Print spooler service is not running

Print spooler service is not running

(This was one of several problems that appeared
after uninstalling what I thought were uneeded programs).
Unable to use System restore as it was disabled during repair
and no restore points go far enough back now.

How do I fix this?

This is what I tried
Control Panel Admin tools services

(Checked Remote Proceedure Call was runnung)

Print spooler, rightclick restart, select properties set to automatic
Startup type: automatic
Status:started,
click OK

Rebooted

tried to print a few words from wordpad

Message: Before you can perform printer related tasks, need to install printer
Do you want to install now
Yes
but before printer CD got time to warm up, got message
"Operation could not be completed. The print spooler service is not
running."
(Contradicts indication in Services.)

This is a Catch 22/hole in my bucket dear Lisa type situation.
Perhaps something is more fundamentally wrong. How can I test for missing
files

I get missing dll. file warnings with other apps.

Anybody know how to go on from here ?

Regards - Ian