Photosmart C4580 switch from USB direct to iMac, to wireless network thru Time Capsule

[rt808]

I originally set up an HP Photosmart C4580 directly to my iMac via USB and everything was fine.  Now I'm trying to switch the setup to wireless through Time Capsule.  I've tried to re-install the HP software but I keep getting this message:  "The HP Installer has detected at least one open HP application.  Please quit all HP applications before continuing."  I can't figure out what HP application is open (besides the HP installer) and therefore, can't continue the re-installation.  I'm sure it's something ridiculously easy that I'm overlooking, since I'm not much of a techie.  

I also ran a wireless network test report from the all-in-one printer and it diagnosed that the Network Name (SSID) was not found.  But I can't get back into the HP installer process far enough to add the SSID...just keep getting that message which prevents me from continuing despite not being able to find any open HP apps to close.

Any help will be much appreciated.

[Hubbs]

rt808,

If you reboot your Mac, and re-start the HP Installer, do you receive the same error message?

Did you Uninstall the HP software, or are you just re-running the HP Installer again?

Open Finder --> Applications --> Utilities --> Activity Monitor, and look for processes beginning with HP. If you find one/some, try selecting them and choosing "Quit Process" on them before starting the HP Installer.

If this doesn't work, run HP Uninstaller, reboot the mac, then re-check activity monitor to see if the HP processes (if any) are still present.

If neither of the above steps resolves the issue, and allows you to install your product wirelessly, please let me know and we will continue to work towards a solution.

Thanks!

[rt808]

Hi Hubbs,

Thanks for your prompt reply.  

The first roadblock I ran into was the message: "The HP Installer has detected at least one open HP application.  Please quit all HP applications before continuing."  I couldn't determine what other HP apps were open, so I turned off the computer and rebooted.

I was then able to get a little further in the installation process, but hit roadblock #2:  "If your device is not listed it is not supported by this installer.  Go to www.hp.com/support to download installer if one is not available."  I went to the website and found instructions to deinstall, just as you recommend.  

I followed the deinstall instructions (I can't recall exactly when I rebooted the computer, but I know that I did reboot when instructed).  Then I downloaded HP updates, and tried installation again.  I got farther along and selected my network as directed.  The setup assistant then told me to connect the USB to the device temporarily for transfer, which I did (USB connection between HP printer and iMac), but kept getting message: "Device not connected.  To configure network settings of selected device, please connect temporarily between USB.  Can be disconnected from USB once the settings transfer."  I got this message consistently, whether the USB connection was between the printer and iMac or the printer and Time Capsule.  I finally had to quit the installation and keep the USB connection between the printer and iMac so I can at least print directly from the desktop computer, which renders the Time Capsule pretty useless (I wanted to set up a wireless network so my daughter can also print from her MacBook).

That's where I am now.  The updated HP installer has been downloaded to my computer, but the process has not been completed because I can't configure the network settings.  I'm wondering if I need to deinstall Time Capsule and start from scratch - only I don't really know how.  Should I take my problem to Apple?  I can schedule a One to One session, but I don't know how much they know about HP products.

Thanks, Hubbs.  You wouldn't know what it's like - but believe me, for the tech-challenged (like myself) it's good to have an expert to "talk" with!  

rt808

[Hubbs]

Wow! That IS a lot of roadblocks you have hit; sorry this experience has been so tiring.

Here is what I would recommend.

First, just to verify - are you using the Time capsule as your router, or just as a network hard drive with a separate wireless router?

Second, lets run the HP Scrubber utility to ensure that all HP software is off of there before installing the latest driver package (that you already have downloaded ). Then Repair Disk Permissions. Finally Reinstall using the latest software, using Wireless Configured by USB method (what you described in your post).

Here are the steps to do these actions:

(Note: The scrubber will remove ALL HP printers and their driver/software -- except the drivers built-in to the OS).

Scrubber

1. Open the HP Uninstaller just as you did before

2. On the screen where you select your product, press and hold the Ctrl, Opt, Apple keys (all 3 keys in the bottom left of your keyboard) while clicking uninstall. You should receive a warning message asking if you are sure you want to uninstall ALL HP Software.

3. Authenticate with your user name and password.

4. Let the scrubber do its thing, then click Finish.

Repair Disk Permissions

1. Open the Applications Folder

2. Open the Utilities folder

3. Double-click Disk-Utility

4. Highlight your active hard drive/partition (Macintosh HD by default)

5. Ensure that you are on the First Aid tab, and click the button labeled Repair Disk Permissions.

6. Once Complete, reboot the Mac.

For the installation portion, it sounds like you were doing everything right - just ensure that you are plugging the printer directly into the Mac, before even starting the install; doing so will not affect the installation. Also, be on the lookout for the check box to "Configure your device for a wireless network", and have your network settings handy (SSID, Wireless Security).

If the product is still not being detected by the install, check ASP to see if your computer is detecting it.

Check Apple System Profiler (ASP)

1. Click the Apple in the upper left corner

2. Click About this Mac

3. Click More Info... - this will open Apple System Profiler (ASP)

4. Look under the USB entries and the Printer entries on the left; see if the printer is listed here.

5. If the printer is not listed, try a different USB cable and/or a different USB port on the computer (preferably one that is known-working; like where the keyboard or mouse is currently plugged in).

    Note: Avoid using Self-Powered or Bus-Powered hubs if at all possible, but if you must use one, use self-powered.

Let me know how it goes, or if you have any questions regarding the steps/information.

Thanks!

[rt808]

Hello again Hubbs,

To verify, I am using Time Capsule as my router and network hard drive.  No other wireless router is being used.

I will print out your very detailed (thank you!) instructions and as soon as I finish some work I'll go through your instructions and let you know the outcome.

Whether it works or not, you get kudos from me.  You've already been a great help.

rt808

[rt808]

Hi Hubbs,

I followed your instructions, but only got to the same point - no further (wah, wah, wah...)

I ran the HP Scrubber Utility, then Repair Disc Permissions, then rebooted the iMac.

Then I ran the Installation (with the USB cord already connecting the printer and computer).  I made sure to check the box "Configure your device for a wireless network."  Then when I got to the Select Network screen I highlighted my network and clicked Continue.  But, once agin, the color wheel started to spin and spin and spin.  (I had a bad feeling then.)  And finally I got the "Device not connected" message again.  I tried it twice but finally had to go back to the Setup Assistant and click Skip Setup.  

I checked the ASP and under Printers (listed on the left) the printer is listed as HP Photosmart C4500 series.  Print Server: Local.   Under USB the printer is also listed under the USB Device Tree.

Should I check anything else?  Thanks!

rt808

[Hubbs]

"Wah...wah...wah" indeed. Don't lose hope though, we're still in this.

The following are steps to a workaround (and it truly lives up to the name work-AROUND). I have done this with the C4385 before though when seeing the same endless color wheel on the network connection screen. Going to provide two options - the first method can be slightly faster if it works.

(bear with me as I try to recall the exact terminology, haven't done this process in about 2 years now )

Method 1: Connecting the Mac to the printer's default network

1. Enable wireless on the printer

*You can disconnect the USB cable at this time.

2. Click the Wireless icon from the top bar on your mac

3. Look under "Computer to Computer Networks" and see if there is a network called "hpsetup"

*If there isn't one, go into the wireless menu on the printer and restore network defaults - then repeat steps 1-3.

4. Select hpsetup, and wait for your mac to connect.

5. Go through the software installation, you should now see the printer listed as Bonjour on the "Select your Product" page.

6. Once installed, print out a network configuration page from the printer, and find the IP address

7. Type the IP address into a Safari window

8. Go to the wireless/network tab (looking for the page where you can enter the SSID and Wireless Security)

9. Once on this tab, enter your Time capsule network settings into the boxes, and apply settings.

*Note: After applying, the printer will be on a different network, so the page will not finish loading, just give it up to 2 minutes -- just in case -- to ensure that the settings were applied.

10. Now, on your mac, re-connect to your time capsule network

11. Go to System Preferences --> Print & Fax, and do a remove/re-add of the printer (Bonjour)

Creating an Adhoc Network

1. Click the Wireless icon from the top bar on your mac

2. Click Create Network under the "Computer to Computer" section

3. Name this network anything you want - I would recommend something simple like C4580Test. Use channel 6 or 11.

4. Go through the wireless setup as usual, and see if it will get the adhoc wireless settings without the spinning pinwheel.

5. If it takes the settings, continue from step 6 in the first process to complete the wireless setup.

As usual, let me know how it goes, or if you need further clarification (or if some screenshots would help).

Thanks!

[rt808]

Hi Hubbs,

I'm afraid I ran into difficulty at Step #6.  I got through #5 (Select Bonjour and Add), but once I did that I didn't know how to print out a network config page from the printer, so I went to the System Profiler under the Apple icon, opened Network and just wrote down the IPv4 Address.  Then I got stuck again at Step #7 because I didn't know how to "Type the IP address into a Safari window."  (Not only am I new to setting up a wireless network, I'm new to Mac - up to now I've been a loyal PC user.)

I don't know if I would have gotten through Steps 8-11 because I never got close enough!  I continued the setup process and never had the opportunity to insert the IP address, SSID or Wireless Security information.  Even though I "technically" completed the HP installation (both download and setup), the C4580 is still offline.

To get back to the "Setup" point of theHP Installation I have run the "Download" of the updates again.  I tried to  continue into Setup, but ran into the same difficulties as before, so I backed out and Quit without going through Setup.  That's where I am (again) right now, and I've reconnected the USB cable so that I can print from the iMac to the HP.  But still no wireless connection to the printer.

Thanks for sticking with this, Hubbs.  

rt808

[Hubbs]

Hi rt808,

Here is some further clarification on step 6-11:

Step 6:

1. Press the Wireless button ( ) on the front of the HP product.

2. Press the center ATM button ( ) to select Wireless Settings .

3. Press the center ATM button ( ) to select Run Wireless Network Test .

4. Press the OK button. The Wireless Network Test Report prints.

Step 7:

1. Open Safari (This is usually on the dock by default, as well as in the Applications folder).

2. Click in the address bar (where the www. is) and type the IP address (e.g. - 10.0.1.15)

Step 8:

(This is where the unfamiliarity comes into play - What you are looking for is going to be labeled one of the following (or close to it):

- Network

- Wireless

- Network Configuration

- Wireless Configuration

- Network Setup

- Advanced Setup

Step 9:

This is where you will need the SSID (network name) of your time capsule, and the WEP/WPA/WPA2 (Wireless Security)

Step 10 and 11 you know how to do already

Please let me know if this helps. I'm sure I can track down a C4580 is need be (if the need arises, it'd likely be for the EWS portion - Step 8), so just let me know if the steps are still unclear.

Thanks!

[rt808]

Hi Hubbs,

I think I'd better tell you exactly what I've done so far, because some steps are different than you describe.  So here goes:

1.  Wireless enabled the HP printer.  Disconnected the USB.

2.  Clicked wireless icon on top right.  

3.  On the drop down menu there was no "Computer to Computer Networks" but there was "hpsetup" under "Devices."

4.  So I moved the checkmark from my network to hpsetup and waited until the mac connected.

5.  I ran through the HP Installation update again and selected Bonjour during the Download portion of the install.  When I got to Setup Assistant, I hit Continue and on the Select Device page there was one device listed:  Photosmart C4500 series - Network - and my IP address.  I hit Continue.

The Select Printer screen told me to "Launch Print & Fax System Preferences by clicking the button, which I did.  It opened a Print & Fax screen which listed HP Photosmart C4500 series - (red light) Offline, Default.  I was instructed to hit + and an Add Printer screen opened with 2 printers listed:  Photosmart C4500 series (HPF748D5)-Network Printer (HP IP) and below that, Photosmart C4500 series (F748D5)-Bonjour.  I highlighted Bonjour and clicked Add, which closed the Add Printer screen and returned me to the Print & Fax screen where there is now a 2nd printer listed:  Photosmart C4500 Series - (green light) Idle.  I highlighted this printer and checked a box saying that this printer was to be shared on the network, then closed the Printer & Fax screen, which took me back to the Select Printer page.

Question:  During the Select Printer portion of the HP Setup, did I do the right thing by adding and highlighting Bonjour? Or should I have selected the C4500 series printer that was labeled Network Printer (HP IP)?

6.  Printed out a Network config report and found my IP address (which was already showing on the Select Device page).

7.  I then opened Safari and typed in my IP address, but got a message saying that I'm not connected to network, so I reconnected to my network and tried again, typing the IP address on the Safari opening page.  This time nothing happened for quite a while and then a full page message popped up:  "Safari can't open the page http://____________(IP address)/ because the server where this page is located isn't responding."

8.-11.  Didn't get there!

I don't want you to go through the trouble of locating a C4580 to tinker with, so if the situation I describe in Step 7. is one you've never encountered, I can live without the printer being on a wireless network.

Thanks, Hubbs.

rt808