Lexmark 2050 Color Jetprinter
(260-2982)   Bidirectional Communications Problems    Faxback Doc. # 34654

The following conditions are indicative of bidirectional communications
problems:

* A message displays on your computer screen indicating your printer cannot
  establish bidirectional communications with your computer.

* Print cartridge ink level indicators on the Status or Cartridges Tabs of
  the Printer Control Program are grayed out.

* Printer paper feeding error messages (such as Paper Out) and job progress
  information do not display on your computer screen.

Before proceeding, verify that:

* The parallel cable is securely attached to both the printer and the
  personal computer.

* The printer is On.

* If you have a switch box or other device connected to the computer's
  parallel port, make sure that it supports bidirectional communication.
  You may need to disconnect your printer from the switch box or other
  device and connect it directly to your computer.

* Bidirectional communications is NOT disabled in the Lexmark 2050 printer
  software.

  1. From the Printer Control Program, click the Options Tab.

  2. Make sure Disable Bidirectional Communications is not checked.

With bidirectional communications problems you can use your printer, but
the printer software will not function to its fullest capability.  You can
change printer settings, send print jobs to the printer, and change and
align print cartridges.  However, printer status and ink level information
will not display on your computer screen.

Solving Bidirectional Communications Problems

Bidirectional communications problems have two primary causes:

* You are using the wrong parallel cable.

* Your computer system is not configured for bidirectional communications.

Replacing the Parallel Cable

You must use an IEEE 1284-compliant parallel cable that supports
bidirectional printing.  Verify that your printer cable meets these
specifications.  To purchase a Lexmark cable, see How to order supplies.

Computer Configuration Problems

If you have the correct parallel cable, and bidirectional communications
problems persist, you may have a computer configuration problem.  The three
configuration problems that usually prevent or disrupt bidirectional
communications are:

* Your computer does not support bidirectional communications.

* The parallel port on your computer is not configured for parallel
  communications.

* The IRQ (Interrupt Request) assigned to your printer is also assigned to
  another hardware device, such as a scanner or sound card.  This situation
  is commonly called a "hardware configuration conflict."

Contact your computer manufacturer, or see the documentation that came with
your computer to determine if your computer supports bidirectional
communications.  On most computer systems, the parallel port configuration
and IRQ assignments are changed from the computer's Configuration or Setup
Utility.  Check the documentation that came with your computer for
information on the Configuration or Setup Utility.

Important:  If you are not familiar with configuring parallel ports or
changing IRQ assignments, do not change these settings in the Setup or
Configuration Utility.  Contact your computer manufacturer or an
experienced computer professional for assistance.  Incorrect changes to
your computer's configuration can cause serious problems.

Disabling Bidirectional Communications

If you cannot solve the bidirectional communication problem immediately,
you can disable bidirectional communications.  This does not solve the
bidirectional communications problem but allows you to print jobs without
an error message appearing.  See How to prevent bidirectional error
messages from appearing for instructions.

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