STATUS_REPARSE_OBJECT (0X00000118) Printer Fix: 3-Step Guide

What's This Error Actually Mean?

You're trying to print, and Windows throws STATUS_REPARSE_OBJECT (0X00000118). Usually pops up right after you install a new printer or update a driver. Happened to a client last month who'd just plugged in a Brother HL-L2350DW — driver installed fine, but the port got corrupted because Windows couldn't properly map the USB or network path. The OS sees a "reparse point" (like a symbolic link) where it expects a real device, and it chokes.

Fix 1: Restart the Print Spooler (30 seconds, no admin needed)

This clears temporary junk. Don't skip it even if you think it's basic — I've seen this alone fix about 1 in 5 cases.

1. Hit Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
2. Scroll down to Print Spooler. Right-click it and pick Restart.
3. Try printing again.

Doesn't work? Move on.

Fix 2: Remove and Re-add the Printer via Settings (5 minutes)

This rebuilds the port and driver from scratch. I've done this on dozens of HP and Canon printers — works when the spooler restart doesn't.

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Click the problem printer, then Remove device.
3. Now click Add device and let Windows rediscover it. If it's a network printer, you might need to choose Add manually and enter the IP address.
4. When asked, pick Use the driver that's currently installed — don't let Windows download a new one unless you're sure it's compatible.

If the error returns after re-adding, you've got a deeper port corruption. Go to Fix 3.

Fix 3: Kill the Corrupt Printer Port in Registry (15+ minutes, advanced)

This is the nuclear option. Had a client whose Dell printer port got munged after a Windows update — the error kept coming back until we nuked the registry entry. Back up your registry first (File → Export in regedit).

Step 1: Delete the Printer Port via PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator. Search "PowerShell", right-click, pick Run as administrator.
2. Run Get-PrinterPort | Format-List Name, PrinterHostAddress. Look for the printer's name or IP — note the exact port name (like "WSD-xxxxx" or "IP_192.168.1.100").
3. Run Remove-PrinterPort -Name "the-port-name" — replace with the actual port name.

If PowerShell says the port is in use, you need to delete it from registry.

Step 2: Registry Cleanup

1. Open regedit as Administrator.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors\Standard TCP/IP Port\Ports. Look for a subkey matching your printer's IP or hostname. Right-click and delete it.
3. Also check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Printers — find the printer's key, look for Port value, and note the port name. Delete the printer key itself.

Step 3: Reinstall from Scratch

1. Go back to Printers & scanners and add the printer again. This time, when Windows asks for a driver, choose Windows Update if it's a common model, or download the latest driver from the manufacturer's site.
2. For USB printers, unplug the cable, restart Windows, then plug it back in — let Windows auto-detect.

That's it. The error should be gone. If not, the printer itself might have a hardware fault — try it on another PC to confirm.

Pro tip: Always restart Windows after registry edits. And yes, this fix works for Windows 10 and 11, including the latest 23H2 build.