Windows 7 - Add printer does not work

I recently tried to install a new printer on a laptop running Windows 7 Ultimate.  After trying this, I can no longer add a new printer or print to my existing printers.  If I try to add a new printer, a message appears saying:

Cannot install the printer.  The print processor does not exist.

If I try to print to an existing printer, the computer claims that the printer does not exist.  Is it a good way to "reset" the Windows printing subsystem?  I'm really at my intelligence end with this question and don't want to be forced to reinstall Windows to correct this problem.

I checked the Windows spooler service and it is running and doesn't seem to be generating errors in the event viewer.  I also met some previous posts that said you may be able to install a new printer with a generic driver first and then change it, but it does not.  Eventually a recommendation on how to fix this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Hi AnimeDayDreamer,

(a) what is the brand of your printer that you are trying to install?
 
(b) you are trying to connect the printer to a network?
 
Use your administrator account to install the printer and print.

If this does not help, temporarily disable all security software and then try to install the printer and print from the printer, follow the steps mentioned below
 
 

Note: Allow all security software after you perform the troubleshooting steps.
If disabling the security software doesn't help, printer Uninstall completely from programs and features. After that, restart the computer and re-install the latest compatible drivers and check if you are able to install.
If nothing helps, you can create a new user account and install the printer.

Create a new user account
 
Aziz Nadeem - Microsoft Support

Tags: Windows

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