topic Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box. in Desktop Inkjet Printers

Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

weberdj — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 23:13:44 GMT

I recently installed Windows 8.1. ever since, I get the following error message

Cannot communicate with the printer.
Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

I've looked for the bi--directional support on the printer's dialog box, but to no avail. Can someone help me?

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

Danny — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 23:32:39 GMT

Hi,weberdj!

So that the Community can help you better, we will need to know exactly which printer model you're using. That, and any other details you'd like to give will help the Community better understand your issue!

Thanks and have a great day!

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

weberdj — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 00:00:11 GMT

Thank you. My printer is a MX882 Canon multifunctional. It was fine, and after I upgraded to 8.1, I have to change the default from MX882 Inkjet printer to MX 882. Then it will print, but I get the error message in the subject line.

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

LindaSue — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 22:06:41 GMT

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one! I updated to 8.1 the other day then started getting the "Enable Bi-Directional Support" message the next day. Oddly, it still prints (I also have an MX882). Eagerly awaiting the response from support.

Typically, I get a message that my printer is offline, but I think that has more to do with my laptop/wireless to wireless/printer connection than anything else. Usually I can just reconnect my laptop to my wireless--sometimes restart it totally-then it's fine.

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

Ebony — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 22:24:16 GMT

Hello weberdj,

Try the following steps listed HERE to Enable Bi-directional support and let us know what happens.

If you need more immediate assistance, please contact our support group: http://bit.ly/ContactCanon

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

Ebony — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 23:14:15 GMT

Hello LindaSue,

Try the steps listed in the post above. If the issue still occurs, uninstall / reinstall the updated drivers from HERE.

If the issue still persists, please contact our support group: http://bit.ly/ContactCanon

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

Raye — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 07:06:59 GMT

Thank you; this process resolved the issue. I had already reinstalled the driver, but still had the problem. Now, thanks to your info, the printer now works. But I still get the stupid error message. Another reason to hate Windows H8! Oh, well.

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

smolka — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 05:19:49 GMT

I have a Canon MX410 and it has begun to print 3/4 of a page and gives me the error code;

Cannot communicate with the printer.
Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

What is going on?

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

jcdhhi — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 17:39:07 GMT

In following the steps outlined for Windows 8.1 access to Printer Properties, I do not get the window shown and there is no "Ports" window. Therefor, I do not see the box to check for Bi-directional printing. Please help. I have a Pixma MX700, have updated the setup and drivers. I can still copy but not scan.

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

Patrick — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:17:15 GMT

Hi smolka,

Are you using your PIXMA MX410 with a USB cable or are you using it wirelessly?

Are you using Windows 8?

Are you using the 32 bit or 64 bit version of Windows?

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

Patrick — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:18:51 GMT

Hi jcdhhi,

Are you using your PIXMA MX700 with a USB cable or are you using it wirelessly?

Are you using the 32 bit or 64 bit version of Windows 8? To determine which version of Windows 8 you are using, please follow these steps:

1. Place the cursor in the upper right hand corner of your screen to display the Charms Menu.

2. Click on Search.

3. Type WINVER

4. On the right hand side, click Apps.

5. In the results, click winver.exe.

The version will be listed.

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

GrayWise — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:45:01 GMT

I'm getting this message plus "Printer Error" after installing 8.1. Priunter in question is MG4250. Grrrr.

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

mladyraven — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 01:41:28 GMT

Help please, this does not work for me and I am tired of getting that message. I have followed your instructions to the letter, however, I do not have "ports as an option in properties. I do not have it in advanced properties only the drivers. What you are showing I do not have!

I am using a Canon Pixma 430 series

Windows 7 Home Pro

Dell Inspiron Desktop

It is bad enough I have to over pay ( a fortune) for ink, I would like to be able to commuicate between printer and computer so I do not get that message every time I print!

I am very unhappy with this product and am very sorry I let the salesmen talk me into buying this not a HP again. I have never had this much trouble with an HP.

Thank you

Raven

cfids1@msn.com

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

mladyraven — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 01:42:31 GMT

I am not using a wireless.
I am using a 64 bit version of Win 7.

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

MrNeuter — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 01:02:33 GMT

To everyone else who, like me, was unable to enable bidirectional support, two things.

1. Make sure that when you right click, you're then clicking PRINTER properties, not just PROPERTIES. If you click the right one, you WILL see a PORTS tab.

2. When I did that, my option to enable bidirectional support was grayed (ghosted), which left me scratching my head. But then I figured out why the computer was locking me out. By first clicking on the button circled (which grants administrator rights and allows you to change settings), I was able to finally enable bidirectional support.

If you've been frustrated by getting the error message, then seeing the option grayed out, click on Change Properties first!

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

lucchinigi — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 11:07:05 GMT

I have a Canon Pixma MP 160 and have just upgraded to Windows 10.

I have gone through the procedure of "adding printer" and apparently the proper driver has been installed.

But then, when trying to print, I have experienced exactly what you describe.

In Printer's Properties dialog box I have opened "Ports" and there have found the box "Enable bi-directional support".

Unfortunately, this has not resolved the problem. I have clicked into the box, then clicked "OK", and nothing has happened. For some reason, this change does not "stick". For the moment I am stuck there.

I wish you a better luck and if you succeed in printing please let me know.

Lucchinigi.

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

Tee3Jay — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:40:41 GMT

I'm getting the same error message since upgrading to windows 10 with my Canon MP610 printer. I have done everything suggested but I check the box and then when I go back in it is uncheched again.

Can anyone help?

Thanks

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

HAGTOL — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 10:44:58 GMT

Hi Tee3Jay,

I have had the same problem with windows 10 and fixed it - if you still have the CD with the drivers then I suggest you re load the operating instructions. Also, very important, the MP 610 is a USB device so make sure the PC has allocated a USB port (it will try to use LP1 by default and this will not recognise the printer. Hope this helps.

HAGTOL

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

sailorgirl01 — Wed, 04 May 2016 13:35:43 GMT

I'm using a pixma ip3300. Also the reset button is flashing orange.

Re: Turn Enable bi-directional support on in the printer's Properties dialog box.

shermanpl — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 04:12:08 GMT

i cant turn on enable bi directional support