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Error 13 message when trying to addd Canon printer

We have a Canon IP2000 USB printer, which we have been using with our Imac for about 8 months. Suddenly we got a failed communication message and it would not print anything. The printer still works when connected to my ibook and it did still print test sheets. We have tried numerous things without success.

We have now uninstalled it and tried to reinstall but Printer setup utility now locates the printer but then comes up with a message saying unable to add printer error 13.

It is very frustrating being unable to print.

Imac G5, Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Posted on Dec 19, 2005 2:40 AM

Reply
6 replies

Jan 18, 2006 8:48 AM in response to Lilpalf

Yes, I am having a similar problem with my epson. It stoped working after I did the 10.4.4 upgrade. I deleted it and now it won't let me reinstall the drivers. It says that I need administrator privledges or higher level access. I AM THE ADMIN.

When I do the printer installation utility it comes up with that same message you are getting. "This printer can not be installed. Error: 13"

Jan 22, 2006 6:39 AM in response to Lilpalf

Generic print fixes - do these one at a time. Restart and try adding after.

Delete and re-ADD the printer(s) in Printer Setup.
Repair permissions (Disk Utility).
Delete Print Prefs - search for (File>Find) files that start with com.apple.print and delete them all and reboot.
Reset Printing System (new in Tiger) - In Printer Setup, click this menu item found just above Quit Printer Setup.
If there is a downloadable Combination Updater from Apple, use it to re-Update OS X.
Try Printer Setup Repair from www.fixamac.net.
Use a Disk Utility like Disk Warrior to repair the HD.

Mar 9, 2006 10:31 PM in response to Lilpalf

I have had the same problem and after numerous phonecalls to the help line and reading the discussion page, I noticed that this happens when using one printer for 2 computers running different operating systems.
Error 13 is an unistall error, if that helps. The problem might be that the printer was not turned off when switching between operating systems.
I have tried everything from repair permission to booting of my install disc and repaired the HD.
I have just finished and archie and reinstall and fingers crossed it will work.
Keep you posted.

Mar 9, 2006 11:44 PM in response to Max01

Yes it worked.
As I said I have tried everything from permission repair to repair HD, downloading some useless software, deleting com.apple.print preferencefiles but nothing worked. What seems to happen is that sharing one printer between two OS may corrupt the printer drive when printer not turned off.
So always switch off your printer before unplugging.
Again error 13 is an uninstall error, found it by luck on the apple web page.
Only thing that worked archieve and reinstall, a little more work but it you saves your nerves.

Error 13 message when trying to addd Canon printer

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