Printers not in Printers Folder

[rtshort]

I have a strange problem with a Vista Business laptop.

If you go to File>Print in Word or something, there are 4 printers that show up. In the Printers Folder there are none. If I try to install a printer, I get a message that it's already installed.

Even though they show up in File>Print they will not print. I get a message that Windows Explorer has stopped working.

Anyone have a clue?

Rob
Just my $.02.

 

[BadBigBen]

Insert your Vista install DVD into the available optical drive...

start a CLI window (START >> RUN >> CMD >> RETURN (or click OK))...

type SFC /SCANNOW & Hit Return...

....

one or more system files may have gotten corrupted and the above will fix that issue...

post back if it helped or not...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[linney]

Have you looked at the Print Spooler Service in Services to see if that is set for Automatic and is actually started and running?

If there is a problem with that Service have a look at this thread for possible fixes.

Stopping of the Print Spooler
thread779-686557

 

[rtshort]

Hi Ben, sorry I'm so long in getting back to you. Unfortunatly I didn't have the chance to try your suggestion. He sent it back and had it reloaded with a new HD.

It had been worked on and sent back when I got my hands on it. I had to do a chkdsk, booting from CD, for it to even boot. It had bad places on the HD. Since it was working he just kept using it despite my urging him to get it replaced.

I would imagine that you were correct in that the HD was failing though.

Thanks for the help guys.

Rob
Just my $.02.