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Print setup problem
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PA
Status:
Offline
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I just downloaded the latest drivers for my HP laserjet 2100, since I couldn't get the new Lexmark to work. It's connected to my mini via USB, which is plugged in. I can make the printer create a test page (not from the computer) so I know the printer is working. The HP Laserjet icon is on my screen, and I did the install. When I try to do a print job, from any app (Numbers, Pages, etc.) it says "Printer is off line". Did the same thing with the Lexmark 4500 I had bought - did the install, etc, and even did a wifi print from the mini, but otherwise also said "Printer is off line". Is there some switch I have to turn on in the software? Both printers show up in the PRINT AND FAX window, with the Laserjet as "default". When I click on it, in the PRINT AND FAX window, it says "Printer Ready" and it shows an image of my Laserjet. It was never, and I mean never, this difficult to set up a printer with windows and I'm kind of disappointed with Apple right now. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Moderator  Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Jose, CA
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Offline
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Check System Profiler in the USB section to make sure that the computer sees the attached printer. Not seeing the hardware is only thing I can think of that would make it indicate that the printer is "off-line".
Also, try resetting the printing system (right-click in list of printers in Print & Fax) and re-adding the printer. You could also try just deleting and re-adding the printer.
Steve
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Celebrating 10 years and 4000 posts on MacNN!
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PA
Status:
Offline
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Steve,
I re-installed and got as far as having the printer status as "Printing" and the status window shows "GENERICCLASS: WAITING FOR DEVICE" and "CONNECTING" but it never does. I realize this may be a compatibility issue between OSX and HP. I moved the USB cable to another port behind the MINI, and unplugged the ones I didn't need connected. I am using a Radio Shack parallel to USB cable, and during installation, it recognized that; finally showing my printer as "HP LaserJet 2100 Series". I went to the local Apple shop to discuss, and they basically wanted to sell me yet another HP printer, telling me that OSX has a "lot of printer compatibility issues". I really think this is an OSX problem, but can't prove it. Just frustrating to have 2 printers - the HP and the new Lexmark, and neither one will work. Will probably have to go back to my Compaq if I ever want to print anything. I prefer my mini, but at least I know with Windows it would only take me 90 seconds to install and print. Thanks.
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PA
Status:
Offline
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Also, how does one find the "System Profiler" or the "USB section" in OSX? (I'm a recent convert)
Thanks.
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Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Jose, CA
Status:
Offline
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Wait, this is an old parallel printer, not native USB? If so, that's a completely different set of issues. You would need appropriate software (drivers) for the cable (probably this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2036259), and I doubt Radio Shack makes software for that for Macs.
You can still check to see how the machine is detecting the printer: Apple menu -> About this Mac -> click More info to open System Profiler (or in the Utilities folder) and go to the USB section there.
I think you should focus on getting the Lexmark working, assuming that one has USB. Can you give more details on printer models and available interfaces? The only "Lexmark 4500" I see is this beast: http://www.lexmark.com/lexmark/produ....html?tabId=7#
Steve
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Celebrating 10 years and 4000 posts on MacNN!
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