Error Message when turning on printer.

[dolphin]

I usually leave my printer turned off until I need it. I read somewhere that this helps save ink and keeps the printheads from drying out and clogging.

This started some time ago and didn't really bother me at first. NOW it does and I can't figure out how to rid myself of this problem.

When I turn my printer on I keep getting the following message:



There is an OK button in the lower right corner which looks active but is not. I click on it and nothing happens.

It doesn't affect me being able to print anything. It is just there. In front of everything,I can't get it to go to the background either. I can also switch programs with NO problem.
I have checked printer preferences and system preferences and can find nothing that will take this message off the screen. The only way I can get it off the screen is to turn my computer off and reboot.


I posted my problem on the Apple Discussion board and got one response which did not help. I knew I should have come here first!
My setup is iMac 20in. G5 running OS 10.4.11 with a Brother MFC-665CW printer.

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

[dakota]

We always keep our printers on.  When they are off, we get the same type of message that the printer may not be connected, etc., and to check all the cables.  I think this is routine.We always keep our printers on.  When they are off, we get the same type of message that the printer may not be connected, etc., and to check all the cables.  I think this is routine.

[Gregg]

QUOTE(dakota @ Dec 14 2007, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We always keep our printers on.  When they are off, we get the same type of message that the printer may not be connected, etc., and to check all the cables.  I think this is routine.We always keep our printers on.  When they are off, we get the same type of message that the printer may not be connected, etc., and to check all the cables.  I think this is routine.

Do they always print double??

[Mayo]

Perhaps they should change the name to "Multimisfunction" printer...  

I have no idea if this will help, but you can try deleting and then choosing the printer in the Printer Setup Utility.

Have you tried contacting Brother tech support?

Another option:  FixYourOwnPrinter

[dolphin]

QUOTE(Mayo @ Dec 14 2007, 02:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Perhaps they should change the name to "Multimisfunction" printer...  

I have no idea if this will help, but you can try deleting and then choosing the printer in the Printer Setup Utility.

Have you tried contacting Brother tech support?

Another option:  FixYourOwnPrinter

Tried deleting and reinstalling the printer in the Printer Setup Utility. NO HELP! Also checked the fixyourownprinter site...no help there either. Haven't contacted Brother yet. Thanks Mayo!

[Xairbusdriver]

Also, try another driver for that printer. Even if the printer is showing in the 'normally recognized' list, click the browse (I think that's its name) button and enter part of the 'name' (MFC... or even Broth...) and the OS may find it differently. Also, check by clicking/finding Bonjour printers. Finally, when adding a printer, especially if it's really the same printer, make sure you name it uniquely so you can easily select it in a Print dialog. I've had to re-install my Brother MFC once already but I left the old install in the printer list and it seems to work fine now even though it had seemed to be hiding/'away' for a time!

Just remember that the GIMP drivers may be better/stable than even the Apple supplied ones. As for Brother Tech 'Support', they are my absolute last resort...

To 'erase' the useless dialog, you might try a Log Off/On or even a restart. It might also help to have the printer ON during either of those two procedures...

[Mayo]

The FixYourOwnPrinter suggestion was as a place to post your question... lots of printer-savvy folks at that Web site.

[sandbox]

Dolphin, that is most likely a USB connection error.
Clean the ends of the cables, switch USB ports, (while the machines are OFF) if that doesn't work try another cable.

When your dealing with printers, assume hardware connection issues first.

I turn off my printer(s) but use the Brother everyday, the epson everyother or so. Leaving them off for a longer time will dry out the ink/heads, but even that will not give you the error you have received.

A software error is different than the one you have posted.
You have a USB connection error, I have gotten them myself.

[dolphin]

QUOTE(sandbox @ Dec 15 2007, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dolphin, that is most likely a USB connection error.
Clean the ends of the cables, switch USB ports, (while the machines are OFF) if that doesn't work try another cable.

When your dealing with printers, assume hardware connection issues first.

I turn off my printer(s) but use the Brother everyday, the epson everyother or so. Leaving them off for a longer time will dry out the ink/heads, but even that will not give you the error you have received.

A software error is different than the one you have posted.
You have a USB connection error, I have gotten them myself.

PROBLEM SOLVED   Sandbox.  I just switched USB ports as you suggested and the annoying message is gone. I tried it several times and it did not show up again.

[sandbox]