Set up HP Photosmart 8450 with MacOS Catalina (Version 10.15.7)

[jordanb16]

Hi there, I am trying to re-connect my computer (MacOS Catalina 10.15.7) to an HP Photosmart 8450 printer from 2004 (model Q3388A). I last connected to the printer in 2015 and have several files in the Library > Printers > hp directory of my computer from way back then. When I open the printer through Settings > Printers & Scanners, I get pop ups saying "[filename] will damage your computer." If I try to print regardless, I get the following error message: "One or more components of the HP printing software are corrupted or missing. The print job cannot be completed. To fix this situation, HP recommends reinstalling the print driver software." 

Here's what I've attempted, with no success:

• Visited HP Support to download a driver update, latest OS available is Mac OS X 10.5. Attempted driver download, but when I tried to open the download I got the error message "HP installer needs to be updated. The developer of this app needs to update it to work with this version of macOS. Contact the developer for more information." 
• Visited 123.hp.com to search for driver update, but the HP Photosmart 8450 is not listed, so I downloaded the HP Smart app. Attempted to set up a new printer via ethernet (connected ethernet cable from printer to router) and via USB (connected USB cable from printer to computer) and neither method worked.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated - thanks in advance!

[ShlomiL · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Please make sure your macOS is fully up to date by installing any update for Catalina:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541

Next, uninstall any existing HP Software by following the HP Uninstaller Utility below:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software12/HP_Quick_Start/osx/Installations/Essentials/HP_Uninstaller...

Next, download and install the latest drivers below:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software12/HP_Quick_Start/osx/Applications/ASU/HPPrinterDrivers5.1.dm...

Finally,  open System Preferences, and then open Printers & Scanners to re-add your printer. be sure to select the printer model within the Use drop-down menu.

Shlomi

[jordanb16]

Hi Shlomi, I updated my MacOS to Big Sur 11.2 and downloaded the driver you linked, but when I tried to open it I got the error message "This volume does not meet the requirements for this update." Any tips?

Edit: Never mind, I downloaded the HP Easy Smart app and it somehow installed my printer without a driver download... after weeks of unsuccessful attempts, I finally was able to print from my laptop! Thank you!