to delete all of the unnecessary files. If you are using an XP computer, perform the following steps:

  1. Select Start->Control Panel -> Administrative Tools
  2. When the window opens, click on the Services Icon
  3. Scroll down and highlight the Print Spooler then right click and select STOP as shown below
  4. Then open the C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS folder (assuming you have the default location of your windows operating system)
  5. Delete as .SHD and .SPL files in this folder
  6. Next open the TMP folder and delete everything in this folder
  7. Lastly, go back to the services window, right click on the Print Spooler service and select Start

Please note: that if you cannot delete these files, try restarting in safe mode and then perform the steps listed above again in safe mode. To start you PC in safe mode, press F8 at restart and then select Safe Mode from the Windows Advanced Options Menu.

What if None of that Works?

If the problem persists after performing all of the suggestions I made above, the only recourse you have it to perform a system restore. You can do that by:

  1. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System
  2. Then select the System Restore option
  3. When the Restore window opens, select the Restore my computer to an earlier time option then select Next
  4. On the Select Restore Point screen, select the date that represents the restore point to which you want to roll back your computer and then select Next
  5. Finally, verify and then click Next again to confirm your restore point
  6. Restart your PC when prompted and press OK to close the system restore completion screen

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