Printer uninstalled?

[pablo46]

Windows automatically installed a security update on my computer this morning.  (running Windows XP).  Now suddenly my computer tells me that there is no printer installed.  When I try to install my printer I get the message "Operation couldn't be completed.  Print spooler service is not running."  I  have done nothing that would cause my printer to be uninstalled.  What's going on?  Is it related to the Windows update?

pablo46

[Kando]

Click Start
right click on My Computer
select Manage
when the Computer Management window opens expand Services and Applications
select Services
scroll down to Print Spooler and right click on it
select properties
change the Startup type to Automatic
click Apply
click OK
make sure the Print Spooler is still selected and click Restart Service

Once the spooler is running again you should see your printer again.