Learn why checking the spooler service status is critical when a network printer is online and reachable but not processing print jobs, as required for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam. Understand how spooler issues disrupt printing and how to resolve them.
Table of Contents
Question
A network printer is not responding to print jobs from multiple workstations. The printer is online, and its IP address is reachable via ping. What should be checked next?
A. Printer driver version
B. Spooler service status
C. Firewall port settings
D. Printer’s default gateway
E. Toner cartridge level
Answer
B. Spooler service status
Explanation
If the printer is reachable but not processing jobs, the print spooler service on the workstations or print server may be stalled or stopped, preventing print job submission.
When a network printer is online and its IP address is reachable via ping, but it is not responding to print jobs from multiple workstations, the most likely cause is a problem with the print spooler service. The print spooler manages print jobs sent from computers to the printer.
If the spooler service is stopped, stalled, or has corrupted jobs in its queue, new print jobs cannot be processed, even though the network connection to the printer is intact. Common symptoms include print jobs getting stuck in the queue, error messages about the spooler not running, or the inability to add or remove printers.
Restarting the print spooler service, clearing the print queue, and ensuring the service is running on all affected workstations or the print server are recommended troubleshooting steps. This approach addresses the most common software-level cause of network printers failing to process jobs while remaining accessible on the network.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam and earn CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification.