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addiecool · Jan 1, 2005, 01:51 AM

I tried searching for it but could not find anything. So here goes...

I have the following config:

Powermac G5 Dual 2.0
1 GB RAM
80GB/160GB
USB 2.0 250GB Hard Drive
HP Laserjet AIO 3030 connected via USB

Usually I can print fine to the Laserjet 3030 but when I try to send multiple jobs at once I get into problems. Sometimes I send a number of print jobs from Acrobat when I need to print a lot of documents. The first job gets printed but the rest just dissapear from the Print center.

Whats more, after that I cannot print anything. I have to reboot the computer and the printer to at least manage to print. I have the latest drivers and updates. This problem is there since 10.3.0.

Already tried the following:

1. Latest Drivers.
2. Repair permissions.
3. Use print Center Repair utility.
4. RE-installed the OS (Numerous times with no success)
5. Deleting and adding the printer again
6. Banged my head to the desk
7. Cried out loud

Any ideas????

Big Mac · Jan 1, 2005, 07:20 AM

Unfortunately, I don't have any experience whatsoever with the Laserjet line. It sounds like you've done almost everything possible to resolve this issue. How old is this Laserjet? Can you locate other owners of that particular printer to find out whether they're having similar problems? Have you tried HP tech support [yuck]? I guess one thing you could possibly do is find a router with a Mac compatible print server so that you wouldn't have to deal with that driver anymore. I wouldn't know of a router to suggest to you, though. You're probably aware of the fact that HP doesn't do a very good job with its OS X drivers.

Now the following story has nothing to do with your problem, but it is somewhat relevant. I used to use an old Epson 900. The first version of its OS X driver sucked, but a newer version was much better (although not perfect). When I installed the driver on my iBook, I misplaced the installer. (I usually save those types of special software installers.) Oddly, when I got my G5, I could not locate the newer version of the driver anywhere on Epson's site or anywhere else on the web for that matter. Their Mac support allegedly had no clue that there was a newer version of the driver in existence. Finally, I got my iBook, took the newer driver from it and installed it manually over the old one. My G5 finally worked decently with the 900. I am certain the newer driver was a good update and actually necessary for newer versions of OS X, so there should have been no reason for Epson to pull it. I cannot say with any certainty that the Epson tech was feigning ignorance about the update, since I have no trouble believing he was sufficiently ignorant incidentally. But this experience led me to strongly suspect that Epson purposely pulled the newer driver in order to coerce Mac users to get newer printers. I wouldn't put it past HP to pull a similar stunt, either. Ironically, after pledging to never buy another Epson printer, I ended up getting a cx4600 due to very attractive rebates. I'm very happy with it.

addiecool · Jan 1, 2005, 07:36 AM

Thanks for trying out. I can wait for newer drivers but probably it will take a long time since HP has no clue.

I believe that many people have bought the 3030 range for thier macs. I just need to find them to see if they have the same issues.

Most probably its a driver problem since my Photosmart works just fine besides other small issues again courtesy of HP.

Waiting for someone who uses this printer.

Boochie · Jan 1, 2005, 10:07 AM

I have an old LaserJet 5MP that I've connected to my G4 using a USB adapter. The printer works perfectly for my needs, so I can't justify replacing it. Anyhow, it exhibits the same behavior as you've described.

I've found that it's actually not necessary to reboot the computer. I just delete the hanging print job(s), disconnect the USB cable, and reconnect after a few seconds. Then I can print again. It varies from day to day whether I can subsequently print more than one job successfully. To simplify this process I've connected the USB cable using the hub on the keyboard, so it's easy to unplug/re-plug without reaching behind the computer. This isn't perhaps the elegant solution you're looking for, but it's cheap and it works.

addiecool · Jan 1, 2005, 11:11 AM

I tried unplugging the printer but it did not help. The only solution is to reboot. Sometimes deleting the printer and creating a new one works. Seems that HP Drivers are flaky.

I sometimes want to throw all HP Devices out of the window, but am forced to use them because I did not find another all-in-one like the 3030.

Still waiting for a solution.. HP Hello ????? are you listening..?? Maybe you are deaf.

Cadaver · Jan 1, 2005, 11:41 AM

While I can't tell you exactly how to do it... you might try using CUPS drivers instead of HP's drivers. You might be restricted to basic printing, loosing some advanced features of the device, but it might work for you.

Do a search on CUPS print drivers.

Boochie · Jan 1, 2005, 12:12 PM

As I think about this some more, I remember back in OS 8/9 days I was told by HP tech support I should use Apple's print drivers rather than the HP ones. Have you tried telling your computer that you actually have a LaserWriter?

stevesnj · Jan 1, 2005, 06:47 PM

Some Acrobat files are very large files if the total size of the files outsizes the RAM capacity of the printer you may have partial or no prints at all. Check the RAM size of the printer.

addiecool · Jan 2, 2005, 12:35 AM

Boochie....

Woohooo...

You Solved my problem. I selected a random Apple Laserwriter and it is all working now. Thanks Thanks Thanks. No more multiple job problem.

Thanks you all guys. Appreciate all your help

Hello HP ????

addiecool · 05:29 AM

Ok one more problem now.

1. When I use the Apple Driver I cannot scan and alll because the driver is not designed to go through HP Communications. So I have to manually kill HP Communications to proceed.

2. I also bought a HP photosmart 7960. This printer also requires HP Communications. Now there is a conflict. With both the printerns installed HP communications talks only to Photosmart and all functions of laserjet are disabled. Any one has such a setup???

Sheeshhh.... Problems never seem to end here....

Boochie · Jan 2, 2005, 08:01 AM

Sheesh, you sure do expect a lot.

Glad the laserwriter fix helped. Maybe I'll try that myself!

Cadaver · Jan 2, 2005, 08:37 AM

Originally posted by addiecool:
Ok one more problem now.

1. When I use the Apple Driver I cannot scan and alll because the driver is not designed to go through HP Communications. So I have to manually kill HP Communications to proceed.

2. I also bought a HP photosmart 7960. This printer also requires HP Communications. Now there is a conflict. With both the printerns installed HP communications talks only to Photosmart and all functions of laserjet are disabled. Any one has such a setup???

Sheeshhh.... Problems never seem to end here....

Yep. Welcome to HP's what-were-they-thinking print drivers.

Next time, my I suggest Canon products.

addiecool · Jan 2, 2005, 09:28 AM

Yeah but that is next time. Meanwhile I have got to deal with this crap.. Anyway here is a workaround I found, if it helps anybody else

1. move "HP communications" out of this location /library/printers/hp/
2. Place it somewhere else Like the Applications Folder (This will prevent a Auto-start on next reboot)
3. Kill or quit Hp communications process from Activity Monitor or Terminal (This will enable printing from other drivers)
4. Create a new printer and use the Apple Laserwriter Driver to Print. This works perfectly.
5. When you need to Scan just double click HP Communications and scan from HP Director. Dont launch HP Scan directly.
6. When done scanning quit the process HP Communication to enable printing again.

This works for me till we get a new driver. This should also work for AIO's like 3015 and 3300.