MFP 178nw prints pages of random symbols with a Mac OS 14.5

[justbug]

Randomly when I print a document from my Mac Book Air the printer prints loads of pages with just a line of random characters. I have it set up as a Bonjour printer using the driver " HP Cooler Laser MFP 178 179"

I have tried as suggested in another post using generic PCL printer driver, but this is just black and white.

Any suggestions? It is driving me mad that I have paid for a new printer thats being so unreliable.

Also what is the username / password for the printer so I can see if there's a Firmware update available?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @justbug ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you are facing incompatibilities, printer firmware issues, or incorrect settings. Here are several steps you can take to resolve the issue with your HP Color Laser MFP 178nw:

Steps to Resolve the Issue

Update Printer Firmware: Update the firmware on an HP printer

• Ensure your printer firmware is up to date. You can typically find firmware updates on the HP support website.
• To access the printer's firmware update page, you might need the printer's IP address. You can find this by printing a network configuration page from the printer's control panel.
• Open a web browser and enter the printer's IP address to access the Embedded Web Server (EWS).
• The default username and password for HP printers are usually:
  • Username: admin
  • Password: admin or leave it blank
  • If these do not work, you might need to refer to the printer's manual or reset the printer to factory settings to access it.

Reinstall the Printer Driver: Software and Drivers for HP Color Laser MFP 178nw

• Remove the existing printer driver and reinstall it.
• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Select the HP Color Laser MFP 178nw printer and click the - button to remove it.
• Re-add the printer by clicking the + button and selecting your printer from the list. Ensure you select the correct driver (HP Color Laser MFP 178/179).

Use HP Smart App:

• Download and install the HP Smart app for macOS. This app can help you manage your printer, including checking for firmware updates and diagnosing issues.

Reset the Printing System:

• Sometimes, resetting the printing system can resolve persistent issues.
• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list and select Reset printing system....
• This will remove all printers and scanners, and you will need to add your printer again.

Check for macOS Updates:

• Ensure your macOS is up to date, as updates can include fixes for printer compatibility issues.
• Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for updates.

Use Generic PostScript Printer Driver:

• If the PCL driver only supports black and white, you can try using a generic PostScript driver which should support color printing.
• Add the printer again using System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Select Generic PostScript Printer from the Use dropdown menu when adding the printer.

Refer to this document: HP Color Laser MFP 178nw user mab

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. 

[justbug]

Hi Gaya1239 thanks for your reply. I did manage to speak to HP support and tried most of what you suggested. ( They suggested I ring Apple!):

Delete printer and reinstall

Reset printing system

logged into printers EWS- only update option you need to have downloaded a file, I cant find a file for this printer.

Logged into HP Smart App and cant find any option to update the firmware.

Reinstalled using a generic Postscipt driver (IPP protocol), it seems to install ok, but it never prints anything,

My Mac OS is upto date.

It still mostly prints loads of pages with a line of random text...

I can install with a generic PCL driver and it works fine, just in B&W which is daft for a color printer.

I'm losing the will to live, it appears thats it's not compatible with a Mac and I have wasted £250.

😥😥😥

[A_Gayathri]

HI @justbug ,

Thank you for your response. I am sorry for the inconvenience caused 

Have a great day ahead!

[justbug]

That’s it? Sorry you have brought a HP printer and it doesn’t work..!