USB missing from printer browser

walshs13 · 03-16-2013, 06:48 PM

Hello,

I recently upgraded my wife Intel iMac (OS X 10.4) with new memory. After that, the machine no longer recognizes its attached printers. When I try to add the printer in Printer Browser, USB is not even one of the available options. I've tried:

resetting the SMC (power down and unplug)
resetting the PRAM (command+P+R during restart)
running FixAMac's Printer Setup Repair.

All to no avail.

Another symptom is that Apple's PhotoBooth application no longer runs; it complains about no camera being attached to the USB port. I am guessing and hoping this is a symptom of the same issue.

I am not a deep Mac user, being mostly versed in PC's. So I am at my wits' end. Before I drag this thing to an Apple store, I ask if anybody on this forum has some suggestions?

Thank you all for any help you can provide.

walshs13

hayne · 03-16-2013, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walshs13


	I recently upgraded my wife Intel iMac (OS X 10.4) with new memory. After that ...

The obvious (but not convenient) thing to do would be to reverse your hardware changes - go back to the previous RAM - as a test.

walshs13 · 03-17-2013, 08:53 AM

Thank you, Hayne. I might be forced to try that; unfortunately, I stupidly gave the memory away to a buddy. I'll see if I can track it down again.

Since the keyboard, mouse, and an external photo disk reader are all functioning on the USB ports, I am inclined to think that the USB ports are working fine, and the issue is in the OS's print layer -- or however that is handled on a Mac.

I would attach screen shots showing the printer being listed as one of the USB devices in System Profiler, but USB not appearing as a choice in Printer Browser. But I don't see how to attach images to this thread, and so I'll just have to ask you to take my word for it.

Thanks again,

walshs13

DeltaMac · 03-17-2013, 04:34 PM

Are you using a USB mouse and keyboard, or wireless?
If you have a USB wired mouse, boot the iMac, then try the mouse in each USB port.
You have 3 USB ports. Be sure to try the same mouse by itself in each port. Check to see if the cursor moves, which will quickly tell you if a port is not working.

Also, a complete SMC reset is to shutdown, then unplug ALL connections in the back, not just the power cord. Wait at least 15 seconds before plugging in cables again.
And, a PRAM reset is Command-Option-P and R. Command-P and R won't do anything.

03-16-2013, 06:48 PM	#1
walshs13 Prospect Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 2	USB missing from printer browser Hello, I recently upgraded my wife Intel iMac (OS X 10.4) with new memory. After that, the machine no longer recognizes its attached printers. When I try to add the printer in Printer Browser, USB is not even one of the available options. I've tried: resetting the SMC (power down and unplug) resetting the PRAM (command+P+R during restart) running FixAMac's Printer Setup Repair. All to no avail. Another symptom is that Apple's PhotoBooth application no longer runs; it complains about no camera being attached to the USB port. I am guessing and hoping this is a symptom of the same issue. I am not a deep Mac user, being mostly versed in PC's. So I am at my wits' end. Before I drag this thing to an Apple store, I ask if anybody on this forum has some suggestions? Thank you all for any help you can provide. walshs13

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03-17-2013, 08:53 AM	#3
walshs13 Prospect Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 2	Thank you, Hayne. I might be forced to try that; unfortunately, I stupidly gave the memory away to a buddy. I'll see if I can track it down again. Since the keyboard, mouse, and an external photo disk reader are all functioning on the USB ports, I am inclined to think that the USB ports are working fine, and the issue is in the OS's print layer -- or however that is handled on a Mac. I would attach screen shots showing the printer being listed as one of the USB devices in System Profiler, but USB not appearing as a choice in Printer Browser. But I don't see how to attach images to this thread, and so I'll just have to ask you to take my word for it. Thanks again, walshs13

03-17-2013, 04:34 PM	#4
DeltaMac League Commissioner Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7,958	Are you using a USB mouse and keyboard, or wireless? If you have a USB wired mouse, boot the iMac, then try the mouse in each USB port. You have 3 USB ports. Be sure to try the same mouse by itself in each port. Check to see if the cursor moves, which will quickly tell you if a port is not working. Also, a complete SMC reset is to shutdown, then unplug ALL connections in the back, not just the power cord. Wait at least 15 seconds before plugging in cables again. And, a PRAM reset is Command-Option-P and R. Command-P and R won't do anything.