Windows 8 printers installs as unspecified

Hi

I have installed five windows 8 laptops this week and the last one fails on printer install.

All printers that i install , network , local or software printers like One note printer all end up unspecified printer.

Anyone ? 

Thanks

Niklas

August 23rd, 2013 2:52am

Hi,

This issue may be caused by incompatible printer drivers.

First, please delete all drivers from Devices and Printers -> Printer Server Properties -> Drivers.

Then open device manager, and locate your printer, right click it to update the driver to check the issue.

Since Microsoft update may not get the latest driver for some devices, if the above steps dont resolve you issue, please go to your printer manufacturer site and find the driver for manually installation.

Please pay attention to your system type (32-bit or 64-bit) and make sure to download the proper driver.

If there is any update on this issue, please let me know.

Hope these could be helpful.

Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
August 26th, 2013 5:35am

Hi Kate

I did your trix and it did not work!

Did a windows refresh and it works , but now i have the same problem when need to add another printer.

Any more tips ? 

Br Niklas


September 12th, 2013 8:55am

Hi,

After adding printer as unspecified one, I suggest you check the device status from Device Manager. What does it show? Can you view the printer properties from Device and Printers?

Meanwhile, please clear the printer queue for a test.

1. Stop the Spooler service first

2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spoolsv.exe, Right click -> select Properties -> Click on Security Tab -> Advanced -> Owner. Take ownership of the file and give full permission to the file.

3. Once done, close everything and try to start the service again.

4. Open command prompt with Admin. Type the following command

 del /Q C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS\*.*

5. Once done, try to start the spooler in Services

Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
September 23rd, 2013 2:21am

What does take ownership of the file mean?

And how is that done?

There weren't any obvious things to click on.

Is there not an easier way to add a printer?

Why is it so difficult to connect printer and get it to work!!

very frustrating that I have had to spend over an hour fiddling with my computer just to add a printer!!


May 4th, 2015 6:30pm

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