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Printing-can print test page from computer but cannot print from applications.

Anonymous
2013-11-21T03:55:00+00:00

Three weeks ago, my Windows 7 64 bit computer had stopped printing to my Brother printer and also "save to pdf" options.  I can print a test page from "printer properties" from my computer. I also can print from "Notepad". I cannot print from Word, Excel, Quickbooks, Google Chrome, or any pdf files. When I choose "print" from an application, the program just sits there until I hit "control alt delete" to start the task manager where it tells me that my program is "not responding".  

I have searched the internet for solutions and have

-run the Microsoft troubleshooter (no problems found)

-uninstalled and reinstalled the printer drivers (many times)

-run every sort of legitimate antivirus and malware programs I can find

-stopped and started the print spooler

-updated Windows

Yes, my printer is listed as my default printer. Yes, it is shared on the network.  No, there are no jobs in the print queue.  Yes, I have tried wireless as well as plugged in the cable directly to my computer.  My computer and printer have worked together for many years until recently.  

When I was desperate to print two weeks ago, I did a system restore to an earlier date that I knew that printing worked. That did the trick and I was able to print for a week or so, now I am back to not being able to print.  Oh, and I should note this-- all of the other computers in my house are able to print just fine.  

It is not my printer.  It has got to be something with this computer as I cannot print to the physical printer nor the "save to pdf" options.  Please help before I go hunting for a big hammer.  ;-)

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-21T18:00:12+00:00

    Update Adobe software.

    1. Click Start, type “services.msc” and hit Enter.
    2. Scroll down to Print spooler.
    3. Right-click Print spooler, then select Properties.
    4. Select the Log On tab, and uncheck the Allow service to interact with desktop setting.

     (Microsoft recommends that you do not change the Allow service to interact with desktop setting. If you allow the service to interact with the desktop, any information that the service displays on the desktop will also be displayed on an interactive user's desktop. A malicious user could then take control of the service or attack it from the interactive desktop).

    1. Once you have uncheck this setting, select the General tab and click "Start" (the Print Spooler should be able to start without popping up the Error 1053 again).

    Source Gwen 2012 http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/profile/fb3e08a2-3038-4a44-b173-a4122e98c9b3

    50+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-25T16:28:54+00:00

    Thanks!  I tried this but it still didn't fix my problem.  :-(  

    I read over the link also -- very interesting thread.  

    I am about ready to throw this computer out into the street during a rainy rush hour.

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-21T16:10:59+00:00

    Hi Amy,

    The issue could have happened due to some Windows Updates. When you performed a System restore to an earlier date then that Windows update would have been gone. Again after some time the Windows Update would have installed and caused the print not to work.

    We can uninstall that Windows Update and check if the Printer works fine.

    Check which Windows updates have been installed from the time when printer worked till now.

    **http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows7/see-which-windows-updates-are-installed**

    Please reply if you have any questions.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-25T16:48:05+00:00

    Amy

    Before uninstalling updates which have to be reinstalled lets look at what is going on as recorded by Event Viewer.

    Please upload and share with everyone copies of your System and Application logs from your Event Viewer to your Sky Drive and post a link here.

    To access the System log select Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer, from the list in the left side of the window select Windows Logs and System. Place the cursor on System, select Action from the Menu and Save All Events as (the default evtx file type) and give the file a name. Do the same for the Applications log. Do not provide filtered files.

    For help with Sky Drive see paragraph 9.3:

    http://www.gerryscomputertips.co.uk/MicrosoftCommunity1.htm

    http://www.gerryscomputertips.co.uk/syserrors5.htm

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2013-11-25T21:40:12+00:00

    Try installing OpenOffice.  It has better functionality with Windows format files than Office 2000 does, and it's free software.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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