HP photosmart C4480 will not print color

[2534Melissa]

I have followed other questions about this. Have changed to new color cartridge. The printer will print a new alignment page that has color on it, but all images or type I attempt to print in color come out just black and white. I do not have a greyscale/Black and white option in my print window. Also do not have an options function as someone else did in a similar question. Cannot find anyplace in the system preferences, in the print window, in the printer function buttons to specify color vs. Black and white.

Never had this problem before using either Windows or Mac computers. Have printed from this same laptop many times over the years, no problem. This just started happening out of nowhere early this summer. Same laptop printed in color at the office. No indication that I need new drivers, tried reinstalling printer just to be sure.

Any ideas??!!

Thanks!

[Drakster · Accepted solution]

Hi @2534Melissa,

Welcome to the HP Support Forums!

I understand that you're unable to print in colour with your HP photosmart C4480 Printer. I will certainly do my best to help you.

I believe there is an issue with the device driver, please follow these instructions.

Step 1: Reset the Print System:

To start, I am going to have you Reset the Print System on your Mac. Please click here for instructions on how to perform the Reset. When the website opens follow the steps under'Resetting the printing system in OS X Lion' as the steps are the same for Mac OS X 10.10. This Reset will remove every printer from your Mac. However, it does not uninstall the printers. Therefore, should you use other printers on this Mac, once the Reset is complete simply ensure that the printers are connected via a USB Cable or Network connected and (+) Add them back in. Do not add your HP Deskjet back in at this time.

Once the reset is complete, please proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Uninstall Drivers and Software:

Next, please click here for steps on how to properly uninstall your printer. Once the site opens select the dropdown for 'Mac OS X v10.6, OS X v10.7, OS X v10.8, and OS X v10.9' and follow the steps under Method Two to complete the uninstall process.

Once the uninstall is complete, please continue on. 


Step 3: Verify and Repair your Disk Permissions on the Mac:

1. Open Macintosh HD and go to Applications
2. Go to the Utilities Folder
3. Open the Disk Utility
4. Select the Hard Drive volume you are using (usually on the left)
5. Select Verify Disk Permissions
6. Once that process is done, select Repair Disk Permissions

Step 4: Manually install Driver Package:

Please click here to manually download the Apple Update package for HP Printer Drivers v3.0. Once the website opens select the Download button at the top. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the driver package.

Step 5: Check for Apple Updates:

1. Go to Apple
2. Select System Preferences
3. Select Software Update
4. Click Update Now
5. Install your available updates
6. Restart your computer

Step 6: Add the Device:

1. Click the Apple menu, and then click System Preferences.

2. Click Print & Scan, and then check if the name of your printer displays in the Printers list.

3. Click the name of your printer, click the minus sign (), and then delete the printer. 

4. Click the plus sign (), click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer,

5. Click the Use or Print Using box, and then select the name of your printer in the pop-up menu. Ensure that the Deskjet driver is selected.

6. Click Add to add the printer to the list.

- Source

Once your printer is successfully added in, please try printing again to verify that the issue is now resolved.

Posted by my colleague  X-23.

Please respond to this post with the result of your troubleshooting. Good luck!

[2534Melissa]

Thank you for this long and detailed response to my printer problem. I'm a teacher and back at school for my first day today, and have an overnight guest tonight. I will try this solution tomorrow evening and let you know if it works. Sounds kind of complicated, but I have a very computer literate companion at home who will supervise me.

You have been very generous with your time on this. Can't wait to be able to say that it's working.

With appreciation,

Melissa

[2534Melissa]

Dear Drakester,

You are amazing!!

This was not an easy fix; it took quite awhile and I needed my husband's help since it was a bit complicated to follow, but you have completely fixed the problem and I am just thrilled. This forum is a true public service.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2534Melissa

[2534Melissa]

So sorry I mispelled your name--Drakster!