How to Repair the Printer Error Code 0x00000bc4 in Windows

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Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts!

Ever had your day grind to a sudden halt because of an uncooperative printer? Yes, we’ve all been there. One minute, you’re all set to print your urgent report or that last-minute birthday card, and the next, you’re staring at a puzzling error message on your screen: error code 0x00000bc4. If that sequence of characters rings a bell, you’re in the right place!

Now, you might be wondering, “What on Earth does this code even mean?” Well, let’s break it down. Error code 0x00000bc4 is like your printer’s way of crying out for help, saying something’s not right.

Usually, it’s associated with Windows systems and could mean anything from a glitch with the printer’s software or drivers to an issue with the printer spooler service.

As for why it happens, well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that. Printers, much like people, have good days and bad days. It might be a simple case of your printer waking up on the wrong side of the bed, or it could be more serious, like outdated software or a misbehaving computer.

But fear not, my tech-savvy friends, help is at hand. Together, we’ll navigate the tricky waters of printer error code 0x00000bc4 and get you back to smooth printing in no time!

How to Fix the Error Code 0x00000bc4

1. Engage the Printer Troubleshooter

Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows has an inbuilt tool for resolving printer issues – the Printer Troubleshooter. Here’s how to use it:

a. Navigate to: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. b. Click “Printer” and select “Run the troubleshooter.” c. Windows will automatically detect and attempt to fix any issues. d. Restart your PC after the troubleshooter completes and check if the error has been resolved.

2. Update the Printer Driver

Update the Printer Driver 1
Update the Printer Driver 2

An outdated printer driver could be the cause of the error. Let’s update it:

a. Right-click the Windows icon and select “Device Manager.” b. Expand the “Print queues” section, right-click your printer, and select “Update driver.” c. Follow the instructions provided. d. After updating, navigate to: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click “Check for Updates” and download any optional updates available. e. Restart your computer and see if the error persists.

3. Use Registry Editor

Use Registry Editor 1
Use Registry Editor 2

The Registry Editor is a powerful tool, but it should be used cautiously. Let’s see how it can help:

a. Open the Run box, type “regedit,” and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor. b. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT. Right-click “Windows NT,” select “New > Key,” and rename it as “Printers.” c. Right-click “Printers” and create another key named “RPC.” d. Right-click “RPC,” select “New > DWORD (32-bit) Value,” and name it as “RpcOverNamedPipes.” Modify it, change the Value data to 1, and save. e. Repeat step d to create “RpcOverTcp,” set the Value data to 1, and save. f. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

4. Reset the Print Spooler

Reset the Print Spooler

The Print Spooler manages print jobs, and resetting it may help resolve the error:

a. Open the Run box, type “cmd,” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt as an administrator. b. Type and execute the following commands one after the other:

net stop spooler

del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers* /Q

net start spooler

c. Exit the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

5. Add the Printer Manually

Add Printer Manually 1
Add Printer Manually 2

If the printer is not being detected automatically, you can add it manually:

  • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a printer. Then, click “The printer that I want isn’t listed.”
  • Click “Select a shared printer by name,” and click “Browse” to find and select your printer.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Extra Steps to Tackle the Error Code 0x00000bc4

So, you’ve tried everything above and that stubborn error code 0x00000bc4 is still popping up? Don’t worry, we have a few more tricks up our sleeves.

1. The Windows Update Solution

Just like your weekly grocery run keeps your kitchen stocked, Windows Update keeps your system up-to-date and running smoothly. Here’s how to use it to fix the error:

  1. Navigate to: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click “Check for updates.” If any updates are available, Windows will download and install them automatically.
  3. Once the updates are installed, restart your computer and check if your printer is working fine.

2. System Restore: The Time Machine Approach

If the error started showing up recently, you could use the System Restore function to roll back your computer to a point when everything was working fine.

  1. Type “System Restore” into the Start Menu search bar and select “Create a restore point.”
  2. In the System Properties window that opens, click “System Restore…”
  3. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point from before the issue began.
  4. Remember, this will undo any system changes made after that point, but it won’t affect your personal files.

3. The Phone-A-Friend Option: Customer Support

Sometimes, the best course of action is to seek professional help. If the error persists after trying all the steps mentioned, it might be time to contact customer support. You can reach out to the support team of your printer’s manufacturer or even Microsoft support.

Keep your printer’s model number and your computer’s system information on hand. This will make it easier for the support team to understand and solve your problem.

Remember, technology can be temperamental sometimes. The key is to keep calm, carry on, and try every solution until you find the one that works. Happy troubleshooting!

See also:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is network printer error 0x00000bc4?

Error 0x00000bc4 is a Windows error message that occurs when you try to add a network printer to your computer. The error message typically reads “Operation could not be completed. An error has occurred. (0x00000bc4). No printers were found.”

What is error 0x00000bc4 on Windows 11 network printer?

Error 0x00000bc4 on Windows 11 network printer is caused due to a change in the default RPC connection method used in Windows 11 22H2. The error can be fixed by changing the registry value for RpcOverNamedPipes.

How to fix 0x00000040?

Error 0x00000040 is a general error message that can occur for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include:
A missing or corrupt driver
A hardware problem with the printer
A problem with the network connection
To fix error 0x00000040, you can try the following steps:
Update the printer driver.
Check the hardware connection to the printer.
Restart the printer and your computer.
Run the printer troubleshooter.

How to fix a script error?

A script error is an error that occurs when a script is not able to run properly. Script errors can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a syntax error in the script, a missing file, or a problem with the environment in which the script is running.
To fix a script error, you can try the following steps:
Check the syntax of the script.
Make sure that all of the required files are present.
Check the environment in which the script is running.
Debug the script to find the source of the error.

How do I fix Windows host error?

A Windows host error is an error that occurs when Windows is unable to connect to a host. Host errors can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a problem with the network, a problem with the host, or a problem with the Windows configuration.
To fix a Windows host error, you can try the following steps:
Check the network connection.
Check the host configuration.
Check the Windows configuration.
Run the Windows troubleshooter.

Final Verdict

And there you have it, fellow tech troubleshooters. You’ve journeyed through the maze of the error code 0x00000bc4, armed with the finest tools Windows has to offer. From the simple power of restarting your devices to the intricacies of the Registry Editor, you’ve battled it all. The experience gained, regardless of the outcome, is a testament to your resilience in the face of technological hiccups.

As we part ways on this adventure, remember that the path to tech mastery is a winding one, filled with obscure error codes and printer problems.

But don’t fret! With each roadblock, you’re learning, growing, and becoming an ever more proficient troubleshooter.

The next time your tech toys throw a tantrum, you’ll be more than ready to take it in stride and get them back on track. Until our next tech troubleshooting rendezvous, stay curious and never stop exploring!

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