Printer queue jammed. File refuses to delete.

[Cobalt52]

"Microsoft Outlook - Memo Style" appears as a file in my printer queue.  I have pressed Delete.  Status says "Deleting" but it has been that way since yesterday.  It's blocking any other print files.  How do I remove this file?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Cobalt52 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

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Print Queue / Print Service Reset

After a print job has been accepted, it is turned over the Windows Print Services for completion.

When a job is "stuck in the queue", it is sometimes due to Print Services having hung, become stuck, or otherwise failing to properly complete the job.

Start Here:  Print job stuck in Queue

Watch Video

And / or

HP Printers - Print jobs stuck in print queue

and / or

First, check that Windows Update does not need to install updates (or Restart)

Settings > Update and Security > Check for Updates

NOTE:  If an update is already pending, install that update > Restart the computer and log in

Next…

If the current print job will not cancel or if a previous print job is stuck in the queue,

and

If the issue is due to Print Services being stuck / hung / corrupted, Restart the Print Service

Manual Queue Reset

Details…

Windows 10 / Windows 11

Windows Start > Search for “Services”

Optionally Right-Click and Pin to Start / Taskbar > Open Services App

Windows 10

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > Services

Next,

Scroll down, find, Right-Click, and Stop Print Spooler Service

Open File Explorer (formally Windows Explorer)

Navigate to the PRNTERS folder

NOTE:  Folder might be hidden.

C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

OR

C:\Windows\System\spool\PRINTERS

Delete any files found in folder 

Start Print Spooler Service

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

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[Cobalt52]

Thank you, Dragon-Fur.  It turns out the easiest way to reset the queue was to uninstall the printer and reinstall it.  All better now!

Cobalt52

[Dragon-Fur]

@Cobalt52 

You are welcome.

I'm a fan of reinstalling stubborn printer software.

Smiling.

Happy Printing.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"