Help please with h-p DeskJet 3420

[Richard H]

I just bought a second-hand Hewlett-Packard DeskJet 3420 USB printer for use
with my old Mac G4 computer and OSX 10.2.8 (Jaguar) operating system, as my
old printer developed a fault and modern printers are no longer compatible
with my system.

I have downloaded the user Manual from h-p, but I don't have the set-up
instructions that would have come with the printer.

At the moment the printer is not being recognised by the USB interface ( and
the cable is not showing up as connected on my USB hub) so I have not been
able to add it to my printer list.

However I have not yet obtained any ink cartridges for the printer - and so
I wonder if these are required before the printer will initialise on the
USB.

Can anyone confirm that my reasoning is correct?

 

[GlowingBlueMist]

DeskJet 3420

Do a Google search for "DeskJet 3420 OSX" minus the quotes and download
the drivers for your operating software. Most driver downloads for this
printer are free but make sure you trust the download site before using
them in case they send a virus as well.

No drivers = no contact with printer.

Most times the drivers will contact the printer and report it out of
service due to the missing ink, but at least that tells you the system
is able to talk to the printer.