Older iMac can't print to a printer on a shared Windows network

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Level 1

4 points

Older iMac can't print to a printer on a shared Windows network

iMac is running 10.11.16 El Capitan. I am trying to connect the iMac to a wired printer that is connected to a Windows 10 PC on a shared network. I have successfully added the printer and the System Preferences, Printers and Scanners page shows the printer with a green dot once I install it, but once I try to print anything, the dot turns yellow. The printer page keeps saying the printer is paused. If I click "Resume Printing," it says "Printing" but nothing happens and after three seconds it goes back to "Ready to Print."

I have tried reinstalling this printer about 25 times.

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Nov 27, 2023 7:48 PM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

149,158 points

Nov 29, 2023 6:11 PM in response to Lab2p

Did you reset the printing system? Nothing in your initial posts indicates you took this step. If you did not do this, please read Reset the printing system on your Mac to solve a problem - Apple Support

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

149,158 points

Nov 29, 2023 9:35 PM in response to Lab2p

Likely an issue with your network then. Does the printer have the ability to be a network printer, i.e. does it have Wi-Fi or Ethernet? If so, then connect using the printer's IP address.

Click the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner of your Mac.
Open the System Preferences panel.
Click on Printers and Scanners.
Then click on the + sign below the list of printers.
Click on the IP icon. ...
Type your printer's IP address in the Address field.

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

149,158 points

Nov 29, 2023 5:16 PM in response to Lab2p

Forget the printer and then follow the install steps in Adding a printer

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

251,339 points

Nov 30, 2023 3:30 AM in response to Lab2p

Just checking, you wouldn't have Printer Sharing enabled on the Mac would you?

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

251,339 points

Nov 30, 2023 9:16 AM in response to Lab2p

You do not want it enabled on a Mac not connected to a printer, you may needto restart after turning it off, perhaps might have to Safe Boot to clear caches, and even rest the printing system.

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Answer 6

Lab2p Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 30, 2023 1:34 AM in response to rkaufmann87

No, that would be a great solution. In that case I wouldn't need to share the printer at all. But it is a wired printer with no wifi or ethernet and can only be physically connected to one computer at a time. (It's a Dymo LabelMaker 4XL that prints stamps and shipping labels.)

I have 4 PCs connected and printing to this shared printer and only the iMac is unable to use it.

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