Printer list empty?

Question

Printer list empty?

Ok, since upgrading to Snow Leopard, my printer list is empty, so I can't add another printer.

I've tried clicking on the '+' and I get nothing.

I've installed the new HP printer driver update but nothing.

I downloaded other printer drivers and nothing.

I followed instructions on HP's site to 'reset' the printing system, which I did, still nothing.

I can't go to a previous back up using time machine because I haven't got one.

I've googled this issue and there are loads of people reporting the same issue... some 'accidentally deleted the printer list' others just can't find it.

I just want to fix it.

HOW can I reinstall my printers back into the system?

Any help?

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 8:43 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 22, 2013 11:25 AM in response to annabelfromnsw

Connect your printer directly to your computer via USB, repair permissions and restart your computer. Can you add your printer now or does it already show up?

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Answer 2

Mar 22, 2013 8:24 PM in response to Baby-Boomer-USofA

Ok, done all that. No printers show up at all in the 'add printer' window.

I have exactly the same issue with my imac running Mountain Lion. Nothing in the printer list and I just can't get it to work.

I have spent the last three weeks trying to fix this issue... and have googled everything... Sigh.

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Answer 3

Mar 23, 2013 10:49 AM in response to annabelfromnsw

I've installed the new HP printer driver update but nothing.

Where did you install the drivers from? Software Update and/or HP website?

I followed instructions on HP's site to 'reset' the printing system, which I did, still nothing.

Have you tried calling HP's customer tech support? Read the user manual troubleshooting section? Post on their forums?

HOW can I reinstall my printers back into the system?

Try this:

Disconnect all devices from the computer then do the following:

Boot up from your Snow Leopard Install DVD while holding down the "c" key.

Select the language you wish to use, and then choose "Disk Utility" from the menu bar.

Your HD should appear in a panel on the left hand side of the window which opens. Select it and then click on the "repair disk" button in the right hand section of the window.

Once this process has been completed restart your computer and repair permissions directly from Disk Utility.

Reconnect your printer to your computer (USB) and see if you can add it if it does not already show up.

If you have not already done so, check out the following KB Articles:

Mac OS X 10.6: Resetting the printing system

Mac OS X 10.6: Print & Fax preferences

Mac OS X 10.6: Troubleshooting a USB printer

Mac OS X 10.6: Troubleshooting a network printer

Mac OS X 10.6: Troubleshooting an AirPort printer

===============================

I have exactly the same issue with my imac running Mountain Lion.

You will need to post in the Mountain Lion forums as their troubleshooting is different than Snow Leopards. Before you do, check out the following KB Articles:

OS X Mountain Lion: Reset the printing system

OS X Mountain Lion: Troubleshoot a USB printer

OS X Mountain Lion: Troubleshoot an AirPort printer

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Answer 4

Mar 23, 2013 4:08 PM in response to Baby-Boomer-USofA

Hi Baby Boomer - thanks for your replies. Really appreciate it.

I got the driver update from the HP update that Apple provided on their website:

http://support.apple.com/kb/dl907

However, it wasn't working before this.

Tick to all three --- HP was the one who suggested I reset my printer system, which caused all this in the first place.

It seems that 'resetting the printer system' will in fact delete the entire printer list. Therefore I'd have to assume there's a bug in there somewhere.

Yes I've read every article you've suggested but resetting the printer system articles are how I got here.

😀

I'll try booting from the disc and see how we go as it's the one thing I haven't done yet. I'll get back to you.

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Answer 5

Mar 23, 2013 10:17 PM in response to annabelfromnsw

Right, unfortunately, booting from the snow leopard disc wouldn't work. The laptop froze repairing permissions in the early few minutes and that was that.

I can see all the drivers in library/printers but the computer can't see them.

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Answer 6

Mar 24, 2013 10:19 AM in response to annabelfromnsw

annabelfromnsw wrote:

Right, unfortunately, booting from the snow leopard disc wouldn't work. The laptop froze repairing permissions in the early few minutes and that was that.

I can see all the drivers in library/printers but the computer can't see them.

There is something else going on if you cannot repair your disk directly from the CD that came w/your computer. If you have any 3rd party disk utilities like DiskWarrior, use it.

If your computer is still under warranty and/or you have AppleCare, give them a call & let them deal w/it. If out of warranty, take your computer to your local Apple Store or an AASP. The diagnostic testing is FREE!

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Answer 7

imukat

Level 1

0 points

Aug 14, 2013 3:28 PM in response to annabelfromnsw

I encountered a similar situation. I download the CUPS drivers from the manufacturer's website. Then I searched in Finder for the drivers to locate and verify I had them on my computer.

When you set up your printer through System Preferences, instead of choosing Select Printer Software that generates an empty list, I selected Other...

Then, I searched and selected the driver in the window that opens up.

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