Generic Printer Driver for El Capitan?

Question

Generic Printer Driver for El Capitan?

Since updating to OS X 10.11 El Capitan, I can no longer use my Epson AcuLaser CX-17NF. The existing drivers on the Espon website have not been updated to work with El Capitan and tech support wrote back saying:

In reply to your email, on the current compatibility list for that system the product is not listed. The drivers are updated on a regular basis depending on age of product and demand for such drivers. We recommend contacting us regularly to check for updates. You may be able to use the product in that system with Apples own generic drivers or third party drivers.

A google search did not turn up any generic printer drivers. Does anyone know of any that might work?

Thanks.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.1)

Posted on Nov 2, 2015 6:31 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

156,998 points

Nov 2, 2015 7:16 PM in response to Niklas Luhmann

As you already know that printer is no longer supported. Since you asked though, try downloading and installing the following Epson driver package:

Epson Printer Drivers v2.19 for OS X 10.6

Despite the name it will install on a Mac running El Capitan. The reason for suggesting that particular driver package and not a later one is that v2.19 was the last one for a number of Epson printers that seem to have been abandoned, including one that I use with El Capitan without any apparent ill effect.

Only Epson might know the reason for abandoning support for that printer. Be advised that as they wrote, you will be installing drivers for obsolete equipment, which may result in unexpected behavior such as random crashes or loss of data. Back up your Mac prior to making any changes to its file system.

If it does not result in success, please "reset the printing system" as described here: Mac OS X: How to reset the printing system - Apple Support and install the printer again.

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Answer 2

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Nov 4, 2015 4:51 PM in response to Niklas Luhmann

Delete the printer. Add it back as an IP printer with the following settings.

Address	Protocol	Use
Bonjour name	IPP	Generic PostScript Printer

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Answer 3

Kurklu2

Level 1

8 points

Nov 3, 2015 1:17 PM in response to John Galt

Dear John

I have same problem I updated El Capitan and CX17NF does not work anymore (USB connected)

I tried your solution, I dowmloaed "Epson Printer Drivers v2.19 for OS X 10.6" after download I saw there is no software option for CX17NF, I mean CX17NF is not listed.

Do you have any further solution, that problem locked my works.

Best

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Answer 4

John Galt

Level 10

156,998 points

Nov 3, 2015 2:12 PM in response to Kurklu2

If OS X's native Generic PostScript Printer driver does not work, I have no other suggestions. I only have the one Epson printer available to test, and it is not that model.

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Answer 5

Eric Root

Level 10

685,341 points

Nov 4, 2015 4:51 PM in response to Niklas Luhmann

You might be able to find a driver here.

Gimp - Print

HPIJS for Mac OS X

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Answer 6

folksong

Level 1

120 points

Nov 4, 2015 8:46 AM in response to Niklas Luhmann

No, there are no generic printer drivers for this printer. Your only hope is for an earlier version of Epson's drivers to work.

A quick search of the supported printers for drivers from Gutenprint/Gimp-Print and HPIJS show that they do not support this printer. A quick DuckDuckGo search turned up the printer specifications at http://www.techhypermart.com/epson-aculaser-cx17nf-multifunction-color-laser-pri nter.html . It indicates that this a GDI printer. Such printers are generally Windows only printers unless the manufacturer supplies a driver for Mac.

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Answer 7

Nov 4, 2015 4:50 PM in response to Niklas Luhmann

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I've tried everything suggested here and nothing works. I am able (for now) to print via printer sharing from my wife's computer, but only because she hasn't updated her OS to 10.11. I will wait for a bit to see if Epson updates their drivers, otherwise I may need to buy a new printer. I feel torn because this is one of the best printers I've ever owned but I don't see myself trusting Epson to provide long-term support for their products. (The printer isn't that old...)

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Answer 8

Dec 30, 2015 9:45 AM in response to Niklas Luhmann

I have the same problem for a Canon PIMA iP4000. Love the printer. Curses on El Capitan! Tim Cook strikes again.

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Answer 9

koxingga

Level 2

193 points

Mar 6, 2016 10:39 PM in response to Niklas Luhmann

I just checked again after having given up, and there is a new driver which works fine. You can download it here:

http://www.epson.com.sg/epson_singapore/printers_and_all_in_ones/laser/product.p age?product_name=Epson_Aculaser_CX17NF

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Answer 10

maryjjj

Level 1

4 points

Sep 6, 2016 9:44 AM in response to koxingga

I am having the same issue with a Ricoh printer. any updated drivers for Ricoh?

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Answer 11

Dec 27, 2016 8:38 AM in response to maryjjj

I am having the same problem with a Canon MP 490 Photo.

I downloaded the latest drivers yesterday - one for the printer and one for scanner. They seem to install, but don't show the location nor let me select the location. When I search as suggested above I don't find the drivers rather just the printer and scanner applications which were installed on a different date. So I have no idea where the new drivers are installing and they don't work so I can't print.

Instead I'm having to use the Lenovo work computer to print everything personal which I don't want to do.

Please help.

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