Why did my Canon or Epson printer stop working after a recent update on 12.04?

Question

I have a Canon (or Epson) printer and use Ubuntu 12.04. It looks like my printer has partially stopped working after a recent update -- only half of the last page is printed out (sometimes this happens with all pages).

Is there a way to fix it?

Answer 1

This problem was a known bug with Ubuntu's printing subsystem (CUPS), introduced by a recent update towards the end of July.

It has now been fixed (as of August 7, 2012).

The fixed version should be installed as part of your regular Update Manager process within the next few days; if you would like to fix it now, please do the following:

1. Open a terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T.

2. Select and copy the below with Ctrl+C, and paste it in the terminal window by right-clicking inside it and then clicking on Paste:

   sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install cups

   Enter your password when asked.

3. This should fix the problem (a reboot may be needed for some). If you have this printing problem but get the message cups is already the newest version. when you try the above, please wait a few hours and try again - the updated version may not have made it to your local Ubuntu update server (mirror).