Cannot print with scanner connected

[cbs604]

I have a HP 930c printer connected through a HP scanjet 4470C scanner, connected to the LPT port of an IBM Aptiva running Win98SE.

The printer will not print (error writing to LPT1 etc....) when connected this way. Both scanner and printer work fine if connected exclusively to the PC.

Couldn't find anything helpful on the HP website, except a vague reference that the LPT port should be set to EPP. The Aptiva doesn't have this option, only "Compatible" "P/S2 Bi-directional" and "ECP"

Is there any hope for this combination? or is an A/B switch box the answer?






Cheers,
Brodie

 

[franklin97355]

set to ecp

 

[mattjurado]

Many printers don't like this, and I would only recommend a switch for a laserjet, or a deskjet with a corporate driver. I would recommend purchasing a new pci parallel port card. You're not going to spend any more money, they are pretty cheap. Pop the case, put in the card, bootup, insert the driver disk, and when it finds the device, point to the folder on the cd/floppy containing the drivers.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[Blujacket]

A lot of printers have/had a limit of 10' between the computer and the printer. A 6' printer cable and the 3' cable for the scanner usually works fine. But the most reliable is the afore-mentioned LPT2 card.

 

[noellees1]

HP printers like something called bi-directional communication, this means that the Pc and talk to the Printer and vice-versa.
When i had my 815C connected to my zip drive to the pc it wouldnt print.
So the way to do it was to connect the printer through USB thats just it with HP printers, most of them like BiDirectional communication and just wont play without it sorry!

 

[cbs604]

The cable should be bi-directional as it was the one supplied with the printer.

Anyway, I have had to return it to the owner and he is happy to just swap cables when he wants to do some scanning.

Cheers,
Brodie

 

[noellees1]

Nah you see if something else is in the way, the printer cannot use its bi-directional gizmo. HP printers are born thick!
I'd buy another parallel port for him because cable swapping can damage a)the port b)the cable

 

[ceh4702]

Might be an adapter to go from USB to LPT.

I think printers are designed to self destruct in about 2-5 years.

If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.