The Broadband Guide
SG
search advanced
 search
FAQs Categories:

How to delete a document from the print queue ?

There is a common issue with Windows when trying to cancel or delete a currently printing document from the print queue. It takes a long time, and sometimes it will get stuck and not delete at all, blocking all subsequent print jobs. In some instances, even taking the printer offline, or rebooting the machine will not clear the printing queue.

To clear the print job, simply follow these directions:

1. Navigate to "Services" under "Administrative Tools" (from either Control Panel, the Start>Programs menu, or right-click on My Computer and choose "Manage")
2. Stop the Print Spooler service
3. Open Windows Explorer (Windows Key+E), and navigate to: C:\Windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS
4. Delete any offending print jobs (.spl file extensions).
5. Start the Print spooler service again.

Note: It is also safe to delete other leftover files with an .spl, .shd, or .tmp extensions from the C:\Windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS folder.


  User Reviews/Comments:
    rate:
   avg:
by anonymous - 2015-03-31 11:25
Tq very much...
by Sumit - 2015-08-27 02:01
Thanks for sharing.......
by anonymous - 2015-09-04 08:44
Super helpful, thank you so much
by anonymous - 2015-11-01 13:46
THANKS AND REALLY HELPED
by anonymous - 2016-04-04 11:01
Fabulous - thank you thank you
by anonymous - 2016-05-17 22:36
Simple and straightforward solution to a problem that's been plaguing me for months. Thanks!
by triwanaol - 2016-07-19 18:26
Huge help, thanks
by anonymous - 2016-12-06 05:46
Awesome work, such a quick fix after 2 hour of toil. You ROCK!
by anonymous - 2017-04-20 15:42
Fantastic
by Jaya - 2017-08-28 11:18
Thank you. This has really helped. But I have to keep repeating this process for every document I print. Any suggestions?
by Philip - 2017-08-28 21:51
If this is happening to every document you print, there is some fundamental issue with the connection to your printer, or, more likely its driver. I would delete the printer, download and install new drivers.
by vold - 2018-01-28 11:35
Thanks a lot. I was stuck for 4 months and now you helped me, now I can finally print. Thanks a lot. Merci beaucoup monsieur.!!
by Viv - 2018-02-06 04:38
Thank you so much - saved me so much time!!
by Lorna - 2020-03-18 06:55
This worked absolutely perfectly -- thank you
News Glossary of Terms FAQs Polls Cool Links SpeedGuide Teams SG Premium Services SG Gear Store
Registry Tweaks Broadband Tools Downloads/Patches Broadband Hardware SG Ports Database Security Default Passwords User Stories
Broadband Routers Wireless Firewalls / VPNs Software Hardware User Reviews
Broadband Security Editorials General User Articles Quick Reference
Broadband Forums General Discussions
Advertising Awards Link to us Server Statistics Helping SG About