Printer Configuration Problem 0x80070077? Fix It Now

Printer configuration error 0x80070077 typically appears in Windows when the print spooler cannot access or write to the driver configuration files, often due to corrupted spooler data or permission issues. This guide explains the most common causes and provides step-by-step fixes that resolve the error in most cases without reinstalling the printer.

What Does Error 0x80070077 Mean?

Error 0x80070077 is a Windows system error code that translates to ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE – the operating system cannot read or write a file needed for the printer configuration. In practice, this usually points to the print spooler service failing to load the printer driver’s configuration data, often because:

• The spooler folder (C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS) has corrupted files or incorrect permissions.
• A third-party antivirus or security tool is blocking spooler file access.
• The printer driver is outdated or incompatible with the current Windows version.
• Windows Update recently changed spooler-related components, leaving them in an inconsistent state.

This error is not specific to any printer brand – it can occur with USB, network, or wireless printers on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Before You Start: Quick Checks

Try these two simple actions first – they resolve a surprising number of cases and take less than a minute:

1. Restart the Print Spooler service: Press Win + R, type services.msc, find Print Spooler, right-click and choose Restart. Then try printing again.
2. Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, select Printer, and run it. Windows will attempt to detect and fix common spooler issues automatically.

If the error persists, proceed with the detailed fixes below.

Fix 1: Clear the Spooler Folder and Reset Permissions

Corrupted print jobs or driver files in the spooler directory are the most frequent cause of 0x80070077. Clearing the folder forces Windows to rebuild it with fresh permissions.

1. Open Services (services.msc), right-click Print Spooler, and select Stop. Leave the window open.
2. Press Win + E to open File Explorer. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
3. Delete all files inside this folder. If a file is locked, ensure the spooler is stopped and try again.
4. Right-click the PRINTERS folder, select Properties > Security tab. Click Advanced.
5. Ensure SYSTEM and Administrators have Full control. If not, click Change next to the owner, set it to SYSTEM, and apply. Then grant full control to SYSTEM and Administrators.
6. Go back to the Services window, right-click Print Spooler, and select Start.
7. Try printing a test page. If it works, the issue was corrupted spooler data.

Fix 2: Reinstall the Printer Driver Cleanly

If clearing the spooler doesn’t help, the driver itself may be the problem. A clean reinstall removes all traces of the old driver and allows Windows to install a fresh copy.

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Select your printer and click Remove device. Confirm the removal.
3. Press Win + R, type printmanagement.msc (Windows Pro/Enterprise) or control printers (all editions). In the classic Control Panel view, right-click the printer and choose Delete if it still appears.
4. Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager). Expand Print queues, right-click your printer, and select Uninstall device. Check the box Delete the driver software for this device if offered.
5. Restart your PC.
6. Re-add the printer: Settings > Printers & scanners > Add device. Windows will search for it. For USB printers, plug the cable in only after the restart.

If Windows doesn’t find the driver automatically, download the latest driver from the printer manufacturer’s support website (not a third-party site) and install it manually.

Fix 3: Check for Third-Party Interference

Security software sometimes locks spooler files, causing exactly this error. To test:

• Temporarily disable your antivirus real-time protection (not just the firewall) and try printing.
• If the error disappears, add an exception for the folder C:\Windows\System32\spool and the file C:\Windows\System32\spoolsv.exe in your security software.
• Also check if any “printer optimization” or “driver updater” utilities are installed – these often conflict with the native spooler. Uninstall them if present.

Fix 4: Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted Windows system files can also produce 0x80070077. Use the built-in repair tools:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start > Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)).
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to complete. It will repair any corrupted protected system files it finds.
3. If SFC reports issues it cannot fix, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This repairs the Windows image itself.
4. Restart your PC and try printing again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my printer settings if I clear the spooler folder?

No. The spooler folder only contains temporary print jobs and cached driver data. Your printer’s saved settings (paper size, default quality, etc.) are stored in the driver’s configuration files elsewhere, so they remain intact.

Why does 0x80070077 appear only for one specific printer?

This usually indicates that the specific driver for that printer is corrupted or incompatible. Other printers on the same system use different drivers, so they remain unaffected. Reinstalling just that printer’s driver (Fix 2) is the most effective solution.

Can a Windows update cause this error?

Yes. Occasionally a Windows update can change spooler components or driver signing policies, making an older driver fail to load. If the error started after a recent update, try uninstalling that update (Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates) or check the manufacturer’s website for a driver updated for the new Windows version.

Is there a registry fix for 0x80070077?

Some guides suggest editing the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print registry key, but this is rarely necessary and can cause more harm if done incorrectly. Only attempt registry edits if you are comfortable with them, and always back up the registry first. The fixes above resolve the issue in the vast majority of cases without touching the registry.

Should I use a third-party “printer repair” tool?

No. Most such tools are unnecessary and some contain adware or malware. The built-in Windows troubleshooting steps and the manual fixes in this guide are safer and equally effective. If these steps don’t work, contact the printer manufacturer’s support.

What if none of these fixes work?

If the error persists after all four fixes, the problem may be hardware-related (e.g., a faulty USB cable or port) or the printer’s firmware may need an update. Test the printer on another computer to isolate the issue. If it works elsewhere, consider performing a Windows system restore to a point before the error started.

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