I cant add a printer on XP, spooler not running

Doublespresso

Hi
I have been able to print from my laptop through my network to a printer connected to a remote PC for years no probs.

Recently I wasn't able to do so, I got a message that the spooler is not running. I checked the services and it IS running! (I stopped, re-started etc etc)

I deleted the printer and I tried to install the same printer directly to the laptop and it works fine. However if the printer is connected to a remote PC, I can't find it although I can see the network, so I cant "add a new printer" again.

Its not a firewall issue as I disabled both firewalls (laptop and remote PC)

I can only think its a driver issue, and I *think* it happened after I installed a portable scanner (but not 100% sure)

I don't know how to resolve it. Googled around and there are a few suggestions which I tried but didn't work.

So I refer it to my fellow MSEs who often prove to be the best place for help!
Can anyone think of what it could be or guide me where to look or what to do?
Thanks in advance

Doublespresso

anyone please?

mdbarber

did you check the spooler service on the remote computer, try re-instlling it on the connected machine and make sure it's shared properly and both units are running same level of driver

Doublespresso

I've re-installed the printer on both computers. The printer works if connected directly but not when I try to connect via the network.
yes, the Printer is shared

What do you mean "same level of driver"?

mdbarber

sorry simply meant same version, also on the pc's make sure printer and file sharing is allowed, in the firewall.
As you have installed printer locally you have made the redirection to network printer?
As a poss workround (not 100% sure) but if windows printer sharing relies on netbios you can redirect this thru the ipx protocol as the tcp ip sometimes screws up and won't repair itself properly
Go into tcpip properties and disable netbios over tcp/ip then install ipx protocol and reboot.