Computer Can't Communicate With Printer

Hi,
After installing Win 8.1 on two different computers, both have the same printing problem.
The first problem that appears is "Bidirectional Support" must be enabled... It was enabled in Win 8 prior to the upgrade...
It took awhile to figure out how to enable it, as after every attempt to check the box, the check would disappear after closing and reopening the window.
It turns out that this won't work with the printer connected. After disconnecting the printer the setting will stick, and when the printer is reconnected it stays that way...
Unfortunately this doesn't resolve the problem... Now I get the error that the computer "Can't Communicate With The Printer"
Attempts to reinstall the software\drivers have been for the most part useless... Even after removing the printer in Devices and Printers and uninstalling the software\drivers, the Driver installer insists that the drivers are still installed and will only
"Update" them, or "Install Another Copy"... neither of which resolves the problem...
On one occasion, I was able to get a complete install, but only after doing a search through the Registry and Deleting everything that came up concerning the printer... This still didn't resolve the problem.
On one machine, after doing this, the Print Spooler would hang and run the CPU at 50% indefinitely. After playing around awhile, I found that if I turned off the Print Spooler in "Services" while it was doing this, and then restart it, the file
would actually print properly...
I have checked the settings in Windows Firewall, and everything for the printer is "Allowed". I even turned the Firewall off to no effect...
This is a Lexmark X5340 USB inkjet printer that works perfectly on the same machines when running Win 7 or Win 8 with all the same connections, software, drivers, and etc....
Is there something different with Win 8.1 than Win 8 concerning printers?

Hi,
I wanted to let you know that I've stumbled upon a way to get the Lexmark software\drivers to reinstall on the Win 8 to 8.1 Upgrade...
It has to do with the Print Spooler interfering with the uninstall\reinstall process. I had read about a recommendation to turn off the Print Spooler before uninstalling the software quite some time ago, and I had tried that, but it didn't work. Here are
the tricks to get it to work if it isn't too late for you.
Note: Bidirectional Support is needed, and for some reason the upgrade process turns it off. This may also be related to the Print Spooler....
1) Turn on and hook up your printer... This needs to be done just this one time to get it to show up in Devices and Printers.... Otherwise, all I get with my machine is the Lexmark Fax, and as a result, you can't "Remove" the printer.
2) Once the printer is visible in Devices and Printers, unhook it..
3) "REMOVE" the Lexmark Printer and Lexmark Fax (if you have one) in Devices and Printers.
4) Stop the Print Spooler in "Services"
5) Uninstall the software\drivers... In the process of doing this, I got a popup Security message from Windows Firewall concerning "Allowing" Printer Communication... I selected "Allow".
6) At the prompt from the Lexmark uninstaller, Reboot.
7) After rebooting, stop the Print Spooler again.
8) Reinstall software\drivers... I used both XP SP3 and Vista Compatibility Mode on different attempts, and both worked... Hook the printer back up when prompted by the installer.
9) Unhook the printer again and reboot. Bidirectional Support must be Enabled, and the setting won't stick if the printer is hooked up.. You need to reboot to clear things up before the next step.
10) Enable Bidirectional Support and Reboot. To do this, go to Devices and Printers and select "Printer Properties" and then the "PORTS" tab... The check box is near the bottom.
11) Set any Printer Preferences you use, if any, and it's ready to go.
I just noticed that when I right click on the Lexmark Preferences, Properties, etc., it is showing two of them for some reason. I don't remember that happening the first time I tried this, but I might have missed it.
I'll need to investigate that a bit.
EDIT... It seems the second printer doesn't show up until after Enabling Bidirectional Support...
I guess that makes a little bit of sense... two printers for two directions.
Thanks for the info. I found it was necessary to change the print spooler. You will also need to set another service that is used during printing that provides screen interaction for the print spooler. Make both of them automatic.

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Hello scottchiro,
Welcome to the HP Support Forums!
I understand that you have the Officejet E710n installed on two computer, one is able to communicate with the printer and the other will not.
Since the issue does seem to be isolated to one computer and all the troubleshooting you have already done. try restoring the system to an earlier time.
--->Recover Windows 7 Operating System Using Microsoft Windows Backup and Restore<---
Let me know if this helps any.
JERENDS
I work on behalf of HP
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Download and run this utility: Download and run this utility: http://h20180.www2.hp.com/apps/Nav?h_pagetype=s-926&h_lang=en&h_client=s-h-e17-1&h_keyword=dg-NDU&ju...
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Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We're users here and do not speak for "Apple Inc."
Some basic printer troubleshooting steps before worrying about a printer driver:
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2A. Is the printer attached with a cable?
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Hi aconway,
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1. Run the print and scan doctor to identify any port issues
2. Connect unit directly to PC with new USB cable that meets specifications(no longer than 4-6ft).
3. Remove any hubs or switches if being used.
Hope this helps!
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Thank You,
I work for HP.

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This question was solved.
View Solution.

Let’s try this.
1. Verify in the printer that 'Auto Off' is disabled. Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) by going to the
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2. Set a static IP in the printer outside the DHCP range of the router.
In the router:
3. Use a fixed wireless channel like 1,6 or 11, never 'auto', try channel 1 first then the rest.
4. Set router to 20Mhz only, or 145Mbps depending on router.
5. Always use WPA2-AES (Personal) encryption, but you can try ‘mixed’ mode.
6. For the routers security, disable WPS and never use it and disable UPnP so nobody can hack your
   system (if you want to know why, search the web).
7. If you have a dual band router (2.4Ghz and 5.0Ghz bands), make sure the SSID’s are NOT the same,
   they must be different for all bands, even for any Guest networks.
8. Save all settings. Power off both, wait 5 mins. Power on router wait 3 mins.
9. Power on printer and verify it reconnects to router.
Windows 7/8/8.1   Is Network Discovery on or off?
Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings.
Under Home or Work (current profile) \ Network Discovery.
Select "Turn on network discovery" and save changes.
Now try.
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"Unable to Communicate with Printer"

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Hey @GinaCh,
Welcome to the HP Support Forums!
I understand that you have been using your HP Officejet Pro 8620 e-All-in-One Printer through the wireless connection to your Windows 7 computer fine for months now. However, recently, when connecting to your VPN to print you are receiving the message 'unable to communicate with printer'. Unfortunately, this error message is the exact reason why your printer is not supported over the VPN connection when wirelessly connected.
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As an example,:
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When you connect over a VPN your computer disconnects from its local connection (your home network that the printer is connected to) and connects to your business network. This VPN connection will change the numbers so your computer that is connected to the VPN will no longer have the first 3 sets the same as the printer.
As an example:
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I hope this helps clear up any confusion. Should you wish to connect your printer through a USB Cable connection I can certainly assist you with that. Best of luck!
X-23
I work on behalf of HP
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Unable to Communicate With Printer error

I have an HP Office Pro 8600 Plus that is connected wirelessly. After I start the computer, I can print fine for a day, but when I try to print the next day, I get the error message 'Unable to Communicate With Printer'. I am running Windows XP 32 bit on a Dell computer. I have changed the settings on the network card to not power down and the computer to not shut off the disks to try to fix the problem, but the problem is still here. If I reboot, I can print again.
I run Norton antivirus.
I have another HP printer connected by a network cable and that printer works fine. I have a Canon MG printer connected wirelessly that experiences the same issue of unable to communicate.
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Try setting the printer to a static IP like 192.168.1.10. Change your routers wireless channel to a fixed channel like 1,6 or 11 not auto. Now try.
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If my post resolved your problem, please mark it as an Accepted Solution ...
I worked for HP but now I'm retired!

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Hi again;
Wish you are doing well despite this issue
Ok here is a page in the Cisco website with documentation in regards your Router check in here how to verify what is the current version of router's firmware. if needed you can find the latest version of here as well.
In how to get to the routers EWS to do this follow this steps;
To reveal Relevant TCP/IP settings include in windows this settings
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Checking TCP/IP settings in most Microsoft operating systems
Step Action
1 Click on Start (Window button on your keyboard).
2 Type CMD (do not hit enter select from the menu with right click and select from the sub menu select run as
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RobertoR
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Hi @Casey_Z , and welcome to the HP Forums!
I see you're having issues printing. I would like to help!
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Please click “Accept as Solution " if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the right to say “Thanks" for helping!
Jamieson
I work on behalf of HP
"Remember, I'm pulling for you, we're all in this together!" - Red Green.

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Please provide the following relevant information so someone can help including:
Detailed Problem Description - Done
Printer Model - Done
Operating System of computer (including service pack revision) -
Connection Method - USB, Hardwired LAN, Wireless? -
Make and model of router -
Error messages - on printer screen and/or computer, any blinking light patterns.
Status of Blue Wireless light on printer, on, off or blinking? -
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If my post resolved your problem, please mark it as an Accepted Solution ...
I worked for HP but now I'm retired!

Device Control doesn't show Firewire & I can't communicate with my AJA IO

Device Control doesn't show Firewire & I can't communicate with my AJA IO
Posted: Aug 1, 2006 9:10 AM in response to: Patrick Sheffield
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I've seen one other post about this and I've tried the responses to it: trash prefs, rebuild permissions, reboot the computer (let it rest and uplug), trash quicktime receipts and reinstall, uninstall AJA software and reinstall.
The only thing I haven't tried is reinstalling my OS.
I'm on FCP HD.
I can capture and print to tape as an uncontrollable device. But I need to edit to tape tomorrow using the RS-422 to my digibeta deck via the AJA IO. It has worked in the recent past (last month), but in the past two weeks I can't control my deck.
Also, I get the message "This computer does not have any serial ports required by this protocol" when I try to set up a new RS-422 AV device control setting.
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Jerry, I can't thank you enough. I still have a few hairs left on my head thanks to you.
I downgraded my AJA firmware and that did the trick.
I had been on the phone with AJA last week tryingto fix this problem and we had tried everything except that. You know, the trash quicktime receipts, trash prefs, hard re-boot, etc.
They were stumped and finally decided it was a Mac problem not an AJA problem. Ha! (Very nice folks though.)
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Hi @jilliantcre , and welcome to the HP Forums!
I see you're running into connectivity issues. I would love to try and help you, but I do need a little information first. I am linking a few HP Support documents below that will show you how to find your product number. Also, please include which operating system you are using. Also, if you're using Windows, please include whether your operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit. With this information and the product number we can provide you with accurate information.
How Do I Find My Model Number or Product Number?
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Is the Windows Version on My Computer 32-bit or 64-bit?
Please let me know what you find. Thanks for posting on the HP Forums!
Please click “Accept as Solution " if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the right to say “Thanks" for helping!
Jamieson
I work on behalf of HP
"Remember, I'm pulling for you, we're all in this together!" - Red Green.

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Hello @Dalead,
Welcome to the HP Forums!
I understand you're receiving a message stating "Unable to communicate" when printing a document using the Officejet 7500 E910. I will do my best to assist you! I would recommend following this entire HP document on Printer Does Not Maintain Wireless Connection.
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I worked on behalf of HP.

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