Solution:
The error message refers to an HP DeskJet or Professional Series color printer and occurs for several reasons. It's a communications error, and the most common cause is an incorrectly configured connection between the printer and the PC. Software and hardware can be responsible, so it may take time to track down the cause. We have a few solutions to get you started.
Check the cable connecting the printer to the PC. Printer cables may all look the same, but they don't all support the same technology. A cheap one saves money but may eliminate bidirectional printing capabilities. Bidirectional printing lets the PC send data to the printer and the printer send data to the PC. You need bidirectional capabilities with today's printers because they report back to the PC on toner, ink, and paper, as well as printer settings.
If the cable's OK, check the PC's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) configuration or Windows' printer settings. Consult your PC's documentation to learn how to access the BIOS and where to find the printer port settings in the BIOS. Look for LPT (line printer terminal; the line printer port most commonly used to connect the printer to a PC) instructions. Select an LPT mode other than the default to see if it makes the error message disappear.
Common options are Enhanced (a generic mode), ECP (Extended Capabilities Port), and EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port). If the BIOS isn't set to ECP or EPP, change it; one of those two modes may clear up the error. Both ECP and EPP handle bidirection communications. HP says ECP is preferable for the DeskJet 540, 600, 800, 1000, 1100, 2000C, and 2500C series. Use the BIOS' default setting (usually Centronics, Standard, Compatible, Default, or SPP in the BIOS setup utility) for the original HP DeskJet, DeskJet Plus, and DeskJet 300, 400, and 500 series (with the exception of the 540).
If all else fails, use the HP printer driver's configuration utility to disable bidirectional communications within Windows. This solution is not ideal; it'll disable many of the printer's features. You can print, but you may not see data on remaining ink or toner or get other information from the device.
The program necessary to make the change depends on the printer's model number and the version of the currently installed printer driver. HP has a chart at its Web site; unfortunately, it leaves out a lot of models. A little savvy searching can find the configuration file your PC uses. There are two types of files, and they follow the same format. One begins with HPW and ends with CFG.EXE; the other begins with HPRCFG and ends in a number.
In Windows 9x/Me, click Start, Find, and select Files Or Folders. In Windows XP, click Start, Search, and put the cursor in the All Or Part Of The File Name field. In the search box, type HPW*CFG.EXE and begin the search. If nothing comes up, clear the box and type HPRCFG*. One of the files should appear; double-click it to launch the program.
In the HP Configuration window, click Continue and look for Bidirectional Communication and Print Cartridge Query Check. Remove the check marks from the boxes next to these entries, click OK, and reboot. The error message should no longer pop up because the PC no longer expects to receive data from the printer.
Finally, Hewlett-Packard's tech support says the error may be due to a conflict between the printer's driver and Microsoft IntelliPoint or Juno's Internet software. If Juno's causing the problem, you'll have to sign up with another ISP (Internet service provider) or get a new printer to get rid of the error. Hewlett-Packard knows of the problem; a fix may be available someday.
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