Printer connection dropped.

[jgremmelhunt]

This is the second time this has happended in a few weeks' time: not able to print & error message: "An error occurred while trying to add the selected printer." If I try to add from System Preferences, there are no printers listed to add, but if I press the "+",  the "add" box pops up. When I try to add it, the system takes a while to try & then I get this error: An error occurred while trying to add the selected device. Bad file descriptor

Many thanks for your help!

[MKazi]

@jgremmelhunt

Thanks for reaching out to us on HP Forums.

I came across your post and would like to assist. 

I understand that you have an HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer and cannot connect and print from your Mac. I appreciate your efforts in troubleshooting this issue and have certainly done a good job.

Not to worry, I'll be glad to assist you with this case.

During my research, I came across the following steps that should help us to fix this issue:

• Please ensure that the printer and the Mac computer are connected to the same wireless network.
• Printer must be connected to 2.4 GHZ network.

When you try to select a printer, a No AirPrint Printers Found message displays. To resolve the issue, restart the printer and Apple iOS device, and then make sure they are connected to the same network.

   NOTE: If your printer is connected to a computer with a USB cable, you must use Wi-Fi Direct/HP wireless direct (if available) as an alternative.

Step 1: Move the router closer to the printer

Make sure other household items do not interfere with the wireless signal, and then move the router closer to the printer.

1. Move the router away from household items that can interfere with the wireless signal, such as microwave ovens and cordless phones.

2. Move the printer closer to the wireless router.

3. Make sure your router is set at 2.4 GHz.

   If you are unsure how to check this setting, consult your router documentation or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Step 2: Restart all devices, and make sure they are on the same network

Restart the router and printer, verify wireless connectivity and status on a Network Configuration page, and then turn on the Apple device to check wireless settings.

1. Turn off the router, and then turn it on.

   Contact the router manufacturer for instructions on how to turn off the router.

      NOTE: Do not reset the router.

2. Turn off the printer, and then turn it on.

3. Turn off the Apple device.

      NOTE: Do not turn on the Apple iOS device yet.

4. Print a Network Configuration page.

   For instructions on printing a Network Configuration page, go to HP Customer Support. Type your printer model, and then search for the document to "print a configuration page."

5. Check the Active Connection Type in the General Information section on the report. The connection type should be Wireless.

6. Check the status in the 802.11 Wireless section on the report. The status should be Connected. The printer IP Address also displays in the 802.11 section of the report for active wireless connections.

7. Make sure the Network Name (SSID) on the report is the same as the name of the wireless network for your networked printer.

   • If the HP printer is connected to the correct wireless network, continue with these steps.

   • If the HP printer is not connected to the correct wireless network, go to HP Customer Care, type your printer model in the search field, and then browse to the support document about how to connect your printer to a wireless network.

8. Turn on your Apple iOS device.

9. Tap the Settings icon .

10. Tap Wi-Fi.

11. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and there is a checkmark next to your wireless network name.

12. Return to the Settings menu, and then make sure Bluetooth is turned off.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Update the printer firmware

Go to Updating Firmware on the Printer to download and install the latest printer firmware

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Make sure AirPrint is enabled

Open the Embedded Web Server (EWS), and then make sure AirPrint is enabled.

1. Print a Network Configuration page to obtain the printer IP address needed to view the EWS webpage.

   For instructions on printing a Network Configuration page, go to HP Customer Support. Type your printer model, and then search for the document to "print a configuration page."

2. Find the printer IP address on the Network Configuration page.

   Figure : Example of a printer IP address

   

3. On your computer, open an Internet browser.

4. Type the printer IP address in the browser address bar, and then press Enter.

      NOTE: Make sure to type the IP address into the Internet browser's address box. If typed into a toolbar search box or search engine, the EWS does not open.

5. If a website security certificate displays in the Internet browser, click Continue.

   The EWS information page for the printer opens.

6. Click the Settings tab.

7. Click Security, and then click Administrator Settings.

8. Under Network Settings, select AirPrint, if it is not already selected, and then click Apply.

   Figure : Selecting AirPrint

   

9. Restart the printer.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Make sure the router can forward Bonjour packets

Not all wireless routers support Bonjour or all of Bonjour's features. Since Bonjour is the default method for discovering printers on a network, you must first make sure your wireless router supports Bonjour, and then turn the Apple device off and on. Check the specifications or support documentation for your router or contact the router manufacturer to make sure your router supports Bonjour. It must also support forwarding Bonjour packets.

• If your router supports Bonjour, skip to the next step.

• If your router does not support Bonjour, use a router that supports Bonjour or add the printer to your printer list using the IP tab and the printer IP address.

  Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 6: Try to print from another device or computer

Try to print from another networked device to the HP printer. Examples of networked devices include your computer and another Apple device.

• If the printer is found, continue to the next step.

• If the printer is not found, go to Guided Solutions: Printer Does Not Maintain Wireless Connection.

Step 7: Reset the HP printer

Reset the printer, and then try to print again.

1. Turn the printer on, if it is not already on.

2. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.

3. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.

4. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

5. Wait at least 60 seconds.

6. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.

      NOTE:HP recommends connecting the printer power cord directly to the wall outlet.

7. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.

8. Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.

Also, please update the Mac OS on your computer and the printer firmware if the issue persists. 

I sincerely hope this fixes the issue. Keep me posted for further assistance.

Cheers!