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spooler problems

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by keith

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This is the scenario:

NT Server, service pack 6a applied. No exchange or sql running.

Problem is with the network printing. Started with one printer (an epson reciept printer running off a Lexmark MarkNet adapter) not receiving print jobs, orcorrupted job. Tried reinstalling driver, recreateing printer at client, same results, tried printing from server - worked. Once. Then got same results from server as from client. Then was informed that all network printing had ceased with "unknown system error". This appeared to be an access denied error going thru the server, as printing to any network printer from the server recieved an access denied error. Researched Technet, applied hotfix from Microsoft for this error (the one containing the rpctr4.dll file), this did not fix the problem. (I had already stopped/started the spooler). Then created a new spool file location , this fixed the problem. I thought. Lasted for about 2 hours, then the network printing went down again with the same errors. On a hunch, checked the new spool folder, was full of files (about 85 or so), deleted *.*, and fixed problem. However, the folder keeps filling up with files, (anywhere from 60 up to 250 before printing stops), deleting everything there starts things going again, but I can't figure out why it is happening.

One thing I noticed was that the jobs filling up the folders were the job files themselves, the header files were not there at all.

Anyone have any ideas on this? Ever see the like before?

4 replies

by leirags

First all: Change the cable from computer to printer.

After this send me more information just for not ask later...

Procesor
Memory
HD capacity (arrays if exist)
Include a partition type fAt, ntfS , etc
And where is installed a Spool directory

by keith

You didn't look at the scenario very well.

THESE ARE NETWORK PRINTERS, NOT LOCAL.

Other info:

Dual 18.2 gig scsi drives (mirrored)
NTFS partitions (primary 4 gig, remainder is secondary)
3 gig free space on primary partition
256 meg ram
spooler folder is at
\winnt\system32\spool\printer2

by martin wiedmeyer

Keith,

Try moving your spooler folder off of the partition that contains your NT system files to a larger partition. It may be either a disk space or a permissions issue.

You may want to see if the permissions in the spooler folder been modified. In any case, if the printer is busy it is best to have the spooler location separate from your system files (i.e. off of the boot partition)

Marty Wiedmeyer

by keith

I am rejecting your answer for the following reasons:

There is 3+ gig free on the boot partition

All permisions have been re applied from the spool folder on down, with full control.

Server has been running fine for two years with no problems until now.

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