Like many computer problems, printer queue issues seem to crop up at the most inopportune moments. Thankfully, Alpha Laser Richmond Corp. is here to help. For nearly 25 years, they have offered dedicated PC and printer repair services as well as ink cartridge recycling to those in the Greater Staten Island, NY, area. If you're using Windows® and your printer queue is stuck, they have two solutions for you. 

Before attempting these methods, though, Alpha Laser Richmond Corp. suggest first checking for physical issues, such as low ink/toner, an empty paper tray, or a paper jam. If none of these are the case, try restarting the printer. If restarting it still doesn't work, move on to the following.

Stop, Clear, & Restart the Print Spooler

To avoid canceling jobs in the printer queue, you'll need to stop, clear, and restart the print spooler. To do this, open the "Services" app; this can be accessed by clicking the "Start" button and searching for "Services." Once there, scroll down until you find "Print Spooler." Right-click it and select "Stop." After it has been stopped, minimize the "Services" app window.

Next, open up "File Explorer." There should be a shortcut in the taskbar, which looks like a file folder, or you can access it the same way as the "Services" app. After opening File Explorer, type in "C:\Windows\System32\Spool\PRINTERS" into the address bar. Delete everything from the folder. Exit "File Explorer."

Return to "Services" and right-click "Print Spooler." This time, select "Restart." The printer queue should begin printing your documents immediately.

Restart or Cancel Some Printing Jobs

If clearing the print spooler doesn't work, you'll need to handle the jobs in the queue. To access the printer queue, click "Start" and type in "Devices and Printers."  Once you've opened it, locate the printer that's stuck, right-click, and select "See What's Printing."

Usually, the first printing job in the queue, the earliest one, is the one causing the issue. Don't cancel this immediately; instead, right-click and select "Restart." If it doesn't start printing, select "Cancel." The next file should start printing, but if the same problem persists, you may need to repeat the process for all the documents.

In the event neither method works, the problem may be with the drivers for the printer or the machine itself. For those in the Greater Staten Island area, Alpha Laser Richmond Corp. would be more than happy to help. You can schedule a printer repair appointment online or by calling (718) 317-1263. Other than printers, they also service desktop PCs and laptops, so don't hesitate to contact them.