how do I get my MX870 Canon printer to work with Sonoma? Any help appreciated
I stupidly erased the software by mistake - need to reinstall the driver
MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 14.7
The latest supported Mac operating system version for CUPS printer drivers from Canon appears to be as old as OS X El Capitan v.10.11:
https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/pixma-mx870
(DOWNLOADS -> Software & Drivers -> 1. -> 2 -> 3.)
A printer driver like that could perhaps be used with a few later macOS versions, but do not expect it to work with macOS Sonoma 14.
This means that everything would be experimental.
A dmg download from Apple shows a text Not compatible with macOS v12 and newer, and may not work at all with your operating system.
Canon Printer Drivers v3.4 for macOS - Apple Support
There were experimental MX870 third-party Gutenprint drivers for up to approx. macOS 10.14 Mojave (but Mac is no longer supported).
https://gimp-print.sourceforge.io/p_Supported_Printers.php
https://gimp-print.sourceforge.io/index.php
As always, make sure that you have backup copies of all important files before testing anything. Software conflicts cannot be ruled out. Also, be careful when looking for drivers on the Internet. There are several dubious third-party "support" sites, often with misleading names. Download from an offical support site of the printer manufacturer, or from another trustworthy source (such as Apple).
If necessary, one possible workaround:
- Print to/save as PDF on the Mac, and then transfer the PDF files (on a USB flash drive or via network) to a Windows PC for printing (MX870 printer drivers from Canon are available up to Windows 10).
Otherwise, if you have to look for a new printer, it should be AirPrint-compatible.
Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac – Apple Support (UK)
Reset the printing system on your Mac to solve a problem – Apple Support (UK)