Forcefully clearing Windows XP, Vista & Windows 7 Print queue

Something which is often frustrating is a print job getting stuck in the print queue and no matter how many times you hit cancel, unplug/switch of the printer, try pleading with it – it just won’t go!

Your last option is normally to restart the PC or Laptop *sigh*

Well you needn’t have to do that again. We’ve created 2 little scripts which all you have to do is run the correct one and it will clear your print queue in seconds.

I will provide both the script and the pre-made file so you can choose to make your own or just use mine.

The first is for Windows XP

Here is the script if you care to make your own file. Just save it as a *.bat or *.cmd file and run it.

net stop spooler
del %systemroot%\system32\spool\printers\*.shd
del %systemroot%\system32\spool\printers\*.spl
net start spooler

Here is the link to the pre-made file (You MUST right click and click save file/link as, else it will just display the script) : https://www.onetouchservices.co.uk/dls/DeletePrintJobsXP.cmd

Once you’ve saved it just double click on the file. It will open a small black command prompt, then once completed (couple of seconds) it will close & you’re ready to start printing again!

The second is for Windows Vista or Windows 7

Here is the script if you care to make your own file. Just save it as a *.bat or *.cmd file and run it.

net stop spooler
del /f C:\Windows\system32\spool\printers\*.*
net start spooler

Here is the link to the pre-made file (You MUST right click and click save file/link as, else it will just display the script) : https://www.onetouchservices.co.uk/dls/DeletePrintJobs-Vista7.cmd

Once you’ve saved it just double click on the file. It will open a small black command prompt, It will ask you if you want to delete the files in the print queue, the options are (Y/N), you need to click Y (If you accidentally click N then just run the script again), then once completed (couple of seconds) it will close & you’re ready to start printing again!

If you’re still getting problems with printing or any other computer related issues then why not give One Touch Services a call on 01784 770 402? We’re based in Egham, Surrey and cover a wide area in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Greater London.