"Cannot download the software. Check your network connection, and then try again." Error

[Dvortex]

Hello, @Aaanjoo

Most printer drivers are mentioned as "HP Easy Start" in HP driver page. The HP Easy Start is nothing but an application which will download the original drivers from HP. 

That said, try to install the printer directly from this link and check: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software12/HP_Quick_Start/osx/Installations/Essentials/hp-printer-help-...    

If you have any troubles, let me know and I’ll do my best to help! Thank you!

Please click "Accepted as Solution" on the post that solves your issue to help others find the solution. To show appreciation for my help, please click the "Thumbs Up Icon" below!

[sookiestjames]

Hi guys,

I figured out a solution.

My email id is srishtisanjaydaiv@gmail.com. Please send me an email there. The only reason I am asking you to get in touch with me via email is because honestly, this is my first time on a support forum of any kind and it is extremely confusing to use. I do not know whom I am replying to here, etc.

I promise this is nothing shady 🙂

[sookiestjames]

Okay I kept reading and re-reading my earlier message and I can understand how it may sound fishy.

So here's what we'll do. I'll explain what I did briefly to make my printer (HP Deskjet 2131) finally start printing. In case you have any doubts, you can email me at srishtisanjaydaiv@gmail.com. Cool?

Before I begin with the solution that worked for me, let's list out a few details.

System: MacBook Pro

OS Version: Mac Higher Sierra (10.13.1)

All the steps mentioned below are legit and DO NOT involve downloading anything from 'third party websites'. If I really have to think about it, the reason why HP tech support isn't recommending this is because this method isn't MEANT for HP Deskjet 2131, specifically.

Anyway, let's get started.

Step 1: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1888?locale=en_US > Head over to this link. It is Hewlett Packard Printer Driver (version 5.1) provided by Apple on 24th Oct 2017. I came across this while hunting for the solution to this problem in one of the discussions on HP Support itself. It is a heavy download but at least we aren't stuck with HP Easy Start. Download and install this driver. No, HP Deskjet 2131 isn't listed as a supported printer model. Yes, this will still work.

Step 2: Once you've downloaded and installed the printer driver, head over to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Remove any printer that may be already added. Like a fresh start.

Step 3: Click on the + button and find your printer (Which should show up considering you've had it connected to your MacBook / iMac all this while via USB) DO NOT press 'ADD' as yet.

Step 4: Before pressing 'ADD', under the options provided for the 'USE', click on select software. Now, because you have just installed the printer driver, a big list of printers will be shown to you. From this list, choose 'HP Deskjet 2510 Series'. No, this isn't our specified printer. Yes, this will still work. Yes, at this point, I am willing to try anything because I want to move on in life.

Step 5: Upon choosing 'HP Deskjet 2510 Series', confirm by clicking 'ADD'

Step 6: Your printer icon in System Preferences will show that green light and you will smile thinking, 'Okay! This used to happen when I added my printer previously as well. What now?' Now, close System Preferences.

This is how your Printers & Scanners window should look. Note the pink rectangle. Excuse the red light of my printer. I'm in bed.

Step 7: Open a snazzy photograph of your dog > Cmd + P > Print.

Step 8: *happy dance*

You are most welcome.

[Aaanjoo]

Thanks alot @sookiestjames  This has worked for me

Amazing.

What a mess HP has made! . Wont buy HP again !

[sookiestjames]

I agree. Next printer: HP Canon.

S.

[Dvortex]

Hello, @sookiestjames

Thanks for updating the solution. This is certainly a good workaround for the current issue and will help many customers with the similar issue.

I do understand that this is difficult, but we have escalated the concern and hopefully, there will be a software update soon to get 10.13 printer drivers.

Thank you again and may you have a wonderful day and even better tomorrow 🙂

Please click "Accepted as Solution" on the post that solves your issue to help others find the solution. To show appreciation for my help, please click the "Thumbs Up Icon" below!

[sookiestjames]

Hello, @Dvortex

Glad I could help.

Good day to you too!

S.

[Sotogrande]

I am also having an issue installing a HP DeskJet 3638 Printer.  I have HP drivers 5.1 which were downloaded from apple as per what they offered, however, when I try to install software using HP Easy Start, I get the message as per the attached screen shot.  I have tried time and time again but get the same message.  I have tried what was suggested within this thread (resetting print, turning off, etc) without success.  The printer is showing but is in ´ídle´ and when I try to even print anything, it just does not work.  It just stays in idle.  It has now got to the stage after trying to sort this for 2 hours today, of throwing the thing out and going elsewhere for another non-HP printer.  Like the other respondents, this is NOT a wifi issue as the wifi is OK with everything else.  Any other suggestions before I just bin the printer and get a different one form another source

[Aaanjoo]

It seems its a global issue that for most of the HP printer, we are not able to download HP drivers on mac os , i have seen this error on OS 10.12 and 10.13 as well.

check out this :

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Software-and-Drivers/After-Update-to-Mac-OS-10-13-High-Sierra-...

Its been two weeks and still HP is not able to solve the problem  !!! Very unforunate situation for a company like HP!