[hp477 network printer] (quite challenging) Jobs stuck in print queue

[janjanhotmail]

Symptoms: It is a network printer. When I pressed print for a pdf, but I regreted so I pressed "pause" and "cancel", but it started to stuck job queue, the job cannot be delete

Status: Deleting- Paused-Printing (this status I haven't seen before)

Even I want to print another document, I still cannot print.

I have tried stop spooler, delete files c:\...\window32\...printers and restart PC, but the job 126.pdf still stuck here, I also tried most of the solutions in hp community, the problem still exists.

Anyone has idea how can I do? Thank you so much!

The first document can be cancelled, but 126.pdf still cannot.

[Garp_senchau]

@janjanhotmail, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

If your network printer has a stuck print job that cannot be deleted and is blocking other jobs, follow these comprehensive steps to clear the print queue and restore normal functionality:

Clear Print Queue Using Administrative Tools:

• Open “Administrative Tools” from the Control Panel.
• Select “Services” and locate the “Print Spooler” service.
• Right-click and select “Stop” to halt the print spooler.
• Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in the folder.
• Return to Services, right-click “Print Spooler,” and select “Start” to restart the service.

Delete Stuck Print Jobs via Command Prompt:

• Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
• Execute the following commands one by one:
  • net stop spooler
  • del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\*.shd /F /Q
  • del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\*.spl /F /Q
  • net start spooler

Check for Locked Files:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
• Go to the “Processes” tab and check if any applications related to printing are still running (such as “AcroRd32.exe” for Adobe PDFs).
• End the process by right-clicking and selecting “End Task.”
• Retry steps to clear the spooler folder.

Printer Firmware Update: Update the firmware on an HP printer | HP® Support

• Ensure the printer firmware is up to date. Visit the HP Support website and search for firmware updates for your printer model.
• Follow the instructions to download and install firmware updates.

Restart Printer and Network Devices:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Restart your router and any network devices connected to the printer.
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Reconfigure Printer Settings:

• Remove the printer from your PC by going to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right-click on the printer and select “Remove device.”
• Restart your PC.
• Reinstall the printer drivers and re-add the printer to the network.

Print Diagnostic Tools:

• Utilize HP’s diagnostic tools such as the HP Print and Scan Doctor.
• Follow the prompts provided by the tool to identify and resolve any print spooler issues.

References: How to Clear a Stuck Print Job Windows

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Regards,