Can print from application but printers folder empty

I can print from all my office and CAD applications
(Although not from IE or Outlook Express, I get
a "Printing Error, An error occurred during this
operation") but the printers folder is empty. The add
printer icon does not respond, nor does server properties.

I have tried to restoring to well before the problem
occured but the problem still remained, hence I undid the
restore.

Any information/ suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks