Error 0x00000771 is a common printer-related issue in Windows that occurs when users try to connect to a network printer. The error message typically reads: “Windows cannot connect to the printer. The operation failed with error 0x00000771.”

This error can happen due to various reasons, such as incorrect printer settings, network connectivity issues, or problems with printer drivers. Here are some steps to help you fix error 0x00000771:

Check Network Connectivity

• Ensure that the printer is turned on and connected to the network properly.
• Verify that your computer is connected to the same network as the printer.
• If you are using a wireless printer, make sure it is within the range of the Wi-Fi network.
• Restart both your computer and the printer to refresh the network connection.

Restart Print Spooler Service

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Type “services.msc” (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Services window.
• Scroll down and find the “Print Spooler” service.
• Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Restart” from the context menu.
• Wait for the service to restart, and then try connecting to the printer again.

Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Type “devmgmt.msc” (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Device Manager.
• Expand the “Print queues” section to see the installed printers.
• Right-click on the printer that is causing the error and select “Update driver.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions to search for and install updated drivers from Windows Update or the manufacturer’s website.
• If updating the driver doesn’t work, you can try uninstalling the printer driver by right-clicking on the printer and selecting “Uninstall device.” Then, restart your computer and let Windows automatically reinstall the driver.

Add the Printer Manually

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Type “[printer-IP-address]” (without quotes), where [printer-IP-address] is the IP address of the network printer, and press Enter.
• Windows should attempt to connect to the printer. If prompted, install the printer driver.
• If the above method doesn’t work, you can try adding the printer manually by going to “Control Panel” > “Devices and Printers” > “Add a printer” > “Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.”

These solutions should help you resolve the 0x00000771 error and successfully connect to your network printer. If the issue persists, you may want to consult your printer manufacturer’s support or seek assistance from a Windows technical support team for further troubleshooting.