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HP printer and Epson scanner no longer works

A

ancientappleuser

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Original poster
May 31, 2019
13
4
When I configured my new 2018 Mac Mini last year I encountered no problems in getting my HP laser printer, LaserJet 2100, and Epson scanner, Perfection V37, functioning flawlessly. After I upgraded to Mojave 10.14.3 both devices ceased to function.

At this point in time I've only attempted to reconfigure the printer, the Mac recognizes it but the printouts consist of one line of garbled characters.

For the record, yes, the printer is ancient, 20 years old, it's only on its third toner cartridge, but it still functions flawlessly on my old iMac and Windows PC. The scanner is six years old and it too functions flawlessly on my old iMac and Windows PC. I'm currently using Mojave 10.14.4 hence, I haven't upgraded to 10.14.5, I'm skeptical of doing so as to not to lose anymore functionality. Apple hasn't explicitly stated that there are any printer fixes in this release.

Any ideas?
 
Apple have had some changes in terms of drivers they provide, and combined with manufacturers often saying “apple provide drivers for this” it isn’t always helpful.

Are you using drivers from the manufacture or the auto installed ones from Apple?
 
Stephen.R said:
Apple have had some changes in terms of drivers they provide, and combined with manufacturers often saying “apple provide drivers for this” it isn’t always helpful.

Are you using drivers from the manufacture or the auto installed ones from Apple?
Click to expand...

HP no longer provides drives for this model printer, I'm using the auto installed one from Apple.
 
ancientappleuser said:
HP no longer provides drives for this model printer, I'm using the auto installed one from Apple.
Click to expand...

What about for the Epson scanner. I had to update mine the other day for a WF7520 in order for it to work. It’s 4 or 5 years old. Not that the EpsonScan software is anything to write home about:) .
 
First, the scanner:
If Epson is no longer providing updated drivers, you're going to have to "go 3rd party" for scanning software.
I suggest "VueScan". It supports all kinds of scanners. There's a demo version. I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you try VueScan before anything else.
That's 'nuff said about that subject.

Next, the printer:
I would try this:
1. Go to printers and scanners pref pane
2. DELETE all current printers (by clicking the "-" button)
3. Now, ADD a printer (by clicking the "+" button)
4. See what the OS comes up with for you.

One other thought:
You could always "go back" to the last version of the OS that worked with the above devices.
Some folks just have-to-have "the latest and greatest".
I prefer "what works"...
 
I've got both and Epson printer and an Epson scanner that are at least 8-10 years old, and they are both running on Mojave 10.14.5. All I have done with either, is to use updates from the Epson site, and it's been a while since I've had to do that. I also keep bootable clones of older working systems if I need them.
 
Stephen.R said:
Apple have had some changes in terms of drivers they provide, and combined with manufacturers often saying “apple provide drivers for this” it isn’t always helpful.

Are you using drivers from the manufacture or the auto installed ones from Apple?
Click to expand...

I'm using the auto installed ones from Apple which worked up until 10.14.2.
[doublepost=1559910845][/doublepost]
jagolden said:
What about for the Epson scanner. I had to update mine the other day for a WF7520 in order for it to work. It’s 4 or 5 years old. Not that the EpsonScan software is anything to write home about:) .
Click to expand...

Yes, I just checked the Epson website, I need to download the current driver.
[doublepost=1559911533][/doublepost]
Fishrrman said:
First, the scanner:
If Epson is no longer providing updated drivers, you're going to have to "go 3rd party" for scanning software.
I suggest "VueScan". It supports all kinds of scanners. There's a demo version. I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you try VueScan before anything else.
That's 'nuff said about that subject.

Next, the printer:
I would try this:
1. Go to printers and scanners pref pane
2. DELETE all current printers (by clicking the "-" button)
3. Now, ADD a printer (by clicking the "+" button)
4. See what the OS comes up with for you.

One other thought:
You could always "go back" to the last version of the OS that worked with the above devices.
Some folks just have-to-have "the latest and greatest".
I prefer "what works"...
Click to expand...

I just checked the Epson website, yes, they have a new driver so I won't need Vuescan..... for now.

As for the printer, Mojave 10.14.4 does show support for the HP Laserjet 2100 and I select it but it doesn't work. I'll post more later.
 
MSastre said:
I've got both and Epson printer and an Epson scanner that are at least 8-10 years old, and they are both running on Mojave 10.14.5. All I have done with either, is to use updates from the Epson site, and it's been a while since I've had to do that. I also keep bootable clones of older working systems if I need them.
Click to expand...

Well I wish HP still supported my printer. I don't want to have to keep my iMac on my desk just for printing.
ancientappleuser said:
When I configured my new 2018 Mac Mini last year I encountered no problems in getting my HP laser printer, LaserJet 2100, and Epson scanner, Perfection V37, functioning flawlessly. After I upgraded to Mojave 10.14.3 both devices ceased to function.

At this point in time I've only attempted to reconfigure the printer, the Mac recognizes it but the printouts consist of one line of garbled characters.

For the record, yes, the printer is ancient, 20 years old, it's only on its third toner cartridge, but it still functions flawlessly on my old iMac and Windows PC. The scanner is six years old and it too functions flawlessly on my old iMac and Windows PC. I'm currently using Mojave 10.14.4 hence, I haven't upgraded to 10.14.5, I'm skeptical of doing so as to not to lose anymore functionality. Apple hasn't explicitly stated that there are any printer fixes in this release.

Any ideas?
Click to expand...

Here's what the output from the printer looks like.

Any ideas?
 

Attachments

  • hp laserjet 2100 output.jpg
    hp laserjet 2100 output.jpg
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ancientappleuser said:
Well I wish HP still supported my printer. I don't want to have to keep my iMac on my desk just for printing.


Here's what the output from the printer looks like.

Any ideas?
Click to expand...

You could look at using a Print Server (USB or Parallel Port to Ethernet) with updated drivers that support MacOS 10.14.x and later (but driver support for earlier OSX/MacOS might also work). I have some older print servers connected to the Ethernet network that work with HP Laserjet 4/5 and Laserjet 5L/6L printers. These work for me in Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 with Parallels running on a 2012 Mac Mini using 10.14.5 but my particular older print server doesn't have drivers that support the newer MacOS.

The other thing to try if you can get the USB or Parallel Port to Ethernet print server recognized by MacOS is to use another Laserjet printer driver even if your Laserjet 2100 is not specifically recognized. HP drivers usually support multiple printers via their universal PCL5/6 language.

If you can't find a solution that works I know it's difficult to give up the old reliable HP Laserjet printers but... You might want to take the plunge and look into getting a newer HP Laserjet that fully supports the latest MacOS. The HP all in one color Laserjet Pro M281fdw (about $350 USD) looks like a pretty good newer model printer and it includes color laser printing, wireless, fax and scanner functionality. The newer HP models seem to work well and don't cost too much for initial purchase. The main drawback is that the authentic replacement HP toner cartridges are pricey.
 
Last edited:
Scanner V33 - stopped with Mojave return to His Sierra - not recognized - Epson drive update
& firmware checked - no go = throw out

Printer pro 3880 - see above

Very tired of chasing bits of software round the web whilst spending non existent money with non existent support as a guide.

Been doing this too long!

Inkjet printers are IMO basically brilliant at wasting your money and that is their primary purpose. I can now add Epson to the list.

Most costly - HP
Least reliable small printer - Brother
Worst long term backup - HP,Rest - there are no companies I now trust (that I have used obviously)

So for me. Documents scanned zero - iPhone photo - works.
Prints made, documents only - £50 inkjet (my wife loves hers)using refillable tanks.

Any image worth printing I take a gamble with one or two web based print sites and send them back if I am not happy - at least once.

Will soon be shrinking my system down to what is needed & works for me (to be decided)

This thread is one of millions (exaggeration is my writers right) that convince me of the aboves veracity.

I don't think a true list of the last 15 years print/scan debacle is needed; my tone should be sufficient:rolleyes:.
 
For this,

Thanks, you saved me a lot of time, I was planning on trying all the different permutations of configs as well as different drivers (4000/5000 series). I used the generic PCL driver and it worked fine. I guess I can live without printing 1200 DPI graphics or just print them from another computer connected through my NAS.

I'm just surprised that the printer functioned fine with its associated driver on 10.14.1 and 10.14.2 but ceased to function on 10.14.3.

For the record, I'm using the HP JetDirect 600N (J3113A) Ethernet print server module with 48 megabytes of RAM.

Jagolden,

I did download the current driver for the Epson and it works when initiating a scan from the software but not from depressing the scan button on the scanner, I can live with that.
 
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Normally printers behaves abnormal due to driver installation issues.All you need to visit the printer company website and look for driver solutions.
 
mikalshone said:
Normally printers behaves abnormal due to driver installation issues.All you need to visit the printer company website and look for driver solutions.
Click to expand...
Really!
Would never have guessed.
Downloaded firmware update and drivers once from HP. Got their printed instructions and completely destroyed my £,500 printer . HP said my fault - still - never mind.
More examples if you like but actually cannot be bothered .
[doublepost=1566481253][/doublepost]
johnsonsarav said:
Driver of printer really matters.
Click to expand...

Oh! Wow!
 
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