Fixing Corrupted Printer Driver Entries When the Windows registry description for a printer driver becomes corrupted, what is the recommended corrective action?

Introduction / Context:
Printer issues in Windows often stem from driver corruption or inconsistent registry entries. Safe remediation avoids unnecessary risk to system stability while restoring correct configuration for print subsystems and queues.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Printer entries appear corrupted or malfunctioning.
• User has administrative rights and access to proper drivers.
• Standard Windows tools (Devices and Printers, Print Server Properties) are available.

Concept / Approach:

The best practice is to remove the printer and its driver package via the OS interface, then reinstall the correct, up-to-date driver. This approach lets Windows clean up dependent registry keys and files automatically, instead of risky manual edits.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Print a test page successfully; Event Viewer should show no spooler errors. The registry will contain fresh, consistent entries created by the installer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Deleting spool files is temporary and does not fix corrupted driver entries. Manual registry edits (regedit or sysedit) are risky and unnecessary; they can leave orphaned components and break the spooler.

Common Pitfalls:

Leaving remnants of previous driver versions installed or skipping a reboot when required.

Final Answer:

Remove the printer driver and reinstall it