Birck Cox
Level 1 (147 points)
Desktops

Q: El Capitan can't find hard-wired Epson printer

Using El Capitan, I had my Epson printer unplugged for a week, finally plugged it back in and restarted, added a new driver from Apple, which seems to be the only choice, and it now refuses to show up in the printers and scanners prefs. I've tried "searching" for it; didn't work. The printer is ON, plugged in via USB at both ends, with a new driver, and it remains invisible to the computer. Any ideas, or simple solutions that don't involve going on Terminal and potchkeing around in the code?

Mac Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

Posted on Apr 26, 2016 7:50 AM

by Sparkleberry,Apple recommended
Sparkleberry Sparkleberry
Level 4 (3,110 points)
Notebooks
A:

If your Mac doesn't see your printer or have the software for it

These steps may help if you tried to print from your Mac, but your printer doesn't appear in the Printer pop-up menu, or your Mac displays a message that software for your printer isn't available.

  1. Make sure that your printer is ready to print. Check it for paper and other supplies, and resolve any error lights or error messages. Check the printer’s documentation or contact the manufacturer if you need help with an error.
  2. If your printer is connected to the USB port of your Mac, disconnect the printer.
  3. Your Mac downloads software for most printers automatically, so it's usually unnecessary to install software from the printer manufacturer. Always check for updates to make sure that your Mac has the latest information about the printer.
  4. If your printer isn't connected to your wired network, Wi-Fi network, or the USB port of your Mac, reconnect it now.
  5. Open an item that you want to print, then choose Print from the File menu.

 

Get help resolving printer issues on your Mac - Apple Support

and if that fails

Reset the printing system on your Mac - Apple Support

Posted on Apr 28, 2016 5:30 AM

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Birck Cox

Q: El Capitan can't find hard-wired Epson printer

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Sparkleberry,Apple recommended

    Sparkleberry Sparkleberry Apr 28, 2016 5:30 AM in response to Birck Cox
    Level 4 (3,110 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 28, 2016 5:30 AM in response to Birck Cox

    If your Mac doesn't see your printer or have the software for it

    These steps may help if you tried to print from your Mac, but your printer doesn't appear in the Printer pop-up menu, or your Mac displays a message that software for your printer isn't available.

    1. Make sure that your printer is ready to print. Check it for paper and other supplies, and resolve any error lights or error messages. Check the printer’s documentation or contact the manufacturer if you need help with an error.
    2. If your printer is connected to the USB port of your Mac, disconnect the printer.
    3. Your Mac downloads software for most printers automatically, so it's usually unnecessary to install software from the printer manufacturer. Always check for updates to make sure that your Mac has the latest information about the printer.
    4. If your printer isn't connected to your wired network, Wi-Fi network, or the USB port of your Mac, reconnect it now.
    5. Open an item that you want to print, then choose Print from the File menu.

     

    Get help resolving printer issues on your Mac - Apple Support

    and if that fails

    Reset the printing system on your Mac - Apple Support

  • by PAHU,Apple recommended

    PAHU PAHU Apr 26, 2016 7:03 PM in response to Birck Cox
    Level 6 (16,610 points)
    Apr 26, 2016 7:03 PM in response to Birck Cox

    Open System Information (Applications > Utilities) and select USB in the left column. The top right pane will show all the USB busses in the Mac and a USB connected printer will appear under one of the busses. When the printer does not display then it is often the cause of the USB cable. In this case you would try another USB printer cable and another USB port on the Mac. Sometimes turning off the power to the printer for several minutes can also help. Once you can make the printer appear under one of the busses then it will be available to add.

  • by Birck Cox,

    Birck Cox Birck Cox Apr 28, 2016 5:35 AM in response to PAHU
    Level 1 (147 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 28, 2016 5:35 AM in response to PAHU

    Between your two replies, Sparkleberry and Pahu, I seem to have fixed it. They both looked too simple to work, but I applied both fixes, and the system has worked fine ever since. I had already downloaded and installed the Apple-Epson printer software, but when things were starting to improve, the computer asked for a new download of some different printer driver, that was done, and it's worked since. No poking around in the source code. So thanks.