How to fix Printer Error 0x00003e3 2022: [100% SOLVED]

The Error 0x000003e3 is a common error that can occur when using an HP printer. This error can be caused by a number of factors, including incorrect printer settings, outdated drivers, or a corrupt printer driver. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix this error.

What is ‘Printer Error 0x00003e3’ in Windows 10?

“Printer error 0x000003e3”: This is a common Windows problem that can be referred to as a Printer error. This error occurs when you attempt to print a document or add a shared printer to your Windows 10 computer.

This error displays with the message “Cannot connect to printer” and the error code 0x000003e3. This indicates that printing or adding shared printers to the network has failed.

This printer error could be caused by a number of factors, including corrupted print files, incompatible printer drivers, and/or print spooler service not properly running on your computer. This error can occur when you print or connect your printer to the network on your Windows 10 computer.

The printer error 0x000003e3 may also occur due to an issue with Printer Service ‘Print Spooler’ and corrupted print-spooler files on your computer. Stop Print Spooler service and delete the print spooler file before restarting the service. You can also update your printer driver to the most current and compatible version to resolve the problem. Let’s get to the solution.

How to Fix Printer Error 0x000003e3

Reconnect the Printer

First, connect your printer to Windows 11/10. Turn off the printer, then unplug it from its port. After waiting at least 30 seconds, plug the printer back in. Turn on your printer, and then check to see if the error has returned. Continue with the next step if it does.

Run Printer Troubleshooter

You are advised to use the troubleshooter for hardware and software issues. You can use the Printer Troubleshooter to check if the error 0x000003e3 Printer is fixed.

Follow these steps:

• To open the Settings app, press the Windows key + I
• Click System in the left navigation pane.
• Click Troubleshoot in the right pane.
• Next, click on Other trouble-shooting.
• Press the Run button to print.

Restart the Print Spooler service

You will need to restart Print Spooler. Here’s how:

• To invoke the Run dialog, press Windows key + R
• To open the Services window, type services.msc in the Run dialog box and hit Enter.
• Locate the Print Spooler service in the Services window.
• Right-click Print Spooler to select Properties
• Click Stop in the Properties window

This will stop the print queue process. Keep the Print Spooler Properties window active.

• To open File Explorer, press Windows key +E.
• Navigate to the next location:
• C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS
• All files in the Printers folder should be deleted.
• You may need to reveal hidden files or folders if you don’t find any files.
• Close the File Explorer window.
• To restart the service, click on the Start button in the Print Spooler Properties window.

Create a New Local Port

You can create a new Printer Port by simply reinstalling or re-adding the Local Printer to Windows 11/10.

Uninstall the incompatible Printer driver

You can uninstall an incompatible printer driver by following these steps:

• To invoke the Run dialog, press the Windows key + R
• Type print management.msc in the Run dialog box and hit OK.
• Expand the All Drivers directory.
• Next, right-click the Microsoft Print To PDF icon and choose Delete.

If you have more than one printing application, remove them all.

• Reboot your computer and then add the printer along with its drivers.

Check the boot to see if it is fixed. Try the next option if it is not.

Manually copy/paste mscms.dll to the destination folder

Copy/paste the following to manually copy/paste the mscms.dll file to the destination folder:

• Open File Explorer.
• Navigate to this directory:
  C:\Windows\system32\
• Scroll down to the location and locate the file mscms.dll. Copy the file.

• Next,navigate to this directory:
• C:\windows\system32\spool\drivers\x64\3\
• Paste the mscms.dll file to the address.
• Exit File Explorer.
• Restart your computer.

Check to see if the problem is solved. Try the next option if it is not.

Modify the Registry

As this is a registry operation it is important to back up or create a system restore point in case of emergency. You can now proceed as follows:

• Stop using the Print Spooler.
• Next, press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog

• To open Registry Editor, enter regedit in the Run dialog box and hit Enter.
• Navigate to or jump below the registry key path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Print\Printers\*YOUR PRINTER’S NAME*\CopyFiles

• Expand the CopyFiles directory at the given location.
• You can delete the ICM folder.
• Editor for Exit Registry
• Start the Print Spooler service again.
• Restart your computer.

Check the Print Spooler service is enabled

• Users have reported that restarting the Print Spooler fixes printer error 0x000003e3. Use the Windows key + R hotkey.
• Click the OK button and enter services.msc into the Run accessory.
• Double-click Print Spooler again to open its properties window.
• Select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu.
• Click the Start button if the service isn’t running.
• Choose the Apply option.
• To close the window, click OK.

Select the File and Printer Sharing firewall option

• Windows Defender Firewall could be blocking your printer connection. Click Windows 10’s “Type here to Search” button.
• To search for the Control Panel applet, enter the keyword Windows Defender Firewall.
• Next, click Windows Defender Firewall and open the Control Panel applet.

• Click Allow an App or Feature through Windows Defender Firewall to the left of the window.
• If necessary, click Change settings
• If they aren’t selected, click all the checkboxes to enable File and Printer Sharing.

• Click the OK button.

Set up a new local port

• Users might want to create a new local port to fix error code 0x000003e3. This can be done with administrator rights. Open the Run accessory.
• Input control /name Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters and press Enter.

• Click on Add a Printer in Devices and Printers.
• Click Printer that I don’t want to be listed in the Add a Device window. This will open the options directly below.
• Choose the Add a Local Printer or Network Printer with Manual Settings option.

• To open the window directly below, press the Next button.
• Click the radio button to create a new port.
• Select the Standard TCP/IP Port option from the Type of port dropdown menu.
• Click the Next button.
• In the Hostname text area, enter the IP address for the computer on which the shared printer is installed.

• Choose the Next option.
• Click the Next button to select the printer model you wish to install.
• Choose the OK or Finish option.

Copy mscms.dll into the driver installation folder

• The printer error 0x000003e3 can also be fixed by copying the DLL file mscms to Windows’ driver installation directory, which is subfolder 3. To do this, use the Windows key + E hotkey to launch File Explorer.
• Next, open File Explorer and type C: Windowssystem32.
• To find the mscms.dll files, type mscms into the search box.
• To select the Copy option, right-click the mscms.dll folder.
• Users with 64-bit Windows will then need to open this path: C:windowssystem32spooldriversx643. Users with 32-bit Windows platforms should open this folder: C:windowssystem32spooldriversw32x863.
• Next, right-click the empty space between the 3 folders and choose Paste.
• Close File Explorer and then restart Windows.

You can read more How To Fix HP Printer In Error State Windows 10 if you face this error

FAQs

1. What is 0x000003e3?

Printer error 0x000003e3 occurs when users try to print to local network printers shared by Windows. The complete error message reads: Windows cannot connect the printer. Operation was unsuccessful with error 0x000003e3. This error can also be encountered by others. There’s no need to panic.

2. Why Can’t I Connect To My Printer?

Remove and re-add your printer in Windows

Go to Settings > Devices>, select your printer and then delete it. To add it back to the device list, click on the Add a printer or scanner button. This is a frustratingly simple way to get things back up and running.

3. How Can I Reset My Printer?

Conclusion

No	Name	Image	Details
1	HP Envy Inspire 7955e Wireless...		VIEW PRODUCT
2	Brother Monochrome Laser,...		VIEW PRODUCT
3	Brother Monochrome Laser...		VIEW PRODUCT
4	HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e...		VIEW PRODUCT
5	Brother HL-L3230CDW Compact...		VIEW PRODUCT

There are a few things that could be causing the error 0x000003e3 on your HP printer. It could be a problem with the printer itself, the drivers, or the software. Try troubleshooting the issue by checking each of these areas. Hope that our guide will work on your device.