The printer does not print or the print queue is stuck: how to clear the Spooler

Instruction for cases when printing from Torgsoft does not work, documents are stuck in the queue, or the printer prints incorrect characters. Suitable for local printing and work through a terminal server (RDP).

When the print queue needs to be cleared

• A receipt or report does not print, but new jobs continue to accumulate.

• A document in the queue has the “Deleting…” status and does not disappear.

• The printer started printing unreadable characters.

• After working via RDP, the printer disappeared or does not respond.

• Restarting the PC did not solve the problem.

How to understand that the problem is in the print queue or Spooler

• The print queue cannot be cleared in the standard way.

• The printer is displayed as Offline / Autonomous.

• Torgsoft cannot send data to the printer.

• In the RDP session, the printer is missing or inactive.

• Printing a test page does not start.

Why printing freezes or does not resume

1. Windows print service failure (Print Spooler) — temporary queue files are not deleted.

2. Incorrectly closed RDP session — the session was disconnected, not ended with Log off.

3. Loss of connection with the printer — USB port, cable, power saving mode.

4. Driver conflict or duplicate driver — data is sent to an inactive printer.

5. VPN or network interruption — for printers connected via network.

How to restore printing and clear Spooler

1. Clearing the queue on a local PC (standard method)

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.

2. Double-click the required printer.

3. In the menu, select Printer → Clear Print Queue.

4. Make sure the “Use Printer Offline” checkbox is unchecked.

5. Make sure the correct printer is set as default (green checkmark).

2. If working via RDP / terminal server

1. Be sure to perform End session (Log off / Sign out).

•    Closing the window with the X button does not reset the queue.

2. Wait 10–15 seconds.

3. Connect to the server again.

4. In Torgsoft, open Settings → Parameters → Printer Selection to refresh the printer list.

3. Forced queue clearing (administrator level)

Use this if documents are stuck with the “Deleting…” status.

1. Press Win + R → enter services.msc.

2. Find the Print Spooler service → Stop.

Open the folder:
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

3. Delete all files in the folder (.SPL, .SHD).

4. Return to Services → Start Print Spooler.

Automation:
For recurring problems, create a .bat file and run it as administrator:

net stop spooler

del /Q /F /S "%systemroot%\System32\Spool\Printers\*.*"

net start spooler

4. Checking equipment and connections

• The printer is connected to the same USB port as before.

• A passive USB hub without power is not used.

• The USB cable length is not more than 1.8 m, preferably with ferrite rings.

• USB selective suspend for power saving is disabled in Windows power settings.

How to check that printing has been restored

• The print queue is empty.

• The test page prints without delays.

• A receipt or report from Torgsoft prints on the first attempt.

How to avoid repeated printing freezes

• Always end the RDP session via Log off.

• Do not connect printers through unstable USB hubs.

• Use verified printer drivers.

• Restart the server PC regularly.

• For a terminal server, configure printing via LPR/LPD, not standard RDP redirection.