Can't print with Laserjet 1020 on Mac runnning El Capitan

[Usethe4ce]

I have read various other posts about similar issues and followed the advice but it is not working in my case.

I used to be able to use my Lasjet 1020 with my Mac until I recently uninstalled it by accident. I have since tried to re-install using the approach suggested here - http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/LaserJet-Printing/Drivers-for-HP-LaserJet-1020-OX-Mavericks/m-p/3669404... - but it is not working.

While I seem to be able to add the printer using the HP Laserjet 1022 1.6.1 driver, when I try to print through Word, a red exclamation mark comes up and the error I am getting is 'Check the printer for errors'. The error on Printers and Scanners simply says: Error.

I'd be really grateful if someone was able to identify the solution. I just don't see why the 1020 driver was discontinued - it was such a popular printer and even if you can get to use the 1022 driver, the Mac driver doesn't allow two page printing.

[Gemini02]

Hi @Usethe4ce,

Welcome to the HP Support Forums! I read your post and see that the Laserjet 1022 drivers aren't working this time for the Laserjet 1020 model. I would like to help you out today. If this helps you to reach a solution, please click the "Accept as Solution" button down below in this message. If you wish to say thanks for my effort to help, click the " Thumbs Up " to give me a Kudos.

The Laserjet 1020 was only available for Windows, I have seen where others have been able to use the Laserjet 1022 drivers to get it working though on the Mac.

Source: Printer Specifications for HP LaserJet 1020 Printer Series.

I would try the following steps to see if it will allow you again, to get the printer working on the Mac.

Repair the Disk Permissions on the Mac:

Close all applications.

On the Apple menu bar, click Go, click Applications and then click Utilities.

Double-click Disk Utility.

Highlight your hard drive/partition on the left.

Click Verify and then Repair Disk Permissions.

Restart the computer..

Reset the Printing System:

Note: This will remove all printers in the print and Fax/Scan, any printer removed can be re-added later by clicking the plus (+) symbol.

Click the Apple icon and then click System Preferences.

Click Printers & Scanners.

Right-click (or Ctrl +click) in the left white side panel, then click Reset printing system.

Click OK to confirm the reset.

Type the correct Name and Password.

Click OK to reset the printing system.

Then click the + sign to add the driver, highlight the printer. (you might have to click the drop down to select the printer's name) Then click on the Add button.

Have a nice day! Thank you.

[Usethe4ce]

Hi 

Thanks a lot for the suggestions.

Unfortunately, after managing to follow your instructions, I am still getting the error where the printer icon jumps up and down in the dock with an exclamation mark on it and it says Error under its status in Printers and Scanners.

It seems that another Mac which also used to work now is getting the same problem and there is a flashing light on the printer. Could this be a hardware issue? I have never had a problem with the printer until now.

Kind regards,

Luke

[Usethe4ce · Accepted solution]

Hi

I finally discovered the problem last night when I realised it might not have been a software issue. Although it didn't look like it, it turns out there was one piece of paper in the middle of the stack that had been sucked up and was a bit crumpled. Turns out it was a paper jam. Moral of the tale - always check for paper jams!

Thanks for your help.

[Round]

Hi,

Regarding setting up a  mac using El Capitan to run HP laserjet1020 

 I can't follow your instruction because I don't understand if you have to  first choose and upload different driver eg. laserjet 1022  either prior to or within your process / actions  or if the your process finds the correct driver

Sorry if I have missed something

Kind reagrds 

[Gemini02]

Hi @Round,

Welcome to the HP Support Forums! I see by your post that you want to install the Laserjet 1020 on the Mac. I would like to help you out today.

There are no Mac drivers for the Laserjet 1020 model from HP's Website. But other users used the Laserjet 1022 drivers. No Guarantees, that it will work for everyone. You can download and install the HP Printer Drivers v3.0 for OS X.

Then select the Laserjet 1022.

Have a nice day! Thank you.

[jshipley]

I recently upgraded from Yosemite to Sierra, which fixed some issues but rendered my HP LaserJet 1020 as nothing more than a large paperweight.  After trying multiple fixes that I found out on the internet, I discovered this post.  I downloaded the driver Gemini02 suggested above for the HP LaserJet 1022 (file name is hpprinterdriver3.1.dmg) and installed it.  Here again is the link:   Printer Specifications for HP LaserJet 1020 Printer Series.

In System Preferences/Printers & Scanners, I right-clicked on my 1020 printer and selected, "Reset Printing System".  Then I clicked the plus symbol (+) at the bottom of the left column and clicked on my HP LaserJet 1020 printer.  This fills the first two fields out.  On the third field, "Use: Choose a Driver", I clicked it and selected, "Select Software".  I then found my new 1022 driver in the list, clicked, "OK" and it worked like a charm.  I didn't even have to restart.

Thank you so much for providing a solution that was easy and actually worked!!!

🙂