Another tip for getting printers to work properly -- use another model's driver

As we've briefly noted in previous coverage, using a driver other than the one specifically intended for your printer model can sometimes provide functionality when all else fails.

Look for a similarly numbered model from the same manufacturer, or try performing a search for your printer model using Google or another engine to determine if uses a generic mechanism also used by a different manufacturer. Some printer models use the same basic mechanism as models from other manufacturers.

One MacFixIt reader provides a case example:

"I have tried many HP all in one printers and had no luck with the computer recognizing the driver for the printer. The scan and copy work but I could not get the printer to print. I decided to try one more time with a tip a local grad student who is Mac at heart but works for HP. After I have already uninstalled and manually installed I got the tip to select a different series of printers in Printer Utility. I have a 6310 all in one but selected HP Deskjet 500c from the printer list and that was it. I can print from any program. So if your Mac does not recognize the printer, find a series that may work. I was warned that this should not be a permanent fix but it is a relief after returning too many printers."

You should search for drivers both on manufacturer Web sites, and in the open-source driver package Gutenprint.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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