Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: what is Spooler Subsystems App ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   3 Comments )
Question  
Subject: what is Spooler Subsystems App
Category: Computers > Security
Asked by: fraser999-ga
List Price: $4.00
Posted: 14 Aug 2005 13:45 PDT
Expires: 13 Sep 2005 13:45 PDT
Question ID: 555703
After update of Windows XP last week on Sony Vaio laptop, Zone Alarm
software firewall warns that Spooler Subsystem App is trying to access
the internet. What does this program do? Is it legitimate and is this
safe?
Answer  
Subject: Re: what is Spooler Subsystems App
Answered By: denco-ga on 14 Aug 2005 20:20 PDT
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Howdy fraser999-ga.

First, the Spooler Subsystem App is a legitimate process, and
is associated with printer processes.

Frpm the IceTeks web site.
http://www.iceteks.com/filedb/f/Spoolsv.exe

"What is it?
SPOOLer SerVice - spoolsv.exe

What does it do?
spoolsv.exe - The spooler service is responsible for managing
spooled print/fax jobs"

This Yahoo! Groups message speaks to why you might be getting
your message.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ntb-OffTopic/message/4930

"I use ZoneAlarm and I have a program that is constantly wanting
to access the internet. It is called Spooler Subsystem App. Does
any one have any idea what this app is and what it does. Why does
it constantly need access to the internet?
...
Actually further checking indicates this needs to be used only if
you are using printers across net works. If you are not using
printers across networks then you probably should not let it have
access to the internet."

This posting on Zone Labs User Forum suggests that letting it have
access to the Internet might not be all bad.
http://forum.zonelabs.org/zonelabs/board/message?board.id=win_za_msgs&message.id=8258#M8258

"... svchost.exe is [p]art of generic host process and will need
Internet access in order for your surfing to function correctly,
you may grant this access but I wouldn[']t give it server rights
... spoolvs.exe is part of the printer it wants access to check
for updates ..."

The spoolsv.exe process is sometimes associated with some viruses,
as outlined in the IceTeks article referenced above, but I do not
think that is the case with your system.  You can check your system
resources by doing an "Alt/Ctrl/Delete" and if spoolsv.exe is not
taking up any or little CPU time, then I don't think it is a problem.

I don't see any problem with letting the service access the Internet,
but you might want to monitor it for a few days, and if it is causing
any kind of problems, you can have ZoneAlarm block it at that point.

If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.


Search strategy:

Google search on: "Spooler Subsystem" access network OR Internet
://www.google.com/search?q=%22Spooler+Subsystem%22+access+network+OR+Internet

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher
fraser999-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars
Thank you for prompt answer with added references. Would recommed
service to othters.

Comments  
Subject: Re: what is Spooler Subsystems App
From: denco-ga on 15 Aug 2005 10:40 PDT
 
Thanks for the kind comment and 5 star rating, fraser999-ga.

My pleasure!

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher
Subject: Re: what is Spooler Subsystems App
From: goering-ga on 28 Jan 2006 13:26 PST
 
I'm had the same question when ZoneAlarm asked me if I wanted to allow
this program or not. I'm both happy my computer is safe and happy to
learn just a little bit more about the processes on my computer! Yours
was a very informative post, denco-ga.
Subject: Re: what is Spooler Subsystems App
From: denco-ga on 28 Jan 2006 14:20 PST
 
Appreciate the kind comment, goering-ga.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy