Print Spooler

I've been searching the entire web and can't find the answer that works. I have a Dell desktop that is about a year old. The past two weeks my printer has been going out. I've traced it down to the fact that my print spooler doesn't start on startup. I can turn it on and everything is fine, but when i reboot my machine it doesn't turn back on.

I've tried using the Command Prompt as an administrator and I keep getting Error 5 no matter what I do. I've removed my Kaspersky antivirus and had no luck. Now i can't reinstall it. I also can't install the FixIt center from microsoft.

I've already tried the following tasks with no luck. Any suggestions?

Things to try when print spooler won't start
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Command Pronpt

sc config spooler depend= RPCSS
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Method 1:
Step 1: First verify the status and startup of Remote Procedure Call and Remote Procedure Call Locator
The RPC (Remote Procedure Call) and Remote Procedure Call Locator service in Services should be started and the startup type should be set to Automatic.
a. Press Windows key + R and type services.msc and press Enter.
b. In the Services window, find Remote Procedure Call and Remote Procedure Call locator, right click on it to select Properties.
c. Under the General tab make sure the Startup type is Automatic and the Service status says Started.
Step 2:Temporarily Disable the Third Party Security Program.
If you have installed any third party security program, I would suggest you to contact the technical support of the Security program and temporarily disable the software.
Note: Antivirus software can help protect the computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you should not disable the antivirus software. If you do have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you are connected to the Internet or a network during the time the antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.
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Method 2:
Clear Printer Spooler files and enable the Spooler service.
a) Press Windows key + R and type services.msc and press Enter.
b) Double-click Printer Spooler in the Services list.
c) Click Stop and click OK.
d) Press Windows key + R, type %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers and press Enter. Delete all files in this folder.
e) Now, go to “Services” again. Double click Printer Spooler.
f) On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.
g) If the service is not already running, under Service status, click Start, and then click OK.
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Method 3
Stop and Start the Print Spooler service at command prompt
a. Press Windows key + C.
a. Click on Search and type CMD.
b. Right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
c. Type the following commands at the command prompt:

net stop spooler
net start spooler
Exit
Note: Press ENTER after each command line. Perform these recommended steps and post back if you are still experiencing the issue.
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Method 4:
a. Press Windows key + C.
b. Click on Search and type CMD.
c. Right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
d. Type the following commands at the command prompt and hit Enter:
CMD /K SC CONFIG SPOOLER DEPEND= RPCSS
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Your other symptoms could suggest malware. I'd run some scans and, if it's still the same, get it checked out in the MG Malware Forum.

 

In Services > Print Spooler, also check the Log On and Recovery tabs.

 

What version of Windows are you running? Prior to having this issue two weeks ago, do you recall any changes to the system such as the installation of Windows updates, new programs or apps, add ons, etc? I'm not sure if it would provide any clues, but have you checked the logs in the Event Viewer specific to the time and date when the issue began?

 

You might as well install the latest Critical Windows Update for Print Spooler, it might do much of the reset for you: https://technet.microsoft.com/library/security/MS16-087

 

Thanks for the advise everyone. Let me see if I can answer all your questions.
Earthling: I ran Rouge Killer but will run Malwarebytes as well.

Eldon: I checked those tabs and it's set correctly. I can't reset the RPC though because CMD prompt won't work.

Plodr: I will try that as well. I have a program called Ultra Virus Killer that has a "Reset Print Spooler" option and I ran that. No such luck, but maybe yours is different.

Trex: It's a windows 8.1 computer that is about 1 year old. It always runs updates but I rolled it back to get rid of the updates and no luck. I did however Satrow update the critical update for the spooler.

 

Download and run Tweaking.com - Windows Repair.

Installer:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweaking_com_windows_repair.html

Portable:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweaking_com_windows_repair_portable.html

Take your time and follow the instructions carefully.
It's recommended to run the program in "Safe Mode With Networking". Restart and run the program a second time.

 

Try: https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/askperf/2012/02/24/microsoft-fixit-for-printing/

Or: https://printreset.codeplex.com/

 

I've been so busy as of late I forgot to come back and say Thank you to you all. I've got the print spooler issue fixed. What I did was run Malwarebytes and found 3 seemingly harmless malware but it could have caused issues. I also ran the print flush file above, and the Tweaking software to repair some issues. After I've done all three of these things, the issue seems to have gone away. I can install things and talk to the printer now again.