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Level 1

8 points

HP LaserJet 4100N-print queue reverts to pause

I've been trying relentlessly to get my iMac (early 2008 model) to print on an HP LaserJet 4100N. I've been able to establish the connection (via ethernet) using the IP address on the printer and configuring as Protocol LPD, HP LaserJet 4100 Series v.3010.107. All looks good, including valid connection, etc. However, when I try to print the printer queue goes into action, shows that it's "printing-copying print data-printing", but as soon as it gets to the next step "connected to printer" the job suddenly drops and reverts to pause mode. According to the information provided under printer "Options and Supplies", I have driver version 19.5. HP says that OS 10.6 comes with the necessary driver (where I started before upgrading to Mountain Lion), and that an update for Mountain Lion can be found under Apple's Software Update. But no such update is found.

My older PowerBook G4 with OS 10.6 works fine, so I'm assume it's an issue with the software/driver that's supporting Mountain Lion.

Any suggestions?

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 2008 imac A1224

Posted on Mar 15, 2013 4:54 AM

32 replies

wb4fly Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 23, 2013 4:20 AM in response to wb4fly

I tried the differnt configurations suggested by Greg and MrHoffman, but no joy.

Furthermore, I could not configure the printer using the HP Jetdirect-Socket protocol using a 192.xxx.xx.x IP adddress as I would consistently get an error message.
I could configure the ethernet using 192, but not the printer.
I also inactivated all network interfaces save the ethenet, but the printer would still not respond.
Strangelly, if I disabled the ethernet interface all together, the printer was still showing as active and in idle mode. This should not happen.
Bottom line, the ethernet connection and interface seems to be fine. And although the ethernet interface will recognize the printer and the self-assigned, static 169.xxx.xx.x IP address issued by the the printer once it is turned on, from that point forward the connection appears to be dead. What I mean by that is that I can add the printer to the print & scan pane, and the IP address is said to be valid and complete (using LPD, recalling that I can't use HP Jetdirect-Socket due to error message) yet the printer seems to be a ghost.
Conclusion: HP driver is not compatible with OS 10.8 and HP LaserJet 4100 series. I say this once again due to the fact that OS 10.4 works fine wtih the 4100.
HP Support Forum has been no help. All members appear to be windows users, and have no clue about Mac.

greg sahli

Level 7

25,508 points

Mar 23, 2013 5:25 AM in response to wb4fly

First, you didn't show us the result of the "hostname" command in terminal, as linc requested. Why is he requesting that? Because from your Bash prompt, it appears you have named your computer LaserJet. You can change it back in the Sharing prefs panel.

To set the printer's IP address, use this guide to the front panel:

http://tli.jefferson.k12.ky.us/EDTD675Projects/Waters/Projects/HP_Printer.pdf

With all the unusual things you have tried, I'd say that reinstalling OS X may be the right option.

HP LaserJet 4100N-print queue reverts to pause