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HP Digital Imaging - Troubleshooting Initialization Errors and

Other Parallel Connectivity Issues
Issue
Checking cable connections
Checking parallel port configuration
Checking for other devices connected to the parallel port

Issue
This document is for troubleshooting HP Scanjet scanning products with bi-directional communication on the parallel
port of the computer system.
Below is a list of symptoms that may indicate a connectivity issue when connecting a HP Scanjet scanner to a parallel
port.

Windows fails to find new hardware during the start up process after installing the scanning software and
attaching the scanner to the parallel port.

Error messages appear when attempting to use the scanner. These error messages may be, but are not
limited to, initialization errors, scanner not found messages, or scanner not responding messages.

Printers fail to function correctly after attaching them to the pass through port on the back of the scanner.

The computer fails to restart when the scanner is connected to the parallel port.

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Solution
Checking cable connections
Step 1: Check the cable for damage
1.

Shut down and turn off the power to the computer.

2.

Unplug the HP Scanjet scanner from the power outlet. Most scanners do not have a power switch. If your
scanner does have a power switch, turn the scanner off before unplugging it.

3.

If applicable, turn off and unplug any printer attached to the scanner using the pass through port on the back
of the scanner.

4.

Disconnect the parallel cable from the computer and the scanner.

5.

If applicable, disconnect the parallel cable from the scanner pass through port and the printer.

6.

NOTE: Only printers are supported on the scanner pass through port. If any other device is connect on the
scanner pass through port, disconnect it and leave it disconnected at this time.
Verify that the cable is IEEE-1284B compliant for bi-directional communication. If not, replace the cable with
one that is IEEE-1284B compliant. Most scanners do not come with parallel cables and, as for the ones that
do, they do not have the IEEE-1284 complaint statement printed on them.

7.

Verify that the cable is no longer than three meters (9.5 feet) for IEEE-1284B cables. If it is longer, try a
shorter cable.

8.

Inspect the pins to verify that none are bent or pushed in. There are 25 pins in each end of the cable that
should be evenly spaced and all the same height. If a single pin is bent is not the same height as the others,

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communication errors can occur. Bent pins can usually be straightened, but pushed in pins require the cable
be replaced.

Step 2: Reconnect the parallel cable

1.

2.

Reconnect the parallel cable to the computer and the scanner.

NOTE: The scanner must be connected directly to the computer. Remove any switch boxes or any other
device from between the computer and the scanner.
Verify that the connection is secure by wiggling the cable ends. If the ends of the cable do not move from side
to side, they are making solid contact.

3.

If applicable, reconnect the parallel cable from the pass through port on the back of the scanner to the printer.

4.

Plug the scanner in to the power outlet. Most HP scanners do not have a power switch and turn on
automatically when they are connected to a power source. If your scanner has a power switch, turn it to the
ON position after connecting the scanner to the power supply.

5.

If applicable, turn on or plug in the printer.

6.

Turn on the computer system.

Step 3: Try to scan again

1.

Open the HP Scanning software.

2.

Place an image on the scanner glass.

3.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the scan.

4.

If the scanner still does not function correctly, continue with the next section of this document.

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Checking parallel port configuration

Change to EPP mode
If the above steps did not fix the communication issue, and you feel comfortable entering and modifying the BIOS,
continue with the rest of this document.
CAUTION: HP is not responsible for damages caused by changes made to the BIOS settings. Consult the PC
manufacturer for any questions about making changes in the BIOS. If there is any question that the incorrect
settings were changed, do not save the changes when exiting the BIOS. This will retain the original settings.

Enter the BIOS

Some laptop computers can access BIOS from a configuration screen located by clicking Start and Programs .
Normally, however, the BIOS must be accessed while the computer is starting up. Restart the computer, but pay
close attention as the computer loads. A screen should appear that reads, Press(Key) To Enter Setup. When this
screen appears, press the key indicated to enter the BIOS.
There are several ways to enter the BIOS. Here are some common methods to enter the BIOS for various PC
manufacturers. If the appropriate PC manufacturer or model is not listed, or there are problems, contact your PC
vendor for assistance entering, navigating, or updating the PC BIOS.
PC make and model

Key press

Compaq Presario

Press the F10 key when the red Compaq logo is displayed.

Dell Dimension

Press the Delete key as the system turns on.

Dell OptiPlex

Press the F2 key or Ctrl + Alt + Enter keys during startup.

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Dell Latitude (except LM)

Press the FN + F1 keys simultaneously at any time.

Dell Inspiron and Latitude LM

Press the F2 key during startup.

Gateway

Press the F1 key as the computer starts.

HP Pavilion (most models)

Press the F1 key as the computer starts at the blue HP screen.

HP Vectra and Kayak

Press the F2 key as the computer starts at the blue HP screen.

IBM ThinkPad

Press the FN + F1 keys simultaneously at any time.

IBM Aptiva

Press the F1 key as the computer starts at the blue IBM screen.

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Locating the parallel port settings

There are three main BIOS creators: AMI , Award , and Phoenix . The manufacturer should be listed near the top of
the BIOS screen. The typical steps to locate the parallel port settings for the newer versions of these BIOS
manufacturers are listed below:

Newer Phoenix and AMI BIOS:

1.

From the Main menu, navigate to Advanced Peripheral Configuration .

2.

Select Parallel Port Mode .

3.

Use the plus sign (+ ) and minus sign (- ) keys to change the settings.

Award BIOS:
1.

From the Main menu, navigate to Integrated Peripherals , and Configure I/O or Integrated I/O
Ports .

2.

Select Parallel Port Mode .

3.

Use the plus sign (+ ) and minus sign (- ) keys to change the settings.

Generic BIOS instructions

If further instructions are needed, do the following:
Navigating within the BIOS will vary based on the BIOS manufacturer and version. Moving within the menus is
normally accomplished by using the arrow keys or the mouse. Changes are normally made using the plus sign (+ )
and minus sign (- ) keys or F7 and F8 keys.
Use the Help feature of the BIOS, when available, to learn how to navigate and make changes in the BIOS. The
parallel port settings may be located in the Peripheral Configuration, Advanced , Communication, or BIOS setup
menus. There may also be a sub menu called IntegratedPeripherals, Integrated I/O ports, Ports, or
Communications . Sometimes, it is just a matter of scrolling through all of the options under the main BIOS settings
page.

Changing the settings

When the parallel Port Setting section is located, do or check the following:
1.

The parallel port should be set to Enabled or AutoConfiguration . If the parallel port is set to be configured
by the operating system or OS controlled, change this setting to Enabled .

2.

Change the port mode from ECP, SPP, PS/2, STANDARD, or BI-DI (possibly others) to EPP.

3.

Save the settings, then exit and restart the computer system.

Windows 2000 Port Settings tab

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Windows 2000 has an additional tab in the parallel port properties for port settings. One setting should be made to
ensure proper operation.
1.

Enter the Parallel Port Properties by right-clicking MyComputer from the desktop, and then clicking
Hardware .

2.

Click DeviceManager .

3.

Double-click Ports in the list, and then double-click the parallelport reference.

4.

Click Port Settings .

5.

Enable the section Use any interrupt assigned to the port as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Figure 1: The Port Settings tab in Windows 2000

6.

Click OK to save the changes and exit.

Try to scan again

1.

Open the HP Scanning software.

2.

Place an image on the scanner glass.

3.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the scan.

4.

If the scanner still does not function correctly, continue with the next section of this document.

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Checking for other devices connected to the parallel port

These types of devices can interfere with the connectivity of the scanner when connected to the parallel port. Follow
the steps below to remove this type interference.

Lockout devices and dongles

1.

If there is a lockout device or a dongle installed on the parallel port, uninstall the device. Contact the
manufacturer of any devices you may need assistance with while uninstalling them.

2.

Shut the computer off, disconnect the parallel cable and power cord from the scanner and wait at least
30 seconds.

3.

Attach the scanners parallel cable to the computer, plug the power cord back in, and then restart the

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computer.
4.

Try scanning again. If the scanner now functions correctly, contact the manufacturer of the lockout
device for further assistance in reinstalling it.

Gender changers, switch boxes, and USB or SCSI interface port adapters. HP Scanjet scanners are not
supported using gender changers, switch boxes, or USB or SCSI interface port adapters.
1.

Connect the scanner directly to the parallel port on the computer using an IEEE-1284B compliant
parallel cable.

2.

Try scanning again.

External drive or other pass through devices. HP Scanjet scanners are not supported if connected to a pass
through device.
1.

Disconnect the scanner from the pass through device and connect it directly to the parallel port on the
computer using an IEEE-1284B compliant parallel cable.

2.

Try scanning again.

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Cause

Possible causes:

Loose, faulty, or incorrect parallel cables

Improper PC parallel port configuration

Dongles or lockout devices installed on the parallel port or cable

Switch-boxes, gender changers, and USB or SCSI interface port adapters installed on the parallel cable or the
parallel port

External drive and other types of pass through devices connected to the parallel port

Other printers that are connected

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