Printers: need for custom PPDs results in generic error state
I tried to install my Brother inkjet printer (which uses proprietary drivers) under Arch Linux. Drivers were installed, yet adding the printer failed, first warning me of failure during the adding, then directing me to a blank page of GNOME Software that "could not find the item" (without even noticing me about what item it was looking for). Finally, showing me a blank state, a bug already documented in the neighbouring issue #1251.
So I performed the install using localhost:631 manually, and it turns out that the printer was detected, but the issue was both simple and common: the CUPS UI prompted me to choose a PPD manually from a list, or since that particular printer was not present, to upload one manually. Some basic googling brought me to the needed PPD file within minutes, which I uploaded to the CUPS web UI, and the printer was correctly added.
This means that allowing the upload of custom PPDs when adding a new printer, rather than automatically opening a Software instance that never solved my issue in many of its occurrences, due to the lack of proprietary drivers in repositories, should be allowed if no default can be found, or at least a proper warning should be shown.
Steps to reproduce:
- Open GNOME Settings
- Add a printer needing custom drivers / PPDs (?)
- Experience the generic above error