Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

"Configuring HP Inkjet Printers to work with Plug-N-Scan Scanners"

Question: Scanning works correctly, but user is unable to print from any program when the printer is attached through the scanners pass-through parallel-port.

Solutions:

Option 1: Use Bi-Directional A-B Switch Box

Customers who wish to purchase manual A-B switch boxes to switch back and forth between scanner and printer should be sure to purchase bi-directional Switch boxes. Purchasing a low-cost unit which doesn’t support bi-directional switching will not allow the printer or scanner to work correctly.

Option 2: Only Plug the Scanner in when Scanning

Customers who are not going to be scanning often also can switch the cable by hand to select either the Mustek scanner or Hewlett-Packard Inkjet Printer.

Option 3: Disable Bi-Directional Communications in the HP DeskJet Configuration Utility

The best solution for using an HP DeskJet Printer with a Mustek Plug-and-Scan Scanner is to disable bi-directional communications in the HP Deskjet Configuration Utility. The printer will no longer send messages such as "No Color Cartridge Installed" or "Out of Color Ink". However, these are easy to determine by looking at the printout. Note: turning off bi-directional communications does not affect print speed or print quality.

Steps to Disable Bi-Directional Communcations

Select START and choose RUN

Type the appropriate filename:

HPVCNFIG (DeskJet 500, 500C, 510, 520, 540, 550C, & 560C)
HPFCFG02 (DeskJet 600, 600C, & 660C printer)
HPFCFG03 (DeskJet 660Cse printer)
HPFCFG04 (DeskJet 680C, 682C, 820C, & 820CSE)
HPFCFG05 or HPFCFG07 (DeskJet 690C & 693C)
HPRCFG01 or HPRCFG02 (DeskJet 850C/855C printers)
HPRCFG03 (DeskJet 870C)

NOTE - If you do not see your printer model listed, you may need to do a file search for HP*.EXE from the FIND menu. You may also want to consult your printer manual for information on the printer configuration utility. If all else fails, contact HP technical support.

Choose OK

When the HP DeskJet Configuration screen pops up, choose CONTINUE

At the next window, uncheck the boxes that say PRINT CARTRIDGE QUERY & BIDIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATION

Click OK

Restart Windows

After completing the steps outlined above, Your printer will function correctly. Please note that these instructions are for Windows 95. The steps outlined above may be slightly different under Windows 3.1.