Windows (XP) and Printers

I often have problems with Windows when I add or remove printers.  When I try to install new or reinstalling deleted printers I get that generic irritating message "Windows cannot connect to printer."  This is especially irritating when I am reinstalling a printer because it stopped working so I know that Windows used to connect to it. 

In the past I have used two solutions, to use either you must run as an administrator:
1.  clear all spool files  (stuck, cannot print)
2.  clean the spooler install

To clear all spooled  files:

This will have you stop the print spooler, delete the spool files then start the print spooler.

1. Open the Service administrator: Start->Run->services.msc
2. Locate the Print Spool service-> right click, select stop
3. Open a  commaind window: Start->Run->cmd
• cd c:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS
• del *.*
4. Go back to the services window
5. Locate the Print Spool service-> right click, select start 

Clean the spooler install:

This will have you download and install the windows resource kit tools, then run the spool cleaner.   n.b.  you will have to reinstall *all* printers

1. Download Windows 2003 Resource Kit tools
2. Install the downloaded file rktools.exe
3. Open a  commaind window: Start->Run->cmd
• cd c:\Program Files\Windows Resource Kits\Tools
• cleanspl.exe
• You will have to select a computer name (yours)
• Do not delete the 'Standard TCP/IP Port' print monitor nor the 'USB Monitor' print monitor
4. Reboot your system
5. Reinstall all of your printers