How to Fix Spoolsv.

exe Application Error

Filed Under: General Errors   

The Spoolsv.exe executable file is responsible for handling the printing process on a Microsoft
Windows system. 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 "0x00000000".

“The memory could not be written."

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.

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:

1. Open Control Panel, select Performance and Maintenance, select Administrative Tools and
then select the Services option.
2. In the Services management console, locate the Spooler services, right-click on it and select
Stop.
3. Next, open the C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers folder. (Here, we are assuming that
your Windows is installed in the default C:\Windows folder)
4. Delete all the .SHD and SPL files from this folder.
5. Next, open the TMP folder and delete all old and unused files from this folder.
6. Finally, restart the Spooler service from the Services management console.

Note: If you are unable to delete the files in Normal Mode, then 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.

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 > System Tools, 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.

It is important for you to know that application errors can also occur due to virus or spyware infections.
In fact the Spoolsv.exe process is also a known backdoor vulnerability that can be planted on your
computer for malicious purposes by a hacker. Backdoor, in computer terms, is a method that can gain
access to your computer by breaking through various system authentication processes. Backdoor
installs 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 your personal information such as
passwords, credit card numbers, and banking details. Therefore, if you see any unknown processes
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 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.