Airport Extreme, usb connection, printer shows offline

[bdchaffins]

I have 2 iMac computers using the Airport Extreme to connect wirelessly to the internet.  My HP Photosmart C4680 is connected to the Airport Extreme using the USB connection; I had some work done on the house so I had disconnected the printer from the network and now when I reconnect it with no other software changes, etc - it just shows that the printer is offline as soon as I attempt to print anything.  I have reset my Airport Extreme, checked the drivers (the install disc says it is version 12.0 and the website shows 11.0, so I didn't change them) for the printer, Mac Os X ver 10.6 is what I have.  The printer works fine if it is physically connected to the iMac (either one) but will not work when connected to the Airport Extreme.

[PrintDoc]

Use Airport Utility (Applications > Utilities) and choose Printers along the top of the window.  Does it list the printer?

Are you plugged directly into the Airport or are you using a USB hub?  Have you restarted the printer while its attached to the Airport?

[bdchaffins]

No, the printer isn't listed on that screen, just in the system preferences under printer/fax.  I am plugged directly into the Airport, as stated in the original post.  Yes, I have turned it off and on, unplugged all the connections one at a time and reconnected them to ensure they are fully seated, unplugged the Airport and reset the factory settings and recreated the network.

[PrintDoc]

Let's reset the printing system:

- Sys Prefs, Print & Fax
- Right (control) click in the rectangle listing your printers and select Reset Printing System.
WARNING - this will delete ALL of your printers!
- Select the plus sign to re-add it. Look for the printer, select it and wait until the "Add" button becomes available. Click it.

[bdchaffins]

I reset this item multiple times; there are 2 printers listed -- one that states the location as the Airport Extreme and one listed as the physical iMac connection.  I have selected the one that shows the Airport Extreme as the location and there is a green light indicating it is idle...however it will still not print and it is not shown when I go into the Airport Extreme utility.

[PrintDoc]

Why do you have 2 printers listed after resetting the printing system?  There should be none, then you add a printer with the '+' sign and it should find the printer on the Airport.

Have you reset the printer by turning it off, unplugging power from the back of it for 30 seconds, then plug in and turn on?

[bdchaffins]

When I click the "+" symbol it gives me two options to add a printer -- sorry for not making that clear in my response.  Yes, I have unplugged the printer and reconnected it.  I will try that again now after I remove it again from the printing system page.

[PrintDoc]

Is the printer plugged into both your Mac and the Airport at the same time?  It is odd that it lists two instances of the printer.

[bdchaffins]

No, it is not plugged into the machine and the Airport at the same time.  I had needed to use it so I plugged it into the iMac directly then disconnected it after the workmen were finished and tried to reconnect it to the Airport and now I am getting these errors

[PrintDoc]

It must be getting it from a history or something.

I know this sounds weird, but try a different USB cable.