Unable to add a network printer

[taylorkh]

I have a Pi 3B+ running Ubuntu Mate 18.04 with all current updates. I attempted to add a network printer (Brother HL5170DN) which is accessible on my LAN. I went through the normal Add a printer drill. I did notice that it seemed VERY SLOW and the system would freeze during the process - no mouse response - but it did eventually allow me to select the printer and driver. I tried Generic Postscript which I use on CentOS 7 machines and the actual Brother driver which I use on Mint machines. So far so good. When I hit the final Apply the Pi worked for a while and then came back with this strange error

CUPS server Error
There was an error during the CUPS operation: 'success'

I am now back at the Apply/Cancel page and if I cancel I find the printer is not installed.

I do not think I have tried to add a printer to a Pi before. I have 3 Pi's in "production" but they do not need print capability. Any suggestions?

TIA,

Ken

[scruss]

On Raspbian I'd suggest using installing system-config-printer, but on Ubuntu, dunno. Best to ask here: Ubuntu

This is a BRSCRIPT printer and usually easily discoverable on a network.

[taylorkh]

Thanks scruss,

The printer was discovered just fine. The installation process seemed to have died just towards the end. To make thing better the printer itself just died after a paper jam. I have had it for a LONG time. A replacement is on the way and due Wednesday. I will play with the new printer then. I have hooked this printer up with various flavors of the 'buntu family over the years. Strange.

Ken

[scruss]

My 5170 died in a similar way: getting slower and less discoverable day by day.

If your new printer supports IPP, then configuration is even easier. As someone working with some truly ancient printers (NEC Spinwriter? OKI Microline 9-pin? Roland pen plotter?) IPP is something close to magic for me.