can't install Color laserjet pro MFP M477fdn on Mac 10.7

[franklinshepard]

I downloaded the Mac Firmware Update Utility but it crashes every time I try to open it. The HP Easy Start isn't compatible with 10.7. HELP! How can I install this driver?

[John_Getzke]

Looks like HP is offering a version of the Mac Firmware Utility for OSX 10.7:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-color-laserjet-pro-mfp-m477-series/7326560

If you cannot get the download to work then you might have to find another OS that is supported for this model and try the steps from that machine instead.

[franklinshepard]

So the only answer is buy a new computer? That's....not what I was hoping to hear. I don't really have money for a new computer. Is there an older version of this firmware I could use to install it? Is there something I can change in my Mac's system settings to get the HP Firmware update to work?

[franklinshepard]

Heck, is there a way to install the printer on my Mac without the firmware update? I just want to be able to use this printer.

[John_Getzke]

No, you do not have to buy a new computer.  Although that would certainly work.

To be clear, Firmware and Software are two seperate things in the HP printing world.  "Firmware" is the software installed on the printer.  You do not need to update software to opperate a printer, although keeping your firmware current is always advised.  "Software" is the drivers, files and scanning apps installed on your PC.  HP usually bundles everything together into a downloadable software package.

Your options are:

1. Install a driver from Apple.  You should be able to perform some kind of scan and then download a system update from Apple that includes basic scan and print drivers like we can in Windows.  Apple should have some kind of print driver update process that you can run for basic functionality.

2. Install a Virtual Machine on your Mac.  Load that VM with an OS that is supported by the printer.  Send your print jobs through the VM instead.

3. Pick a similar generic print driver and apply it to your M477.  You may not have all of the features that your model provides but it should cover basic printing.

4. Update your OS using whatever OS updating options are available to you from Apple.  It looks like if you upgrade to 10.8 or higher then HP will be able to provide a software package.  10.7 must have been the cutoff.

5. Buy a different printer model that supports OS 10.7.  Although you are going to have to find a used model and likely will not have any warranty remaining on it.

6. Try the software package for 10.8 or a different OS.  Maybe you will get lucky.