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Display Name (?):

Print Spooler

Short Name (?):

Spooler

Executable (?):

spoolsv.exe

Library (?):

None.

Depends On (?):

Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Supports (?):

Fax, Fax Service, TCP/IP Printer Server

Description (?):

Loads files to memory for later printing.

OS (?):

NT4 Workstation, 2000 Professional, XP Home/Professional, Vista Home/Business, NT4 Server, 2000 Server, Server 2003, Vista Server

Startup (?):

Default	Home	Workstation	Server	Minimal	Tweaked	Automatic
Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Disabled	Disabled

Explanation (?):

The printer spooler service is used in queueing documents that are waiting to be directed to the printer. This simply means that when you print that the print request does not go directly to the printer, but instead gets buffered in memory so that Windows can properly feed the printer at a steady rate. This service also allows you to print multiple documents and it will feed the printer the documents one at a time until the print queue is clear. It is possible that some print drivers may override this service, but in most cases this service is required to print. Therefore this service should only be disabled if you do not have a printer. Normally you will want this service set to automatic.