Need driver to tie old HP printer to more current Mac OS X

[RecycleAgain]

We are trying to use an old Deskjet 5850 printer with much more recent Mac OS X 10.11.6 for a Scouting project.  I found the 2013 posts by ShlomiL describing how to use the hpijs-3.10.6.dmg, Foomatic-RIP 4.0.6 , and gplgs-8.71.dmg downloads.  I downloaded all three files, but only the first two (hips-3 and Foomatic-RIP) would install.  gplgs-8.71 started the installation process, but halted with an error message that there was no SW to install.  The gplgs-8.71 download was 35 MB, so I have a hunch there really is something there....

Should it be possible to find a print driver to hook the Deskjet 5850 to a more current Mac?  Am I on the right track?

[ShlomiL]

Hi @RecycleAgain,

HPIJS is quite outdated and only supported on Mac OS Mountain Lion 10.8 or earlier versions, not with any later versions of the operating system.

You may try using an alternate driver and check if that work for you:

1. Download and install below package from Apple:
   https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1888?locale=en_US
2. Once completing the installation, power on the printer and connect it to your Mac.
3. From System Preferences select Printers & Scanners and click the plus sign.
4. Select your printer.
5. Within the Use drop-down menu click on Select Printer Software.
6. Select the HP Deskjet 6940 series, name the printer as you want and press Add.

May you able to print using this workaround? the 6940 printer uses the same printing language and should likely work well.

Shlomi