"Unable to Open Printer Connection"

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Level 1

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"Unable to Open Printer Connection"

I just purchased an HP Deskjet 4260. I am able to print to it if I connect it directly to my computer. However, I haven't been able to print to it through a connection to my Airport Express.

I have been able to add the printer, but when I print dialogue window tells me "Opening Printer Connection Failed: Unable to Open Printer Connection. Please Check Your Printer." This occurs when I am using my iBook G4 and my Powerbook G4. Both have 10.4.11 running.

I've tried a number of fixes, including:
-Deleting and adding the printer again.
-Reinstalling the HP software.
-Resetting the printing system
-Fixing disk permissions

I ran Network Diagnostics, and it says that the computer is unable to connect to the server "Deskjet 4260. pdl-datastream.tcp.local" Could that have something to do with it?

Also, the HP Print Utility doesn't seem to open. It opens briefly, but then closes without doing anything.

Any ideas?

iBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jan 25, 2008 8:19 PM

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Answer 1

IhateHP

Level 1

1 points

Jan 31, 2008 2:09 PM in response to graigmeyer

I'm having the exact same problem with my HP Deskjet. I tried loading the software on two different Macs but I can't print because of this "Unable to Open Printer Connection" problem. I'm very fustrated with HP because 1) you can't load their printer software unless you know the password that the Adminstrator originally used. 2) You can't download the printer software from HP's website unless you have a high speed interent connection. 3) Even if you get past these first two hurdles you'll find you still can't print after installing the software. 4) The "Support" people who designed HP's website failed to anticipate problems like these users would have so it offers no useful solutions. My only option now is to use my old Powermac and Stylewriter printer if I want to get work done!

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Answer 2

melitar

Level 1

0 points

Jan 31, 2008 2:21 PM in response to IhateHP

I am not familiar with your particular HP model, but I purchased HP officejet 5610 and found later that it WILL NOT print wirelessly. I searched everywhere I could find, asked for help through the Macworld forums, went to the GIMP printer drivers,....ultimately, I had to accept that the printer would not print through my Airport Express or Airport Extreme. I got the same message about 'opening the printer connection' but then it was unable to open it. I always had to connect with USB cord direct to my PB. Check to see if your printer supports wireless printing. I found that the Officejet 5610 did not.

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Answer 3

Jan 31, 2008 6:39 PM in response to graigmeyer

Hi,

I have a similar problem with a Canon i9900. I added an Iomega 1TB network (Ethernet) drive that has two USB ports for printers. The Mac OS can "see" the printer, but when I do the setup, the list of Canon printers does not include the i9900. This is strange because when I installed the printer for direct USB connection to the Mac, there was not problem with setup. So it defaults to the generic printer driver, and I can't print. So I don't know if it is an OS problem, a Canon problem, or an Iomega problem. I have contacted both Iomega and Canon; so I'll have to wait to see what they say.

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Answer 4

graigmeyer Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 31, 2008 6:53 PM in response to graigmeyer

Here's the response HP gave me:

The Deskjet Printer you are trying to connect to your wireless base station is not compatible with any type of network connection. The Deskjet printer uses LIDIL (host-based) firmware which requires a direct USB connection to the computer. HP does manufacture printers that have PCL-3 based firmware and should work with the airport or network print server (Jet Direct) Current models of Deskjet printers that will work, for example are Deskjet 6940 and Deskjet 6980.

I got a 6940 today and it works fine.

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