Printer Issue - OR computer issue??

Hi there nibbs,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities! It sounds like you are receiving an error when you plug in your HP Laserjet P1102 printer via USB to your MacBook Air. I know that having a printer available is very important; I'll be glad to provide you with some steps to resolve this.

To begin, take a look at this support article:

Get help resolving printer issues on your Mac

Beyond that, let's have you try to repair the disk permissions using Disk Utility:

1. Click on Finder
2. Select the Applications folder
3. Double-click on Disk Utility
4. Select Macintosh HD along the left side
5. Click First Aid along the top of the Disk Utility window

*Note: This process can take a bit of time and your computer may be slower while First Aid is running. You'll get a notification when First Aid is complete.

Once First Aid has finished up, you can quit Disk Utility, disconnect your printer, and then restart your Mac. After it starts up, plug in your printer again.

If the same issue persists, check to make sure that the firmware for your printer is up-to-date. Here is the link:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-laserjet-pro-p1102-printer-se ries/4110394/model/4110303#Z7_3054ICK0K8UDA0AQC11TA930C7

All the best!