My Wireless Printer Won't Work?

amanda.a.p

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Okay, I have a Canon Wireless printer. I bought it straight from Apple with my MBP. I've installed the software that came with it several times, and I still can't figure out how to print from it!
It doesn't show up in iWork, or Word, or ANYTHING!
Help me, please!
 
mrplow

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Did the software install include connecting your printer to your wireless network?

With some printers you have to install the software and connect via USB to start with so that you can configure the WiFi connection.
 
osxx

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As mrplow said it is always easier to connect with usb first to set the printer up and I never use the disc on a Mac I go to the mfg's website and get the latest drivers from them and if you have the latest 10.6.4 they will probably be in the list already.
 
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amanda.a.p

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mrplow said:
Did the software install include connecting your printer to your wireless network?

With some printers you have to install the software and connect via USB to start with so that you can configure the WiFi connection.
Click to expand...

I've been using the printer with my PC for a week, via the wireless, and it's working fine.
 
cwa107

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amanda.a.p said:
I've been using the printer with my PC for a week, via the wireless, and it's working fine.
Click to expand...

When you installed the software, did it go through a process where it started looking on the network for the printer? If not, you may need to manually add it via the System Preferences => Print & Fax applet. Click the + button and then browse for the printer. If it doesn't show up in the list automatically (i.e. it uses Bonjour), you may need to click the Windows button to view shared printers that use SMB. And of course, failing that, you may need to manually connect to it using the IP button.

Some printer manufacturers make it easier than others.
 
harryb2448

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As cwa advises it is necessary to go into System Preferences and create a new network. You will need to have the printer powered up and connected to your MBP. Did you receive instructions for setting up wirelessly with a Mac?
 
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amanda.a.p

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harryb2448 said:
As cwa advises it is necessary to go into System Preferences and create a new network. You will need to have the printer powered up and connected to your MBP. Did you receive instructions for setting up wirelessly with a Mac?
Click to expand...

It needs to be connected via the USB?
 
cwa107

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No, it shouldn't. Did you follow the steps I mentioned previously to browse for the printer on the network?
 
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amanda.a.p

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cwa107 said:
No, it shouldn't. Did you follow the steps I mentioned previously to browse for the printer on the network?
Click to expand...

Yep. Nothing shows up.
 
chscag

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Canon drivers for your printer. LINK

Note: To get the Canon Pixma series all in one printers to work wireless, you'll need to first hook it up via USB cable and then follow their guide. Make sure you have the latest OS X network drivers (wireless).

I know.... it works out of the box with Windows 7 without using USB. What can I say? I just went thru the same thing with my Canon.

Regards.
 
harryb2448

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Yep connect via USB until you get it hooked up. Sorry to disagree Dennis but I had to do this with an Epson TX550W and use the USB cable. Did not resognise otherwise.
 
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amanda.a.p

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chscag said:
Canon drivers for your printer. LINK

Note: To get the Canon Pixma series all in one printers to work wireless, you'll need to first hook it up via USB cable and then follow their guide. Make sure you have the latest OS X network drivers (wireless).

I know.... it works out of the box with Windows 7 without using USB. What can I say? I just went thru the same thing with my Canon.

Regards.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much! It works out of the box with VISTA, no USB. Here's my first Mac complaint, Mr. Jobs!
Though, I'm assuming there will be very few in the future :D
 
cwa107

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amanda.a.p said:
Thanks so much! It works out of the box with VISTA, no USB. Here's my first Mac complaint, Mr. Jobs!
Though, I'm assuming there will be very few in the future :D
Click to expand...

Mine too. Unfortunately, network printing is a black eye for OS X and has been for quite some time. Windows does a much better job with it.

I have written volumes on it in this forum elsewhere, so I won't get into it here.

In this case, the biggest stumbling block is that Canon doesn't use Bonjour like HP does (HP's recent network printers are pretty much plug-and-play). Canon has their own "IJ Utility" that is used to scan the network, but even their documentation admits that it doesn't always work out of the gate, occasionally you have to plug in the printer first.
 
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amanda.a.p

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cwa107 said:
Mine too. Unfortunately, network printing is a black eye for OS X and has been for quite some time. Windows does a much better job with it.

I have written volumes on it in this forum elsewhere, so I won't get into it here.

In this case, the biggest stumbling block is that Canon doesn't use Bonjour like HP does (HP's recent network printers are pretty much plug-and-play). Canon has their own "IJ Utility" that is used to scan the network, but even their documentation admits that it doesn't always work out of the gate, occasionally you have to plug in the printer first.
Click to expand...

Ugh =/ you would think Apple would mention that BEFORE selling me the thing! I would have gladly purchased the HP if I'd known it would be a smoother process.
 
cwa107

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amanda.a.p said:
Ugh =/ you would think Apple would mention that BEFORE selling me the thing! I would have gladly purchased the HP if I'd known it would be a smoother process.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that just because Apple sells a peripheral in the store, doesn't mean they support it or that their staff knows the ins-and-outs of it. If it says it's Mac compatible on the box, the liability is on the manufacturer to make it work.
 
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amanda.a.p

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cwa107 said:
Keep in mind that just because Apple sells a peripheral in the store, doesn't mean they support it or that their staff knows the ins-and-outs of it. If it says it's Mac compatible on the box, the liability is on the manufacturer to make it work.
Click to expand...

Completely true, but every review I read said it worked out of the box... I suppose I'm just a little bit challenged :D
 

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