tearen

Q: Computer can't find any printers in Chooser

Hello,

 

Our work computer was working fine up until the holiday, but after coming back, it was suddenly unable to print to any of our printers that are hooked up via Ethernet cords. The problem is not with the ethernet switch, or the ports, or any hardware, really. For some reason, the computer just can't find any printers when we try to find one in Chooser or through Laser Write.

 

I have no idea why it would have suddenly lost these printers, or why it can't find them again. Any suggestions?

 

PowerPC G3 266Mhz 512K Cache

32MB/4GB/24x CD-ROM/Zip

OS 9.1

PowerPC G3, iOS 9.1

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 9:23 AM

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Q: Computer can't find any printers in Chooser

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  • by Don Archibald,

    Don Archibald Don Archibald Dec 28, 2015 12:11 PM in response to tearen
    Level 10 (101,435 points)
    Dec 28, 2015 12:11 PM in response to tearen

    Have you tried restarting the Mac?

     

    Older Macs, like your G3, have an oddity with regard to ethernet. During the startup process the OS checks for the presence of a "live" (i.e., powered up) device connected on the ethernet bus (an ethernet switch will serve as such a device). If such is not detected, the ethernet bus is turned off and will stay off until the machine is restarted.

     

    If restarting the Mac fixes it, then make it a habit to turn on the ethrnet switch a minute or two before starting the Mac.

  • by tearen,

    tearen tearen Dec 28, 2015 1:30 PM in response to Don Archibald
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 28, 2015 1:30 PM in response to Don Archibald

    Thanks Don,

     

    Unfortunately, yes. We have tried restarting the computer as well as the ethernet switch, both in alternating pattern. It did not solve the problem.

  • by NHITGeek,

    NHITGeek NHITGeek Dec 30, 2015 9:39 AM in response to tearen
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Dec 30, 2015 9:39 AM in response to tearen

    As a tech I've seen that more than a few times in the field. Shut down all the Macs and the printers. Bring the printers up first, then the Macs. Also, how is your network controlled? Are you using a router, or does a computer act as a DHCP and DNS server?

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Dec 30, 2015 2:49 PM in response to NHITGeek
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Dec 30, 2015 2:49 PM in response to NHITGeek

    One other thing to be aware of is there is a distinct difference between a hub and a router.    And old enough Macs may need a crossover cable. 

     

    Apple products that require an Ethernet crossover cable - Apple Support

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Dec 30, 2015 3:29 PM in response to tearen
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Dec 30, 2015 3:29 PM in response to tearen

    I guess that it would be correct to assume that all relevant extensions are in place and active.

     

    >computer was working fine up until the holiday, but after coming back, it was suddenly unable to print

     

    Since the PRAM handles certain AppleTalk-related matters, could it possibly be worth checking whether the 3.6V logic board battery is OK? Also, you may want to try resetting the PRAM.