Windows 10: Cannot Delete Print Queues from Deleted Printers; Want to restore Windows 11 Printer Defaults

I have a Dell Inspiron 3020 and connect connect my HP LaserJet 1020. I have switched cables and tried multiple USB Ports front & rear. The printer works fine on other device and used to work on this one. I have deleted the printer and connect reinstall or use Plug n play. I have tried to install manually with not luck. Now I have 3 printers that do not exist but have files in their print queues which it fails to delete. I have tried to stop/start spooler with no luck. Have gone to c:\windows\system32\spooler\printers showing hidden files and there are no files to delete. I have

:)

 

Windows 10 laptop and envy printer queue

Hi Roger,

There are several ways to remove an item on the printer queue. One way is to
turn off/on your printer then delete the item on the queue. We suggest that you follow the steps in this

article for further assistance. Though the article is for Windows XP,
the methods listed in that article can be applied in Windows 10.

You can also reach out to your printer manufacturer's customer support for additional assistance regarding this issue.

Should you have questions, please let us know.

 

Setting Default Printer via Startup Script

I do it with VB logon scripts


"Dim ps0 [<------ our printer server the printers are added/managed on]
Dim printer

ps0 = "\\ps0\"
printer = "S14 - Oki ES4140" [<------- the name of the printer as it is shown on the server]

Set wshNetwork = CreateObject("WScript.Network")
on Error Resume Next

'Deletes all network printers
Set clPrinters = wshNetwork.EnumPrinterConnections
On Error Resume Next
For i = 0 to clPrinters.Count - 1 Step 2
wshNetwork.RemovePrinterConnection clPrinters.Item(i+1), true
Next

'Add Network printer
wshNetwork.AddWindowsPrinterConnection ps0 & printer

'Set Default Printer
wshNetwork.SetDefaultPrinter ps0 & printer" [<------ this bit sets it as default (note: this must be applied as the first policy before any other printers policies, otherwise it deletes them)]

 

can't delete print queue in Windows 10

I am trying to follow the below advice:

This will often fix the problem on its own.

• • Open the Services window (Windows key + R, type services.msc, press enter).
  • Select Print Spooler and click the Stop icon, if it is not stopped already.
  • Navigate to C:\Windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS and open this file. You may need to show hidden files or enter an administrator's password.

Delete all contents inside the folder. Do not delete the PRINTERS folder itself. Note that this will remove all current print jobs, so make sure no one on your network is using the printer.

At this point, all files are deleted EXCEPT for the one showing up in the queue - the error message is:

"This action can't be completed because the file is open in printfilterpipelinesvc.exe"

The file HAS printed, but the queue is still showing it in the printing state.

Very frustrating ....