TS1394: Troubleshooting Mac OS X installation and software updates (Mac OS X v10.6 and earlier)

Learn about Troubleshooting Mac OS X installation and software updates (Mac OS X v10.6 and earlier)
lennieanah

Q: why isn't my printer supported by the update ?

I just updated my imac to Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and now my printer won't work.  It appears as though the update does not support my printer.  However, I am not completely convinced as my printer was working fine before installing Snow Leopard.  Can anyone help??

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.3), Updated from Mac OS version 10.4.7

Posted on Sep 26, 2012 5:24 PM

Close

Q: why isn't my printer supported by the update ?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by stedman1,

    stedman1 stedman1 Sep 26, 2012 5:26 PM in response to lennieanah
    Level 9 (74,238 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 26, 2012 5:26 PM in response to lennieanah

    Have you checked the printer manufacturers web site for updated drivers for Snow Leopard?

  • by Matt Broughton,

    Matt Broughton Matt Broughton Sep 26, 2012 5:56 PM in response to lennieanah
    Level 5 (4,980 points)
    Sep 26, 2012 5:56 PM in response to lennieanah

    It would help to know the make and model of your printer.  As stedman1 indicated, there may be updated drivers needed.  If the manufacturer does not have compatible drivers, there may be open source drivers that will work.

  • by lennieanah,

    lennieanah lennieanah Sep 27, 2012 5:53 PM in response to stedman1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 27, 2012 5:53 PM in response to stedman1

    The manufacture told me that they have no updated drivers and that I need to replace my printer with a newer model. 

    The printer in question is a Lexmark model Z65.

    Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me.

  • by lennieanah,

    lennieanah lennieanah Sep 27, 2012 5:54 PM in response to Matt Broughton
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 27, 2012 5:54 PM in response to Matt Broughton

    My printer is a Lexmark model Z65.

    Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me.

  • by lennieanah,

    lennieanah lennieanah Sep 27, 2012 5:58 PM in response to Matt Broughton
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 27, 2012 5:58 PM in response to Matt Broughton

    I am not familiar with open source drivers, what so ever. 

  • by Matt Broughton,

    Matt Broughton Matt Broughton Sep 27, 2012 6:21 PM in response to lennieanah
    Level 5 (4,980 points)
    Sep 27, 2012 6:21 PM in response to lennieanah

    In this case the manufacturer is correct, you will need a different printer for OS X 10.6.x.  The drivers for the Z65 seem to only go up through OS X 10.4.x.  I can not find any open source drivers for this printer either.

     

    Open source drivers are drivers for a device where the source code for the driver is freely available to the public.  Sometimes the manufacturer will release the source code, other times individuals not associated with the manufacturer will write a driver that will work.

     

    Given the fact that the User's Guide for the product is dated 2001, it certainly would appear that you have gotten a good long life out of the device.  The good news is that printers are very cheap these days.

  • by lennieanah,

    lennieanah lennieanah Oct 1, 2012 5:40 PM in response to Matt Broughton
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 1, 2012 5:40 PM in response to Matt Broughton

    Thanks for taking your time with helping me with my printer issue and explaining the open source driver.  

    Yeah, time for a new printer.  I rarely use a printer.  Have you any recommendations for a new printer.

    Thanks again