HP PhotoSmart C4180 All-In-One Setup Assistant problems for iMac

[LeslieThanksU]

I am trying to set up my older model C4180 to my iMac.  The "select device" in the HP Setup Assistant does not show a device and won't go to "Next."  I have uninstalled the software, moved it to the trash and emptied the trash (HPSmartX would not leave trash).  Then I installed the software CD again, with the same problem. It does print from the internet but will not scan from the printer ("Scanner could not be initialized.  Scanner not found").  

The Mac instructions said to connect the USB cable to the Mac and then put the CD in.  After I uninstalled and restarted the computer, I tried putting the CD in first and then plugging in the cable.  Same outcome.

Also, what is HPSmartX and do I need it?

[PrintDoc]

If you are using Snow Leopard or Lion and have HP software for pre-Snow Leopard (either from a CD not marked as compatible with 10.6 or you recently upgraded to Snow Leopard or Lion and had the HP software on your Mac before you upgraded - even if you did a standard uninstall of the old software or installed new software over the top of it) you must uninstall the software using the 'scrubber' option:

Go to Applications/Hewlett Packard/ click on HP Uninstaller
Click on Continue
Highlight your device on the left pane
Press and hold Control + Alt + Cmd keys on the keyboard simultaneously while you click on Uninstall <<<< This IS the Scrubber Option, there is no button labeled "Scrubber"
There will be a pop up that asks if you are sure you want to uninstall ALL hp software. (At this point, if you continue, any HP printers you have installed will need to be reinstalled)
Click Continue and let it finish

Restart your Mac

Download and install this: support.apple.com/kb/DL907

Now 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.

[LeslieThanksU]

Thanks for the quick response, PrintDoc.

A few clarifications before I begin uninstalling:

1. I currently run OS X 10.6.8 and have no plans to upgrade to Lion at this time.
2. The HP Photosmart C4100 cd is v. 7.8.0.
3. I also use an HP officejet 6100 series printer, which is installed  (v.2.00).  I have the cd for that, which handles OS X.  (Yes, old equipment, but I use things until they die.)
4. I want both printers to work, as the photosmart goes on road trips with my pc, while the Mac stays at home...

Now for the questions:

1. Do I do uninstall for each printer or just the offending one (photosmart)?  Both are listed when I pull up the print screen but only the photosmart is listed in the device manager (is that because the officejet is not connected?).
2. I assume I will need to reconnect and reinstall each printer separately.  
3. Will this give me back the setup assistant for each printer?
4. What is the HPSmartX? Do I need it?  Why won't it leave the trash?
5. Should I just give up, forget the scan feature and go to Target?

You are my new god.

[fallingthrough]

I have been trying to install this printer for most of the day...(honestly like the past 6-8hrs)

I have deleted all the hp programing, via the scrubber

I have downloaded the lastest drivers

I have replaced the older usb cable with a new one

I have moved the usb cable from one spot to another

and STILL it doesnt work, it doesn't appear on the printer system panel.

It worked before! but I just had my hardrvie replaced... I would have thought this would not be an issue.

HELP!?

[PrintDoc]

Download and install this: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL907

Reset the printing system:

- Go to System Preferences > Print & Scan
- Right (or 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 a printer. Select the Defualt tab on the top of the window. Look for the printer, select it and wait until the "Add" button becomes available. Click it.

[fallingthrough]

downloaded it.

there are no printers on the page, reset printingsystem anyway..

waited for about an hour on the add printer panel just to see if anything would happen...

surprisingly nothing did.

for all intensive purposes, this should work.

but some how, it doesn't with me.

got any other ideas?

[PrintDoc]

Yup, usually.  Holding the Option key on your keyboard, click Apple menu > System Profiler.  Go to the USB area on the left side.  Is your printer listed?

 If not, let me know what model Mac you have and I have more ideas.

[fallingthrough]

nope not there...

its totally weird...

ok so running an iMac8,1

[PrintDoc]

OK, since your Mac does not see it, let's reset the Mac's SMC (System Management Controller).

Shut down your iMac.  Unplug all connectors, including the power cable.  Leave the power cable disconnected for 30 seconds or so.  Reconnect all connectors and start the iMac.

If you want, you can also reset the PRAM: As the iMac starts up, hold the command-option-P-R keys until after you hear the third startup chime.

[fallingthrough]

ok well that didnt work either...

the printer works, i just copied a document sans computer...

i'm extremely boggled at this point