error 0x000003eb when trying to install a local printer

[pdmellon@gmail.com]

I suddenly can't print from my Windows Vista Ultimate (SP1) computer.
When I first tried to print, I got the following error: "Before you
can
print, you need to select a printer. If you need to install a
printer,
either double-click the Add Printer icon or click the Find Printer...
button located on the General tab of this dialog.

When I try to add a printer, I get through all the steps until I
click
Finish. Then I get the error "Unable to install printer. Operation
could
not be completed (error 0x000003eb).

I've experienced the same problem with both printers. One is a Xerox
laser printer, the other is an Epson ink jet. Both are local and
neither
is shared. One is parallel, the other is USB.

The research and troubleshooting I've done lead me to believe it's a
UAC
problem. When trying to install a printer I do not get a UAC prompt.
When I open a printer properties dialog box, driver printer
management
options are grayed out and I do not get a UAC prompt. I've tried from
both administrative and non-administrative accounts. I've disabled
UAC,
rebooted, tried again, re-enabled UAC, rebooted, and tried again
without
any luck. I've tried additional print drivers from Windows with the
same
results. The Microsoft XPS Document Writer printer object also fails
with the same initial problem. I've also tested my printers on
another
computer to confirm they are functioning.

Any suggestions?

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Try looking at the websites of both Epson and Xerox and see if they have
driver packages for your version of Vista.

Normally one installs the SOFTWARE first, then connects the printer. It
sounds like your PC might be in a bit of a mess by now so...

See:
http://www.coribright.com/windows/Article_One.htm

Don't miss out on Step 4.

[pmellon]

Thanks for the response, but I can't install ANY print drivers that
shipped with windows. Even the Microsoft XPS Document Writer acts the
same as physical printers.

[pmellon]

The problem is solved for now. After unsuccessfully trying everything
else that made sense, I uninstalled SP1. Everything went back to
normal as soon as I did.