i was asked to download a printer software update but then told it was unavailable

First make sure your printer model is supported by checking here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3669

If your printer is supported, you can download the drivers here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL899

Hope this helps.

I had the identical issue when I turned on my Canon printer. I have an open Applecare ticket on this, but in the meantime I updated to 10.8.2 and the issue went away completely.

Oops! After several days of proper operation since updating to 10.8.2, this problem came back last night when I turned on the printer and now it occurs every time I turn on the printer. So NOT fixed in 10.8.2

Normally I do not shut down my iMac - rather I just let it sleep as per System Preferences > Energy Saver settings. This morning I did a complete shut down and then restarted and the problem has gone away again. Then I did a bunch of testing by launching all the usual applications I might have run since updating to 10.8.2 to see if one of these triggers the problem. After each new application launch I turned on the printer to see if the problem would occur (and then shut down the printer before the next application launch.) So far I haven't found what triggers this but once triggered it seems to then occur with each printer start (until I shut down the iMac again I guess.) I will have to keep a close watch on what I launch for a while to see what I have missed.

My situation is not resolved yet. I still have an Applecare case open, and on the last attempt the Apple tech had me reset the printing system. Since that time there has been another update for the Canon printers (which is what I am using) but the problem persists. Normally I don't reboot my system often, but if I do, then the problem goes away for a week or so and then comes back. However I am presently shutting down often due to a dusty home renovation so it won't be meaningful for me to contact Apple again to report the present status, while the problem is temporarily masked by the shutdowns. When I get back to it, I will report any resolutions that will hopefully be found.

Hi,

Please clarify your printer model to better understand what software is provided and what can be done next.

Check if your printer is listed in the following list:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3669#canon

If so, install the following package and try adding the printer again:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL899

Shlomi

Thanks Shlomi,

But in my case the printer is a Canon iP4820 which is, indeed, on the list you cited. It suggests I should have software version 10.67.1.0 which is what I have.

Going to the second link you provided, it suggests I should have the printer driver version 2.11 which is also exactly what I have installed.

I have the same problem. Running Mac OS X 10.8.2 on a mid-2011 21.5" iMac i5, My printer is a Canon MP240, and I have Canon Printer Software 2.11 (Driver version 10.67.1.0) installed. I know it is installed, the version numbers are all the latest. HOWEVER I keep getting a dialogue box with a printer icon in it, saying that new software is available, but when I click on it I get told the software can't be found. I then got the option to update the software in the 'Mac App Store', so I updated it there, and the issue went away for two days, but then I started getting the dialogue box again. I am sick of seeing the same thing over and over and over again - my printer works, and I can dismiss the notice and carry on with my work, but it is a ridiculous ANNOYANCE!!

You are welcome Websailor.

Try removing the driver files, reinstall it and check if that may make any difference:

• Go to Library\Printers and move the Canon folder to the trash.
• Go to Library\Printers\PPDs\Contents\Resources and search for iP4820.
• Move any file with your pritner name to the trash and reboot the Mac.
• Now go to Print & Scan and click the Plus sign to add the printer back, the drivers will be reinstalled from Apple.

If the same persists you may also try repairing the disk permissions and check if that may make any difference:

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH5821

Hope that helps,

Shlomi