I have owned two MacBook Air computers for years. When someone, not me, spilt wine in mine I bought another one, Bad move. I have had nothing but trouble ever since. Never again. I have lost count how many times I've called Apple and others to make it communicate with the HP printer. I just hate the whole process. I have given up. I have come to the conclusion computing is not for me. I am planning to delete my email account and I can't wait for some official to attempt to push me on to the internet then I'll tell them: sorry I have got rid of email and the computer.
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NO GOOD
- Thread starter Paul Unger
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This is a normal reaction when using printers.
Nothing normal about this weeks old new MacBook Air junk. It's so easy for you to blame the printer. My wifes MacBook Air works the same printer on the same cable every time. Trouble is some overpaid self described "genius" at Apple thinks of new complications for each new model and calls them "features." Don't buy a new MacBook Air. They are trouble.
It's unfortunate that you are experiencing issues with your printer.
I'm fairly certain this will not stop people from buying a MacBook.
I'm fairly certain this will not stop people from buying a MacBook.
The problem is the new MacBook Air. For the second time - the same printer with the same cable works every time with my wifes old MacBook Air. I am warning the people not to buy a new bit of useless junk.
Have you tried setting up the printer in System Preferences? I assure you, that’s what your wife had to do with her MacBook Air before it would print to that printer.
Both Apple and the Apple retailer have had remote control on a number of occasions. My wife did nothing, I did nothing to it, ever, I plugged it in and it worked. I gave her my old computer years ago, it still works but the new Apple is a mystery even with Apple doing remote fiddling. I hate it, there is nothing I can do anymore except warn people not to buy a new Apple. Waste of time and so frustrating.
Sounds like you should take it back and get a refund, then buy a PC.
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I agree I would like a simple to use computer, but Apple never admit any fault. It's always either me, the cable or the printer at fault, never the new Apple gadget.
It's unlikely an Apple employee will be able to diagnose the problem without being on site near the printer.
I was having problems with an HP printer and a 2020 MBP so a very similar set up to you. I didn't spend much time trying to fix it as I don't need to physically print much and have another computer for when I did.
However, the other day I needed to use some fairly niche HP scanning software. So I went to the HP website and downloaded the printer drivers from there and set up the whole thing up again that way. Now it works perfectly.
Maybe try that instead of System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer.
I was having problems with an HP printer and a 2020 MBP so a very similar set up to you. I didn't spend much time trying to fix it as I don't need to physically print much and have another computer for when I did.
However, the other day I needed to use some fairly niche HP scanning software. So I went to the HP website and downloaded the printer drivers from there and set up the whole thing up again that way. Now it works perfectly.
Maybe try that instead of System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer.
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That’s because it’s usually not a problem with the Mac. I doubt any other PC company would say it was the computer’s fault either.
I got cut off in traffic the other day and decided to sell my Jeep. I walk to work now, I'm usually several hours late as I work over 40 miles from my job but I tell them sorry I got rid of my car.
That's because what you're describing doesn't reflect how computers actually work.
It sounds like you're not a technical person. That's not a criticism btw.
You mention cables. So you're not attempting to print wirelessly then.
Have you plugged any other device into the USB ports on your MacBook Air to see if they work? Like a flash drive, mouse, or anything else?
Because if another USB device works (and I'm almost positive it will), then your computer is not physically broken. The problem is in the software.
If it's a software problem, as almost all printer issues are, then suspicion falls on either HP's software or your installation of it. As others have said, printers are a pain to work with. All-in-one printers are the worst.
"But it works on my wife's computer" - great! What version of macOS is installed on your wife's computer? Is it exactly the same as the version that is installed on yours? What about the version of the printer driver software? Is it identical to what you're running on your MacBook Air? There are many, many things that could be different in the *software* between your wife's computer and yours that could be responsible for your trouble. If you've got a computer working with that printer, time to figure out why.
Your new Mac is going to come with a new version of macOS. Your wife's computer may be running an older version. Did you download the latest version of the drivers for your printer from HP's site? Or did you try to install the drivers that come in the box with the printer (which might be out of date for your operating systems).
The other people responding to your post aren't blaming the shiny new Apple gadget itself, because it is extremely unlikely that a physical defect in that computer is just going to affect your printer and nothing else. As for the software - that's another matter... and likely also not Apple's fault since they didn't make the printer *or* the printer drivers that you are trying to install.
Printers suck. This is a well-known fact that technically-literate people know from experience.
Apple makes a computer that is simple to use: the iPad. If you are having this much difficulty with your Mac, you may want to think about an iPad with a Magic Keyboard as an option. If its functionality won't cut it for you, then you're going to have to roll up your sleeves and dive in. Or find another printer that doesn't need as many drivers. I've got a Brother laser printer that cost me $80, doesn't go through ink like my old all-in-one, and doesn't need *any* drivers to work with my Mac.
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My HP printer gives me issues from time to time. My Canon Pro printer never has issues. It's not your computer. It's usually the printer that tends to be the issue.
When I was selling and installing PC's years ago, printers were always a pain. Biggest issues were drivers and the print queue. People didn't realize that if it didn't print the first time, keep trying only filled up the queue even more and had to be cleared. Had to re-install my HP8600 software on my iMac again for some unknown reason, said there was a missing component. Working OK now. Delete the printer, download up to date drivers and reinstall software.
I have owned two pens for years. When someone, not me, ate the last one, I bought another one, Bad move.
Last week I was writing on a piece of paper and my new pen ran out of ink. So frustrating! This will be the last time I ever use the English language, I am going full mime.
I am planning to forget the alphabet and I can't wait for some official to attempt to push me on to speak or write then I'll tell them by signs: sorry I have got rid of alphabet and language.
On a more serious note: you probably forgot to take into account that almost certainly you are using an adapter to plug in your printer on your new Macbook Air, that probably has a different port than the old one if you bought it a couple of years ago. If this is so, check your adapter or buy a new one. Those things are not always reliable, I've had 2 fail on me at different times.
I do love your rather radical approach to life though.
What I don't get just from reading your original post though, is your purpose.
As stated above, you don't seem very tech savvy (not a bad thing at all). Yet, you signed up to Macrumors solely to talk about this problem. Major kudos on joining up an online forum and swearing off the internet at the same time!
Are you seeking help? Trying to warn people off the new Macbook Air? Suggestions on new hobbies or means of communication with your peers now that you are going offline?
Last week I was writing on a piece of paper and my new pen ran out of ink. So frustrating! This will be the last time I ever use the English language, I am going full mime.
I am planning to forget the alphabet and I can't wait for some official to attempt to push me on to speak or write then I'll tell them by signs: sorry I have got rid of alphabet and language.
On a more serious note: you probably forgot to take into account that almost certainly you are using an adapter to plug in your printer on your new Macbook Air, that probably has a different port than the old one if you bought it a couple of years ago. If this is so, check your adapter or buy a new one. Those things are not always reliable, I've had 2 fail on me at different times.
I do love your rather radical approach to life though.
What I don't get just from reading your original post though, is your purpose.
As stated above, you don't seem very tech savvy (not a bad thing at all). Yet, you signed up to Macrumors solely to talk about this problem. Major kudos on joining up an online forum and swearing off the internet at the same time!
Are you seeking help? Trying to warn people off the new Macbook Air? Suggestions on new hobbies or means of communication with your peers now that you are going offline?
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Yes I am using a cable. I attempted to hook up wirelessly and gave up after wasting too much time on it. Then my wife tried and gave up after wasting more time, too hard. I only want to do simple things not go back to school. Computing used to be simple now it's frustrating. The Mac keeps wanting me to become a contortionist. I am sick of it. What Apple calls a 'feature' is a complication. I have no idea about software and I don't want to know, ever. I won't be a slave to gadgets.
I am sorry to say but this does sound like user error to me.
Things were never more simple. I am unsure where you have got that from.
Things change is more the problem for you and you haven’t changed with them.
We are all slaves to ‘gadgets’ as they are the tools for the current age. If you decide not to be, to be honest you are the only one who misses out, whilst the rest of us move forward.
To be honest, you sound like a Microsoft employee paid to go complain on as many forums as possible.
Give me an example of one of these complications that you say Apple calls “features,” and even better: give me a reason that those things relate to your problem with the printer. Your thoughts do not follow a logical pattern.
And if you say you don’t want to be a slave to gadgets, then why did you literally sign up for a MacRumors forum account just to complain about your printer?
Really, "a Microsoft employee," you are paranoid. Working with any gadgets would be torture for me.
Here is an example that answers both points, how it relates to the printing problem and the additional complication problem: When Apple had remote control of my gadget they called a wireless connection "a feature" but couldn't make it work, neither could I. No real feature or surprise here. I just want a simple easy to use system, not go back to school or an endless **** fight.
I posted on this forum to express my frustration and to warn others.
A number of people in another thread have reported problems with HP Printers. It may have to do with HP Printer drivers. One person has a fix that works. It's on the HP site at https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06164609
Thanks for this but having a quick read I notice the word "easy" several times. but I know from bitter experience it is never easy. I don't understand computer jargon. I'll ask my wife to try it.