User level: Level 1 (4 points)In trying to add a HP printer to my MacBook Pro, I get a Bad file descriptor. From there my system gos nowhere. Not much help from Seri. Any outside help out there? Thx in advance.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Bad File Descriptor
Posted on Oct 20, 2026 9:36 AM
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)Oct 20, 2026 12:22 PM in response to Richardsarnia
Which model HP printer? Its exact model designation please.
Are you adding it as an AirPrint printer?
If not, remove the existing printer in Printers & Scanners, and add it again. You must explicitly choose AirPrint.
Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac - Apple Support
Connect an AirPrint printer to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)Oct 21, 2026 9:26 AM in response to Richardsarnia
Thanks for the update. Everything fixed? "Bad file descriptor" gone?
Yes if the printer is AirPrint compatible (and the HP ENVY 7640 is) AirPrint will appear automatically, and that's what you should choose. There should be no error messages or complaints. If there are any I have other ideas.
User level: Level 10 (131,878 points)Oct 20, 2026 1:11 PM in response to John Galt
John,
If it is an AirPrint compatible printer, when one selects the Bonjour discovered line item on the Add Printer panel, it automatically triggers the Use: selector to configure the AirPrint setup and all one has to do is click Add.
This has been my experience with an older AirPrint compatible Samsung laser and a new Brother HL-L8430cdw laser.
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Oct 21, 2026 8:17 AM in response to John Galt
Hi John and VikingOSX
Thx for the quick relies. As far as the Bad file descriptor error goes I think Viking is on track with respect to the AirPrint features goes. I'll leave it at that.
As far as my printing problem goes, I slept on the issue last night and woke up this morning bright-eyed and bushy tailed ... if that is possible for a 93 year old goes. I decided to work with my old HP ENVY 7640 series printer and worked thru all the printer features. When I came to checking my web connection, the printer printed out a message that congratulated me on setting up the fact that the printer now had its own email address. It then told me I was all set up to print from anywhere on my small world.Low and behold, I quickly went to an EXCEL app and tried to print something that started this whole issue.
Guess what, my printer is now online and my document has printed. I appear to be back in business for the time being ... but don't ask me how or why? I'm going to save the HP printout for my archives and hope that my kids can work thru the schmozzle should it ever happen again.
If you and Viking can solve the issue by being computer savy, the her's to you both. Thx again for your help.
Dick
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256379723