Computer Help Desk
Can't Print from Mac
Try the steps on this page when you click the Print button or choose File > Print in an application and nothing happens. Click here if you are not using a network printer, that means, if your printer is directly connected only to your computer.
If Your Printer Is a Network Printer
Try these steps if your printer is connected to the University's network:
- Make sure that the printer is on. If it isn't, turn it on and try printing again.
- Check that there are no paper jams. If there are, remove the paper, close the printer and wait for it to to warm up again. Try printing again.
- If the printer is on, turn it off for 10 seconds and turn it
on again. Try printing again.

- From the Apple menu, choose Chooser. Chooser helps you choose a printer. Choose your Zone in the AppleTalk Zones section. Then click the correct driver for your printer. You should see a list of printers at the right, as shown in the figure. Click your printer, then click Create. Close the Chooser and try printing again.
- If you can't see any zones in the Chooser, check if you are connected to the network. The easiest way is to open your Web browser and see if you can view a Web site.
- If you don't seem to be connected to the network, check if others near you can view a Web site. If the problem is general, the network may be down. Call Information Services at 472-1170 to see if there is some information available about a general network problem.
- If only you have the problem, click the Apple menu and then
click Control Panels > AppleTalk. Make sure that the
Connect Via: drop-down list says Ethernet. Check that Current Zone in the
Setup section is correct for your zone on the network. If you are
unsure of the correct settings, check the settings at a nearby
computer. Try printing again.

- Check all the printer's connections, especially the cable that connects it to the network card. Then check your computer's connections.
- If everything seems to be correct, turn off the printer. Close any open applications and then turn off your computer. Then turn on the printer and finally turn your computer back on. Open your file and try printing again.
- If you still can't print, write down any message that you see
on your screen. Also write down the last time you successfully
printed and a brief summary of any changes or actions relating to
the computer since that time. Then call Information Services at
472-1170.
If Your Printer Is Not a Network Printer
If your printer is not a network printer, follow these steps:
- Check that the printer is on. If it isn't, turn it on and try printing again
- If the printer has an online button, make sure it is on. (This allows the printer to get data from the computer.)
- Make sure that there are no paper jams. If there are, remove the paper, close the printer and try printing again.
- Check the connection between the computer and the printer, at both ends. If the connection is loose at either end, reconnect the connector and try printing again.
- Turn the printer off. After 10 seconds, turn it on again. Try printing again.
- Close down any open applications and restart the computer. Try printing again.
- If you still can't print, write down any message that you see on your screen. Also write down the last time you successfully printed and a brief summary of any changes or actions relating to the computer since that time. Then e-mail us at computerhelpdesk@mum.edu .