Dealing with the printer error 0x8000ffff, which stems from a catastrophic failure can be frustrating. When this issue occurs, you may have trouble printing, installing relevant drivers, or updating the printer’s software.
This error code can be caused by a number of underlying factors, such as software conflicts, outdated drivers, antivirus interruption, or incomplete Windows updates. However, no matter what the reason may be, we’ve provided practical solutions below to help you resolve the issue. Proceed with the solution that fits your situation the best.
1. Restart Your Computer
Before we get into the system-specific troubleshooting methods, we suggest you restart your system. This will refresh the system and clear any temporary conflicts or issues that might be resulting in the error.
Furthermore, it will help the system reinitialize the printer and establish a fresh connection with it.
Once the system reboots, perform the action that was initially triggering the error. If it appears again, move to the next method below. Make sure you are signed in with your administrator account, as the solutions below will require administrative access to the system. If you are currently using a standard user account, switch to an administrator account and then proceed.
2. Run the Relevant Troubleshooters
The next thing we recommend doing is running the built-in troubleshooters, which work by scanning the system for potential errors and if any problems are identified, they will attempt to fix the issues automatically.
In the case of this specific error, we suggest starting by running the Windows Update troubleshooter.
This is because in several cases, the printer error is triggered by conflicts or inconsistencies with Windows updates. These updates can include driver updates, system updates, and updates for other relevant components that might be critical for the functioning of your printer.
Windows Update troubleshooter will focus on detecting and fixing the problems related to update installation, update downloads, or update configuration.
Once the update troubleshooter completes its process, run the Printer troubleshooter. This tool with scan the system for any issues with printer connectivity, relevant drivers, or print queue errors. If a problem is identified, it will either resolve it automatically or suggest relevant fixes that you can perform automatically, fixing the printer error in the process.
3. Clear Print Spooler Files
The Print Spooler service in Windows manages print jobs, ensuring they are directed to the appropriate printer for processing. However, there are times, when a print job gets stuck or corrupted in the print spooler queue, leading to issues like the one at hand.
In cases such as this one, you can try clearing the print spooler files, which will essentially eliminate any problematic print jobs from the queue, hopefully fixing the error.
Here is how you can do that:
- Press the Win + R keys together to open Run.
- Type «services.msc» in Run and press Enter.
- In the following window, look for the Print Spooler service and right-click on it.
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Choose Properties from the context menu.
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Now, click on the Stop button and click Apply > OK to save the changes.
- Leave the Services window open and head over to the File Explorer.
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Navigate to the location below:
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
- In the PRINTERS folders, remove all the files and confirm the action in the User Account Control prompt. You will need administrative access to the system for this.
- Once done, head back to the Services window and open the Properties dialog for the Print spooler service.
- Click Start and change the Startup type to Automatic.
- Click Apply > OK to save the changes.
You can now close the Services window and check if the problem is resolved.
4. Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily
Another possible cause of the error at hand is antivirus interruption. If you are using a third-party security program on your computer, there is a chance it is conflicting with the printer’s process, resulting in issues like the one under consideration.
An easy way to check if this is the case is by disabling the antivirus temporarily. You can typically achieve this by right-clicking on the antivirus icon in your taskbar and choosing Disable until my computer is restarted. The exact steps of this process will vary, depending on the program you are using.
Once the program is disabled, perform the action that was triggering the printer error and check if it appears now. If it does not, it is best to consider switching to a different security program to ensure such problems don’t pop up again.
5. Reinstall the Printer
Finally, if none of the solutions above have fixed the issue for you, you can try reinstalling the printer as a last resort.
This method involves removing the existing printer installation from your system and then installing it again from scratch. Doing so will address issues related to the corrupted printer software, driver-related problems, and other printer-related conflicts.
Follow these steps to proceed:
- Unplug the printer and other unnecessary peripherals from your computer.
- Press Win + I keys to open the Settings app and navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
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Here, click on the printer you want to remove and click on the Remove button.
- Once done, head over to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver software for your printer.
- Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation.
- When prompted, connect the printer back to your computer. The system will now automatically recognize it and configure it using the newly installed driver.
Hopefully, once the printer is reinstalled, you will no longer face the annoying 0x8000ffff error again.
Get the Printer Up and Running Again on Windows
The solutions listed above should help you resolve the catastrophic error once and for all. To prevent issues like this from popping up in the future, we highly recommend maintaining updated printer drivers and ensuring that the relevant services are functioning properly. You can also consult the official documentation provided by the printer manufacturer to make sure you are installing it properly.
If the issue re-appears even after taking all the precautionary measures, you can reach out to the official Microsoft support team for assistance.
Уведомление об ошибке 0x8000ffff появляется в ОС Windows 7-10 при установке системных обновлений и программ, а также во время восстановления системы. Вызывают проблему такие причины:
- вирусы и подобные вредоносные программы;
- повреждение файлов ОС;
- некорректно установленные драйвера;
- ошибки обновления Windows.
Разберем способы исправления проблемы в зависимости от условий, при которых она возникла.
Универсальные решения ошибки
- Убедиться в отсутствии вирусов на компьютере.
- Проверить наличие драйверов на все устройства.
- Использовать встроенные средства проверки системных файлов. Откройте Командную строку с правами администратора. Запустите команду sfc /scannow. Это проверит и восстановит поврежденные системные файлы. После этого стоит запустить в Командной строке команду DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth/.
Если Windows восстанавливался
- Зайдите в систему с аккаунта администратора. При восстановлении не с администраторского профиля, ненужные системные файлы могут не удалиться и возникнет сбой. Это решается просто. Для этого в Windows 10 перейдите в Пуск и кликните на фото пользователя. В выпадающем меню нажмите на Выход. Зайдите в систему с аккаунта администратора. В качестве альтернативы можно создать новый администраторский аккаунт.
- Поправьте реестр. Запустите Редактор реестра — зажмите Win+R, введите regedit, подтвердите нажатием Enter. Отыщите в левой панели строки: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\NextQueueEntryIndex, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\PendingXmlIdentifier. Их нужно удалить, но не каждая строка может присутствовать в вашей системе. После — обязательная перегрузка ОС.
Если ошибка 0x8000ffff возникает при установке приложений
Это особо распространено для программ из Windows Store. Решается проблема проверкой корректности времени и даты в ОС. Предпочтительней настроить автоматическую подстройку времени. Убедитесь в верности часового пояса.
Также стоит очистить кеш магазина приложений. Зажмите комбинацию Win+R, введите WSReset.exe и подтвердите Enter.
Если 0x8000ffff возникает при установке обновлений Windows
Иногда ошибка не позволяет ОС обновиться из-за того, что стороннее приложение вмешивается в процедуру апдейта. Нужно узнать, что это за программа.
- Перейдите по адресу: C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\. Эта директория скрытая, так что обязательно включите отображение скрытых файлов и папок в настройках вида.
- Найдите файл, который оканчивается так: _APPRAISER_HumanReadable.xml. Откройте его в Блокноте.
- В документе будет много строчек, но нужно лишь найти значение BlockingApplication=True. Проще всего зажать комбинацию Ctrl+F и ввести это значение в строку поиска. Запомните, где BlockingApplication=True располагается напротив названий приложений. Именно эти программы мешают обновлению, так что удалите их.
Если ошибка 0x8000ffff возникла при попытке восстановления ОС под Windows 7, то рекомендуем ознакомиться с этой официальной инструкцией от Microsoft, но указанное там решение достаточно сложное для обычных пользователей.
Предполагается, что обновления для вашей операционной системы должны привносить новые функции, или, по крайней мере, исправлять имеющиеся ошибки. Однако некоторые обновления могут вызывать сбои в работе Windows 10.
Типичная ошибка, которая может возникнуть при обновлении программ Microsoft или ОС, — 0x8000ffff. Вы также можете получить её, если просто попытаетесь запустить Microsoft Store. Но не стоит паниковать, так как исправить эту ошибку можно разными способами.
1. Очистите кэш Microsoft Store
Запустите, например, PowerShell и введите команду:
wsreset
Через некоторое время кэш будет очищен, и запустится магазин Microsoft Store. Также можно перейти по пути:
C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState
и найти директорию Cache. Её следует переименовать в Cache.old. Теперь создайте новую директорию с именем Cache.
2. Используйте Troubleshooter (средство устранения неполадок Windows)
Для начала нужно перейти в «Settings» (сочетание клавиш WIN+I) или же ввести в PowerShell:
start ms-settings:
В поисковой строке введите «troubleshoot» и выберите в выпадающем списке «Troubleshoot Other problems» и, наконец, «Windows Store Apps».
После запуска следуйте инструкциям, которые будут вам предложены.
3. Запустите ОС в режиме чистой загрузки
Когда вы запускаете операционную систему в режиме чистой загрузки, она включает только важные программы и драйверы. Зачастую это помогает изолировать проблему. В PowerShell введите команду:
msconfig
После выполнения команды откроется следующее окно:
Как запустить систему в режиме чистой загрузки хорошо описано в статье Microsoft.
Проверьте, появляется ли теперь ошибка.
4. Запустите ОС в безопасном режиме
В PowerShell:
msconfig
5. Обновите драйверы устройств
Поврежденные драйверы устройств могут быть ещё одной причиной появления ошибки 0x8000ffff, поэтому их нужно обновить. Для этого можно перейти в «Settings» и кликнуть «View optional updates». Вы увидете список доступных новых драйверов, например:
Но лучше установить драйверы «по-старинке»: перейти на сайт производителя устройства, скачать доступные обновления и установить их вручную.
6. Убедитесь, что время и дата указаны правильно
На первый взгляд наличие правильного времени может и не иметь особого значения, однако это может привести к появлению рассматриваемой ошибки. Настроить время в Windows 10 можно в разделе «Date & time settings».
7. Проверьте системные файлы
В некоторых случаях системные файлы могу быть заражены вирусами или повреждены по неизвестным причинам. Для проверки этих файлов запустите PowerShell или CMD с привилегиями администратора и введите следующую команду:
sfc /scannow
Если сканирование с помощью SFC не решает проблему запустите DISM (также с правами администратора):
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Выполнение команды может занять больше 15 минут.
Jun. 23, 2022 / Updated by
Helia to
Windows 10
The error 0x8000ffff appears on Windows 10 when you perform the Windows Update, install new programs or restore the system whose process contains file confliction. For example, if you get the error message that reads “An unspecified error occurred during System Restore. (0x8000ffff)”, that means you have the system restore error 0x8000ffff in Windows 10.
What Causes the Error Code 0x8000ffff on Windows 10
Usually, 0x8000ffff appears because of the following:
-
1. Viruses, Trojans, and malware infections
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2. Corrupted system files
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3. Incorrectly loaded drivers
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4. Faulty software or programs
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5. Windows Update errors
How to Fix Windows 10 Error 0x8000ffff
To work around the error 0x8000ffff, we’ve had some tweaks that you can adopt one by one. But for those who ain’t that knowledgeable with the inner work of Windows, it is better for you to create a system restore point to fix Windows 10 issues instantly.
Method 1: Do a Virus Scan on Windows 10
Windows 10 often annoys you with various errors, like INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error, system restore error 0x8000ffff, 0x0000003B System_Service_Exception error, etc. Some Windows 10 error may be caused by virus or malware, so follow the steps below to check if your computer is infected with virus.
-
1. Launch your anti-virus programs to do a thorough virus scan on your computer.
-
2. If you get virus notice, follow the instruction on screen to remove the virus.
-
3. If there’s no virus or malware, end all the currently running programs and restart the PC.
After the scan, see if the error 0x8000ffff still persists.
Method 2: Change to Administrator Account
You can also try to log in Windows 10 by using the Administrator account to see if it works for resolving the error 0x8000ffff, because when you perform a system restore by using other accounts, system files may fail to be overwritten. So switch to the Administrator account:
-
1. Click on the Start menu and then click on the user picture.
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2. Select Sign out from the pop-up menu.
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3. Switch to the Administrator account and log in Windows 10 again.
If this does not work, continue the reading.
Method 3: Perform a Windows 10 Clean Boot
Faulty startups, programs or services can also result in the Windows 10 error 0x8000ffff, but a clean boot does help to release the pain. A clean boot means you enter the Windows with just a limited set of startups or services, which will help you figure out those troublemakers from the startups.
It will take you minutes to hours to perform a clean boot and fix the error. For more details of the steps, see How to Use Windows 10 Clean Boot to Fix PC Errors.
Method 4: Run System File Checker and Fix Error 0x8000ffff
This is similar to Method 3 but it is done by Windows 10 itself. System File Checker is an inbuilt tool you can use to scan and repair corrupted system files related to 0x8000ffff. To do this, follow these steps:
-
1. Use Windows shortcut keysWin + X to launch the Jump List, and then select Command Prompt (Admin). (If you fail to open Command Prompt, click here for solutions.)
-
2. Type command line sfc /scannow into the dialog box.
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3. Hit the key Enter.
It may take a little long period for Windows to scan for the corrupted system files, including those related to error 0x8000ffff. After that, follow the instructions on screen to fix the problem.
Method 5: Update Drivers to Fix the Issue
Outdated, incorrectly configured or incompatible drivers often cause various PC problems, such as AMD Radeon graphics error 43, mouse and keyboard not working, unidentified network issue, etc. If you know the exact device that causes the error 0x8000ffff on Windows 10, you can go to the Device Manager to manage the device driver.
-
1. Use the Windows shortcut keys Win + X, and then select Device Manager from the Jump List.
-
2. Expand the device entries and find out the exact device that results in the error.
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3. Right click on the device and select Update Driver Software. You can also Uninstall the driver and make Windows 10 reinstall it automatically.
Note: If you ain’t sure which device causes the problem, or if Windows 10 fails to update the drivers, it is highly recommended using professional driver troubleshooters, like Driver Talent, to help you repair the driver and fix error 0x8000ffff quickly.
Download Now
Click the button above to directly get Driver Talent, which has received good review from engadget, and do a free driver scan instantly.
Method 6: Modify the Registry and Fix the Error
The error 0x8000ffff is also caused by some corruption in the Registry. If you are experienced on computer, modifying the Registry is a good idea for you to fix the 0x8000ffff error on Windows 10.
1. Use Windows shortcut keys Win + R to launch Run, and then type into regedit and press the Enter.
2. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key (if available):
-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving
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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\NextQueueEntryIndex
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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\PendingXmlIdentifier
3. Right-click AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving, NextQueueEntryIndex and PendingXmlIdentifier one by one in the details pane and select Delete to clean them up.
Restart the PC to see if this fixes the problem successfully.
Note: Incorrectly modifying the Registry may result in serious computer problems, because the Registry is a sensitive system database. Don’t forget to backup Registry before the changes. If you are not that technical, you can use one-click solutions like OSToto PC Speeder to clean up Registry automatically.
Method 7. Reset Windows Store Cache
If the error code 0x8000ffff still exists after you tried the methods above, another thing you can try is to reset Windows store cache. Some users reported that it worked. The steps are so simple. You just need to use Windows shortcut keys Win + R to launch Run, and then type into wsreset.exe and press the Enter button. If there’s still nothing changed, follow the steps below to disable proxy.
1. Press Windows + R to launch Run, type inetcpl.cpl into the box and press Enter.
2. Locate Connections tab and select LAN settings.
3. Uncheck «Use a proxy server for your LAN» and click OK.
4. Then click Apply and OK.
You may also be interested in these related articles:
-
Fix SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED in Windows 10
-
How to Fix DPC_Watchdog_Violation Error in Windows 10
-
Fix: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error on Windows 10
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How to Fix UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP on Windows 10
-
How to Fix VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR on Windows 10
If this article is helpful to resolve the 0x8000ffff on Windows 10, please add it to your bookmark or share it to your friends who encounter the same error. If you have any other Windows 10-related issues, comment below or check for the solutions in Windows 10 Issues and Fix section on this site please.
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Some users are experiencing printer error 0x8000FFF, Catastrophic failure on Windows 11/10. In this guide, we have a few working solutions that worked for many in resolving the same issue.
Printers are there to print documents. When they are unable to do their job properly, it is a frustrating situation. A lot of people are experiencing error 0x8000FFF, catastrophic failure with their printer. This is a major issue that stops all the printing process and needs to be fixed as soon as possible to get on with the printing works. Let’s see how we can fix the issue and use the printer normally.
When you see Operation could not be completed (error 0x8000fff), Catastrophic failure, on your Windows computer, it can be fixed in the following ways.
- Run the Printer Troubleshooter
- Update the Printer driver
- Restart Print Spooler Service
- Reinstall the printer
Let’s get into the details of each fix and resolve the error.
1] Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Every problem with the printer can be detected and fixed automatically with the Printer troubleshooter that is a built-in tool for Windows. You have to run the Printer troubleshooter and let it find and solve the issue. If the printer troubleshooter cannot fix the error, try the following methods.
2] Update the Printer driver
There are some chances that the error might have been caused due to the corrupted or outdated printer driver. In that case, reinstalling or updating the Printer driver should fix the error and make the printer work fine.
3] Restart Print Spooler Service
Every print job you create on your PC is stored in the Print Spooler Service until the jobs are done. If there is an issue with the Print Spooler Service, this error might have cropped up. You have to disable the Print Spooler service temporarily and enable it again.
4] Reinstall the printer
The last resort to fix the error is to disconnect the printer, uninstall all the printer-related software. After that, you have to add the Printer again as a new printer. This method has worked for many in fix the catastrophic failure of printers.
Related: Fix Microsoft Store or Windows Update Error 0x8000FFFF.
How do I fix error 0x8000ffff Catastrophic failure?
Error 0x8000fff, Catastrophic failure that occurs with the printer can be fixed by updating the printer drivers, running the printer troubleshooter, restarting the print spooler service or reinstalling the printer itself.
Why does it keep saying Printing failed?
If there is an issue with the printer software or print spooler service or any other related issue, it keeps saying printing failed. Sometimes a loosely connected cable can also make this failure happen.
Related Read: Your Printer has experienced an unexpected configuration problem.
Guru is a Communications graduate with hands-on experience with computers, cameras, and editing tools. A tech enthusiast and a movie buff who loves writing about computers, he dreams of living a life devoid of all tech and modern-day advancements in a forest.