AE says my printer's offline

Okay, it worked for a while, until I had to stop my printer queue. I deleted the offending job from the queue, then switched my printer off and on again (to stop its "I'm still processing" light from flashing), and then when I tried to print the next job, I got the "the printer is busy" message (even though it was idle). Any ideas?

I can still print if I plug the printer straight into my iMac, but I want BOTH computers to be able to access the printer through AirPort, so I am getting frustrated.

Thanks so much man. That solved my problem after much frustration!! : )

I have a similar problem--when the printer is connected straight to my MacBook, it prints fine. It also prints ok when the Mac is connected to the Ethernet port of the Airport Express, with the printer also plugged into the USB port of the Airport Express. But when I detach the Ethernet cable to print wirelessly, the "printer is busy" message shows.

The Airport Express is confirgured as a wireless client with the printer (Fuji Xerox Docuprint 204A) attached to it via USB. The MacBook can detect the printer wirelessly, but not print in wireless mode. The light on the Airport Express is always green, and even the router (Belkin F5D8633-4) can detect it as a wireless client. Please enlighten. Thanks.

Here's an update to the above issue:

Main Wireless Modem Router: BELKIN F5D8633-4 version 1000UK Wireless N Modem Router.
Computers (wireless connections): iMac 24" (Early 2008) 2.8 GHz 2 GB Ram / iMac (Late 2007) 2.0 GHz 4 GB Ram.
Printer: Fuji-Xerox Docuprint 204A (with both Ethernet & USB ports).
Airport Express (Wireless N) used as a wireless client for printer (AE).

Intended set-up

Internet---BELKIN >>>Wireless>>> MacBook / iMac / AE---Printer (tried both Ethernet & USB)

1. When configured to join existing network, the printing is "stuck" (unable to connect to printer).

2. When creating a separate netwrok out of the AE, the computers are able to print wirelessly without problem.

3. I have tried (1) with the printer added using the IP address configuration in Printer & Fax Preferences panel (the solution provided by "Manu"), but it still won't work.

Question: Is there a confirmed compatibility issue between the Belkin Modem Router and Apple Airport Express? If not, is there any solution to this?

Your advice worked great! I have a HP 3180 and have been trying to figure it out for a couple of hours until I read this. Thanks so much.

My Epson C120 is having the same trouble since the Leopard upgrade. =( This is utterly frustrating to say the least.

I can print when connected directly to my MacBook Pro, but not wirelessly through the base station. I've tried all of the recommendations in this thread (and others), all to no avail.

I had the Printer Is Off-Line error when trying to print. System is MacBook (white, Leopard 10.5.5) wireless network to Linksys WRT54G for internet access and an Airport Extreme Base Station N with USB hub to HP Color LaserJet 2605dn and LaCie hard drive. The Linksys is the wireless router for a cable modem and the AEBS was connected as "extend a wireless network" using WEP.

Until I tried the fix below, the MacBook would print only when connected via USB cable. Attempts to print without the USB cable returned the "Printer is Off-Line" error.

Try these steps:

1. Start AirPort Utility and ensure the AirPort sees the printer. Make note of the AirPort IP address.

2. Start System Preferences | Print & Fax and look at the printers listed. My system showed two printers. Note the printer names. One should be the IP address of the AirPort.

3. Return to the application from which you wish to print. Select File | Print, then select the printer named with the IP address of the AirPort. On my system, the two printers were "HP Color LaserJet 2605dn" and "xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx"

4. The document should print without difficulty.

Leopard appeared to create a printer name when I used USB to print, then created a second printer with the IP address of the AirPort Base Station.

Hope this fix works for you.

I've just bought my iMac and printer and I'm having problems with the wireless connection too. The scanner works with the wireless connection but the printer says it's offline. When I go into the airport utility there is no printer listed so I'm not sure how to connect it...please help.

I don't know what the operating system is...

If you have scanner function, then you likely are not plugging the multi-function into the Express (scanning function is not supported by the Express). Therefore, the printer should NOT show up in AirPort Utility. I believe you are simply using a wireless Wi-Fi printer.

You need to check with your printer manual to properly setup the wireless printing. This isn't an Express setup issue.

P.S. Next time, you may want to start a new topic. Adding a question to a 3 page thread isn't going to get you a lot of responses.

Welcome to Apple Discussions!

Thanks. I will try that.

I'm ripping my hair out trying to set up my wireless printer. I've set it three times now. I've followed all the instructions but I'm still getting the message that the printer is offline.

My printer is an HP C4580 and I have an iMac. I I'm not sure what the operating system is or how to check what it is. I'm not very technical so speak to me as though you're speaking to a fool...