Changes to a printer's device configuration are not applied until the computer restarts or the Print Spooler service restarts in Windows Vista

In Windows Vista, when you restart a printer after you change its device configuration, the changes are not applied until the Print Spooler service restarts. For example, the changes are not applied until the computer restarts.

This problem occurs if the printer driver is based on Web Services on Devices (WSD). This problem occurs only if you make the changes while the printer is turned off.

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Vista. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista, 32-bit versions

Windows Vista, 64-bit versions

To work around this problem, restart the computer. Or, restart the Print Spooler service. To restart the Print Spooler service, use one of the following methods:

Method 1: Restart the service by using the Services console

1. Click Start
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   , type services.msc in the Start Search box, and then click services.msc in the Programs list.
   
   
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   If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.
2. Right-click Print Spooler, and then click Stop.
3. Right-click Print Spooler, and then click Start.

Method 2: Restart the service at a command prompt

1. Click Start
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   , click All Programs, and then click Accessories.
2. Right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as Administrator.
   
   
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   If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.
3. Type the following commands at the command prompt. Press ENTER after each command.
   net stop spooler
   net start spooler
   exit

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

For more information about the terms that are used to describe software updates, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: