Solving Error 0x00000709: “Can’t Set Default Printer” Problem

I recently had a troubleshooting appointment for an HP all-in-one printer that could not be set as the default printer. When I tried to make it the default, a message box came up saying "operation could not be completed error (0x00000709)”. Other than that, it seemed to work fine. I even removed all the printer software through “Programs And Features” in the Windows control panel followed up by a Windows system registry scan. I then performed a clean install of the HP printer software – still no joy.

Next, I began to research the "operation could not be completed error (0x00000709)” error message on the internet. I came across a variety of solutions, which I tried in succession with no luck. I finally discovered the one that worked. It was a simple fix to the Windows system registry. This is what I did to solve the annoying little problem:

I.      Type “regedit” followed by the enter key in the “search program and files” text box in the pop up menu that appears after clicking the Windows “start button” in the lower left hand corner of the Windows desktop screen.

II.      Next, click “HKEY_CURRENT_USER” in the left hand pane of the Windows registry editor.

III.      Then click “Software” followed by “Microsoft” and next “Windows NT”.

IV.      While under the “Windows NT” entry, click “CurrentVersion” and then “Windows”.

V.      Now, one of the entries you should see in the right hand pane is “Device”. If the value for “Device” as noted under the “Data” area is anything other than the printer you are using, then highlight “Device” in the right hand pane with the mouse and press the delete key to remove it.

VI.      Restart the computer so it starts with the altered Windows system registry.After the Windows desktop appears again, you should be able to go into the “Printers” area and designate your printer as the default without receiving the "operation could not be completed error (0x00000709)” message.
Being able to designate the default printer can save you a fair amount of work over the long run. This is because you won’t have to specify your destination printer in the printer dialog box – it is already selected since it’s been set as the default.

Quickly solve:

a) Click on Start.
b) Type regedit in the start search and click Enter.
c) Move to the location mentioned below.

              HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows

d) In the right column, you will find key Device, change the value to your Printer name.
e) It is of the format for example: "HP LaserJet 4250 PCL6,winspool,Ne03:".
f)  Right click on the value and click on Rename, change it to your printer name.

Published By
S.G.Godwin Dinesh.MCA
Sr.System Administrator