Printer error 0x000003e3 is one that arises for some users when they try to print to shared local network printers in Windows. The full error message states: Windows cannot connect to printer. Operation failed with error 0x000003e3.

  • Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).

  • Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.

  • Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

  • Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

If you also bumped into this error, there’s no reason to panic. Carefully follow the simple steps below and get rid of it in no time.

How can I fix printer error 0x000003e3?

1. Check the Print Spooler service is enabled

  • Restarting the Print Spooler is one resolution users have confirmed to fix printer error 0x000003e3. Press the Windows key + R hotkey.
  • Enter services.msc in the Run accessory, and click the OK option.
  • Then double-click Print Spooler to open its properties window.
  • Select Automatic on the Startup type drop-down menu.
  • If the service is not running, click the Start button.
  • Select the Apply option.
  • Click OK to exit the window.

2. Select the File and Printer Sharing firewall option

  • The Windows Defender Firewall might be blocking your connection with the printer. To fix that, click Windows 10’s Type here to search button.
  • Enter the keyword Windows Defender Firewall to search for that Control Panel applet.
  • Then click Windows Defender Firewall to open the Control Panel applet shown directly below.
  • Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left of the applet’s window.
  • Click Change settings if needed.
  • Click all the checkboxes for File and Printer Sharing if they’re not selected.
  • Press the OK button.

You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.

3. Set up a new local port

  • Some users might need to set up a new local port for their printers to fix error 0x000003e3, which they can do with admin rights. Open the Run accessory.
  • Input control /name Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters and press Enter.
  • Click Add a printer in Devices and Printers.
  • If the Add a device window doesn’t list the required printer, click Printer that I want isn’t listed to open the options shown directly below.
  • Select the Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings option.
  • Press the Next button to open the window shown directly below.
  • Select the Create a new port radio button.
  • Select the Standard TCP/IP Port option on the Type of port drop-down menu.
  • Click the Next button.
  • Then enter the IP address of the PC for which the shared network printer is installed in the Hostname text box.
  • Select the Next option.
  • Select the required printer model for driver install, and press the Next button.
  • Select the OK and Finish options.

4. Copy mscms.dll into the driver installation folder

  • You can also fix the printer error 0x000003e3 by copying the mscms DLL file to Windows’ driver installation folder, which is otherwise subfolder 3.To do so, launch File Explorer with the Windows key + E hotkey.
  • Then open this path in File Explorer: C:Windowssystem32.
  • Input mscms in the search box to find the mscms.dll file.
  • Right-click the mscms.dll file to select the Copy option.
  • 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.
  • Then right-click an empty space with the 3 folder and select Paste.
  • Thereafter, close File Explorer and restart Windows.

Those are a few of the confirmed fixes for printer error 0x000003e3. In addition to those, try turning off any third-party antivirus utilities installed that might block connection with the printer.

Printer not connecting with your Windows OS is a quite common issue and we hope this guide helped you.

If you have any other questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

If the advices above haven’t solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

SPONSORED

  • errorPrinter Errors

Email *

Commenting as . Not you?

Comment