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What is Spoolsv.exe?

The Spoolsv.exe executable file is responsible for handling the Windows printing process. Although this process is not crucial to run your Windows system, you must not terminate it until you think that it is causing problems on the system. In this article we will learn how to fix the Spoolsv.exe application error.

When the error occurs, you may receive an error message similar to the one given below.

“Spoolsv.exe – Application Error”

“The instruction at “0x77fcc2c0″ referenced memory at “0×00000000″.

“The memory could not be written.”

Causes of Spoolsv.exe Errors

The most common cause of the error is an abundance of .SHD and .SPL files in the spool directory. These files are created by the spooler to save the spooled data of a print job. The .SPL file comprises drawing commands and the .SHD file comprises job settings information of the print job.

Spoolsv.exe crashes my PC

In addition to displaying the errors listed above, spoolsv problems may also result in high CPU usage; at times, showing up to 99% to 100% CPU usage. This occurs because when spool folder is full, the printer is unable to complete the print jobs, though it keeps trying. This process eats up the system CPU resources, and as a result your computer freezes.

How to fix spoolsv.exe application error

To fix spoolsv.exe application error, you will have to remove these files from the system. To do this, perform the following steps on your Windows XP computer:

Open Control Panel, select Performance and Maintenance, select Administrative Tools and then select the Services option.
In the Services management console, locate the Spooler services, right-click on it and select Stop.
Next, open the C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers folder. (Here, we are assuming that your Windows is installed in the default C:\Windows folder)
Delete .SHD and SPL files from this folder.
Next, open the TMP folder and delete all old and unused files from this folder.
Finally, restart the Spooler service from the Services management console.
Note: If you are unable to delete the files in Normal Mode, you may have to restart your computer in Safe Mode to delete the files. To start your PC in Safe Mode, press F8 at system restart and then select the Safe Mode option from Windows Advanced Options Menu.

Perform System Restore

If deleting the files does not rectify the problem, you must perform a System Restore and rollback your system to the time prior to when the error started appearing on your computer. To perform System Restore, open Start > All Programs > Accessories > SystemTools, and then select the System Restore option. On the Welcome to System Restore Screen, select the Restore my computer to an earlier time option, and select Next. On the Select Restore Point screen, select the date that represents the restore point to which you want to roll back your computer and then select Next.

Finally, verify and then click Next again to confirm your restore point and proceed with the system restore. Restart your PC when prompted and press OK to close the system restore completion screen.

Check System for malware infections

It is important for you to know that application errors can also occur due to virus or spyware infections. The Spoolsv.exe process could be a backdoor vulnerability that can be planted on your computer for malicious purposes by a hacker.

The term ‘backdoor’ is a method that can gain access to your computer by breaking through various system authentication processes. Backdoors install malicious programs on your system that have names similar to or the same as various legitimate processes that run on your system, such as spooler.exe and iexplore.exe. After installing themselves on your computer, the malicious backdoor programs try to connect to their remote control server. After the connection is made, an attacker on the control server can steal confidential information such as banking details, passwords, and credit card numbers. Therefore, if you see an unknown process running on your system, you must take appropriate actions to remove them.

You can get rid of and prevent malicious backdoors, viruses, and spyware by keeping your antivirus and antispyware software updated with the latest definitions, and by running regular scans. Additionally, you must be a vigilant user and never open attachments and links that come with unsolicited e-mails. You should also avoid opening and downloading freeware from suspicious websites. Last but not the least, you must run regular scans on your registry with the help of a registry cleaner software such as RegGenie to kept it free from any unwanted, incorrect and malicious information.

Remember that proper vigilance and preventive measures can help keep your PC safe from errors such as the spoolsv.exe application error and maintain it at an optimal working condition.

Additional Resources:

Resolving A Printer-Related Windows XP Driver Error
Additional Recommendations…

Driver Update: Many errors are related to driver problems such as obsolete, outdated or incompatible drivers. A driver update tool is recommended to scan your system for corrupted and outdated drivers and to ensure that all your drivers stay up-to-date