I've recently migrated all my Mac Mini content (OS X 10.13) to a late 2013 iMac running Catalina 10.15. My Epson printer and status monitor are no longer supported in 10.15. I believe this is because this version of MacOS requires 64 bit software. Epson won't offer any help in this situation. Is there any way around this other than transferring files to be printed to my MBP, which is a cumbersome procedure? Thanks
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
Thank you for the information.
The following Epson support page appears to offer a driver for macOS 10.15 Catalina:
Add a printer on Mac – Apple Support (UK)
Reset the Mac printing system to solve a problem – Apple Support (UK)
Thank you for the information.
The following Epson support page appears to offer a driver for macOS 10.15 Catalina:
Add a printer on Mac – Apple Support (UK)
Reset the Mac printing system to solve a problem – Apple Support (UK)
Also, if nothing else helps, you could perhaps begin by resetting the printing system (see link above), and then carry out an experiment with the Epson Printer Drivers v3.3 for macOS download from Apple. Look for something like the EPSON Stylus Photo T50 version 9.17 driver listed in the article Printer and scanner drivers for Mac - Apple Support. This may or may not work. Make sure that you have backup copies of all important files before testing anything. Software conflicts cannot be ruled out.
Thank you for the update. It is strange that two different downloads do not work (or that files cannot be properly detected). The v3.3 from Apple shows 20201211 in the dmg download link, and (e contrario) the System Requirements at least seem to indicate compatibility with versions before macOS 12 (Monterey).
I guess that you have tried a safe boot already, in order to check the macOS 10.15 Catalina computer itself.
Start up your Mac in safe mode – Apple Support (UK)
How to use safe mode on your Mac – Apple Support (UK)
Since the T50 appears to be working with a macOS 10.13 High Sierra Mac mini, and if you still have that computer, it would be possible to share the USB printer on a network (with the Mac mini acting as a print server), but that may not make it easier to access it from the Catalina iMac. It would even be possible to use a Mac app like Printopia to make the printer available for printing from an iPhone or iPad, but that will probably not help either in this case.
Someone else here may have a better idea about how to proceed.
Good luck!
Thanks Jan, that was my first step in trying to update the printer software, but unfortunately that driver won't install on my computer. I don't know why Epson would have those links there if they don't work. When clicking on the installer I get the message "The developer of this app needs to update it to work with this version of macOS. Contact the developer for more information." I contacted the developer Epson and they don't offer any support. Case closed, as far as they're concerned. My question is, is there a work around that might allow me to use this printer (and its utility software) under Os 10.15?
I noticed that the Australian web page only had a PDF file with a description about how to find drivers, with (old) references to Apple pages.
Was the driver you tried to install the 12.62 version (Legacy_StylusPhoto2_1262_AM.dmg) from the Epson America site?
No luck with any of that I'm afraid. I've tried everything recommended, as follows: Yes, the driver I first tried was the one linked above, 12.62, which would not install. I then reset the printing system, but have had no success getting it to see another version of the driver. I also tried downloading and installing the drivers v3.3 for MacOS and nothing happened. It seemed to go well and success was indicated at the end of the install process, but it's nowhere to be seen! Despite my attempts at various installs, there is no entry for printer drivers under Applications. I'm at a loss. The obvious answer is a new printer, but there is nothing wrong with this one and I have plenty of ink for it. Thanks for your perseverance with this one.
Hello Jan, and many thanks for your help. I hadn't tried Safe Mode but have now done so and attempting to install a driver again, with the same lack of result. Something strange is happening which I think you were aware of when you suggested that installed files were not being detected. This seems to be confirmed by the fact that at the end of each install attempt I get the usual green tick and "Installation Successful", but no sign of installed drivers anywhere.
Several thoughts occur to me: (i) Perhaps this pesky Hybrid Drive used in this machine has become corrupted - instead of the apparently intended Sys and Data partitions displayed in place of Macintosh HD, I have Sys, Data and Sys-Data (which I have had to rename Sys-Data2 to allow Time Machine backups - apparently a known issue); (ii) Maybe I should create a Catalina usb installer and do a new install of the OS and see how that might affect the drive situation, as well as printer installation; (iii) Restore from a recent Time Machine backup, which will at least return the original partial printer function (not potentially helpful I suppose).
Alas my Mac Mini has died, so using it as a print server is not an option. I have a 13" MBP running 10.13 with full printing and scanning function which could be used in the same way though.
I'd appreciate your thoughts on my clutching-at-straws ideas above, and thank you again for your valued help.
>I'd appreciate your thoughts on my clutching-at-straws ideas above, and thank you again for your valued help.
Hello barryfrombarjarg,
You're welcome! Unfortunately, Catalina system level issues are not within my area of expertise. I will have to refer you to one of the experts here. Someone may see this. Otherwise, you could perhaps ask a separate question (the Ask the Community link on top of this page).
Merry Christmas!
Jan
Postscript...
I revisited this problem this morning, switched the printer on, looked for it in System Preferences/Printers and Scanners and there it was! It works, albeit with a couple of blocked nozzles, and the printer utility is there.
However I still can't see it in Applications and haven't a clue where it's installed, but it's there and that's the main thing. The Printers and Scanners General panel shows that driver version 10.85 is installed.
I think this strange partitioning used in Catalina has something to do with it, but it should still be shown in Applications, I would have thought. Thanks again Jan.
Hi,
Any information about the exact Epson model?
Epson Stylus Photo T-50.
Thanks so much for your help, Jan, and merry Christmas to you too.
Barry
A 10.85 driver was used for several Epson models after the introduction of macOS Big Sur (late 2020).
Glad to hear that it is working.
Support for older printers
