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

[weberdj]

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?

[Patrick]

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.

[GrayWise]

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

[mladyraven]

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

[mladyraven]

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

[MrNeuter]

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!

[lucchinigi]

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.

[Tee3Jay]

Hi

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 

[HAGTOL]

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

[sailorgirl01]

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

[shermanpl]

i cant turn on enable bi directional support