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- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Getting error: Unsupported Personality: PLC on my iMac

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03-20-2024 09:38 AM - edited 03-20-2024 09:38 AM
I have old HP LaserJet 1012 printer connected to iMAc Retina 5k. Few days ago my printer stop working. Connection, Pages, Cartridge - all good. I can see Print queue populated when hit Print button but getting out only one page with one line error: Unsupported Personality: PCl. Furthermore - when i was trying to search for hint via HP virtual assistant (live is not available and not taking calls as per message) i do not see option for iMAC Retina and only two available to me to choose from are MacOS 10.12 & Mac OS9. When i am providing serial number i am getting different printer ALL in ONE (not what i have) for that serial number. I have this printer for 3 years and until few days ago it was working perfectly. What i should do to fix it?
03-22-2024 10:40 AM
Hi @Ynnik,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It seems like your HP LaserJet 1012 printer is encountering an "Unsupported Personality: PCL" error when you try to print from your iMac Retina 5k. This error typically occurs when the printer receives a print job with a format it doesn't understand or support.
Here are some steps you can take to try to resolve this issue.
- Restart Both Devices: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity or communication issues. Try restarting both your iMac and the HP LaserJet 1012 printer.
- Check Printer Settings: Ensure that the printer settings on your iMac are configured correctly. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your HP LaserJet 1012, and click on "Options & Supplies." Check the settings to ensure they are compatible with your printer.
- Update Printer Drivers: Make sure you have the latest printer drivers installed on your iMac. Visit the HP website to download and install the latest drivers specifically for your printer model and macOS version. If there are no drivers available for your specific macOS version, try using the drivers for the closest match.
- Reset Printing System: Sometimes, resetting the printing system on your iMac can help resolve printing issues. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, right-click (or Control-click) on the printer list, and select "Reset printing system." Note that this will remove all printers from your list, so you'll need to re-add your HP LaserJet 1012 afterward.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure that your HP LaserJet 1012 printer has the latest firmware installed. You can usually check for firmware updates through the printer's control panel or via the HP website.
- Check Print Job Settings: Ensure that the print job settings are compatible with your printer. For example, make sure the document is set to print in a format supported by your printer (such as plain text or PDF).
- Try a Different Connection: If you're connecting the printer to your iMac via USB, try using a different USB port or a different USB cable to rule out any issues with the connection.
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the "Unsupported Personality: PCL" error on your HP LaserJet 1012 printer connected to your iMac Retina 5k.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator