Cannot communicate with scanner

Issue The error message 'An error occurred while communicating with scanning device' appears on the computer running Windows XP.This error occurs while using the HP scanning software. If the error message appears on the computer while scanning from a networked product, click here to troubleshoot scanner communication errors for the networked product (c00897542) (in English). This document does not cover the communication error message on networked products. Solution Beforeproceeding with the solutions in this document, use the product to makea copy in order to make sure that the hardware is functioning correctly. Ifthe copy function does not work, this document will not help resolvethe issue. Search the HP Web site for a document covering the errormessage that appears on the computer while copying. Ifthe copy function works, try each of the following solutions in theorder presented. After completing the steps for each solution, test theproduct. If the product still does not work, then proceed to the nextsolution.
NOTE: Someof the following solutions require that the computer be restarted.Consider printing this page or creating a bookmark to it, so that itcan be referenced after restarting the computer. Solution one: Restart the All-in-One and the computer Follow these steps to restart the product and the computer.
NOTE: Make sure that the product is connected directly to an electrical outlet and not through a surge protector or power strip.

1. Turn the power to the computer off.
2. Press the power button () to turn off the product.
3. Wait 10 seconds.
4. Restart the computer.
5. Press the power button () to turn the product back on.
6. When the computer restarts, try the scan again.

• If these steps resolved the issue, you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
• If the issue persists, continue to the next solution.

A quick fix for most communication errors can be achieved by resetting the printer and/or rebooting the PC. Simply disconnect the printer from your computer (if USB connected)> reboot your pc > unplug and re-plug the printer into the power source to reset it. When the printer turns on, reconnect it to your computer (if USB connected). Then try to print again once the computer fully recognizes the USB connection or when the WiFi light on the printer turns solid green (if WiFi connected.).

If that doesn't help, try the steps below:

1. Disconnect the USB cable connecting the printer from your computer.
2. On your computer, go to Control Panel > Printers and Faxes.
3. Delete the Lexmark print object.
4. Reboot computer.
5. Re-brick your printer by pulling out the power supply - black box where the power cord is plugged into on the back of the printer, and re-plug after 30 seconds.
6. When the printer turns on, reconnect it to the computer.
7. Wait until your computer fully recognizes the USB connection. To check, go to Control Panel > Printers and Faxes. If you see a new Lexmark print object in the list, try to print a document to verify that the problem is fixed.

If you are scanning documents for editing or saving them as PDF, you will need to install the OCR scan software. The Lexmark OCR scan software is available only on the installation disc that came with your printer. If you lost the disc, please contact Lexmark Technical Support Center to request for one.
If your scanner was working before, it could be just a slight communication problem. A quick fix for most communication errors can be achieved by resetting the printer and/or rebooting the PC. Simply disconnect the printer from your computer (if USB connected)> reboot your pc > unplug and re-plug the printer into the power source to reset it. When the printer turns on, reconnect it to your computer (if USB connected). Then try to print again once the computer fully recognizes the USB connection or when the WiFi light on the printer turns solid green (if WiFi connected.).

If that doesn't help, try the steps below:

1. Disconnect the USB cable connecting the printer from your computer.
2. On your computer, go to Control Panel > Printers and Faxes.
3. Delete the Lexmark print object.
4. Reboot computer.
5. Re-brick your printer by pulling out the power supply - black box where the power cord is plugged into on the back of the printer, and re-plug after 30 seconds.
6. When the printer turns on, reconnect it to the computer.
7. Wait until your computer fully recognizes the USB connection. To check, go to Control Panel > Printers and Faxes. If you see a new Lexmark print object in the list, try to scan a document again to verify that the problem is fixed.

The first thing I recommend you try is a new data cable. Scanners require bi-directional communication and will fail even when the printer works. Similarly go for a direct connection instead of using a print server or USB hub. (I have a scanner that had the same problem - the preview scan started but no image saved due to a bad cable.) If you are using a parallel port connection, make sure that bi-directional communication is set for the port (in the BIOS). If you use a USB to parallel port adapter, make sure it is a bi-directional (for scanner) adapter.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Have you tried a new USB cable or a different port? Are you sure that the ports are on? (You can turn them off for security or power-savings - check the device manager and the advanced settings from the Screen Saver settings page). Does the scanner work on another computer or does a known working USB device work on your computer? Check if there is an update to the USB driver for your motherboard/machine.

Scanners require bi-directional communication with the computer and are very sensitive to any interference with the signal.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

tion one: Check the power supply Follow these steps to check the power supply to make sure that it is functioning correctly.

1. Turn the product so that you can access the rear side.
2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the product. Figure 1: Unplug the power cord from the back of the product
3. Remove any devices between the product and the power outlet, such as surge suppressors or power strips.
4. Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet.
5. Print and time a self-test again.

• If the test page prints in 30 seconds or less , the problem relates to the power supply. Replace devices between the product and the power outlet, or leave the product connected directly to the wall outlet.
• If the test page takes significantly longer than 30 seconds to print, continue to the next solution in this document.

Solution two: Check the USB connection

1. Disconnect the USB cable from the back of the HP product. Figure 2: Disconnect the USB cable from the back of the HP product
2. Disconnect the USB cable from the back of the computer.
3. Wait five seconds.
4. Reconnect the USB cable to the back of the product and the computer, according to the following guidelines: The icon on the USB cable ( ) faces up when the cable connects to the product correctly. Connect the small end of the USB cable to the back of the product Connect the other end of the USB cable to the computer
5. After you make sure that the USB cable connects correctly and securely, review the following guidelines to check other potential USB-related problems:
   • USB ports on the keyboard. USB ports on the keyboard and in the front of some computers might not be powerful enough to support the product. If the USB cable connects to the USB port on the keyboard, try connecting it to another available USB port on the computer.
   • USB cable length. HP supports USB cables less than 5 m (16 feet, 5 inches) long. However, a USB cable that is 5 m (16 feet 5 inches) long must be of high-quality. Otherwise, HP recommends using a USB cable that is less than 2 m (6 feet, 6 inches). Do not use patch cables to increase the length of an existing cable. Use a powered USB hub if you need more length.
   • Alternate USB ports. Connect the USB cable to another port on the computer to make sure that the USB port on the computer is not the problem.
   • Defective USB cable. Replace the USB cable to make sure that the existing cable is not defective.
   • Conflicting USB ports. Disconnect any other USB printers, USB scanners, USB cameras, and any other USB connected peripherals. Start reconnecting these devices one at a time to determine if one of the devices is using too much power. Consider purchasing and installing a powered USB hub if necessary. NOTE: A USB-powered hub is a device that increases the number of available USB ports on a computer and facilitates communication between the USB devices and the computer. A powered USB hub can resolve communication failures between some, but not all, USB chipsets and HP products.
6. After checking the USB connection, print and time a self-test page again.

• If the test page prints in 30 seconds or less , the problem relates to the USB connection. Replace the USB cable or modify the connection to meet the preceding criteria.
• If the test page takes significantly longer than 30 seconds to print, continue to the next solution in this document.

Solution three: Check cartridge compatibility Incompatible cartridges can cause the slow printing problem. To check the cartridge compatibility for your product, go to HP SureSupply . To identify your cartridge in a language other than English, click the language link near the globe icon ( ) in the upper right corner of your browser. Examine the cartridges in your HP product, and then follow these steps to check which cartridges are compatible with your product. The number on the cartridge label must match the numbers listed on HP SureSupply.

• If the cartridges are not compatible with your HP product , replace the cartridges. You can order replacement cartridges directly from HP SureSupply.
• If the cartridges are compatible with your HP product , continue to the next solution in this document.

Solution four: Perform a reset A reset drains the power from the product and returns it to the same settings after restarting.

1. Press the Power button ( ) to turn off the product.
2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the product. Figure 3:
3. Disconnect the data cable (USB or Ethernet, depending on how your product is set up) from the back of the product. USB cable Ethernet cable
4. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Figure 4: Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet
5. Wait about 30 seconds.
6. Reconnect the power cord to the product and wall outlet, and then turn on the product.
7. Print and time a self-test again.

• If these steps resolved the issue , you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
• If the issue persists , continue to the next solution.

Solutions straight from HP...
If your HP All-in-One and computer are not communicating with each other, try the following:●Check that the HP All-in-One print queue is not paused (Windows) or stopped (Mac). If it is, choose the appropriate setting to resume printing.
For more information about accessing the print queue, see the documentation that came with the operating system installed on your computer.
●Check the USB cable. If you are using an older cable, it might not be working properly. Try connecting it to another product to see if the USB cable works. If you experience problems, the USB cable might need to be replaced. Also verify that the cable does not exceed 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length.
●Check the connection from your HP All-in-One to your computer. Verify thatthe USB cable is securely plugged into the USB port on the back of yourHP All-in-One. Make sure the other end of the USB cable is plugged into aUSB port on your computer. After the cable is connected properly, turn yourHP All-in-One off and then on again.
●Check other printers or scanners. You might need to disconnect older products from your computer.
●After you check the connections, try restarting your computer. Turn your HP All-in-One off and then on again.
●If necessary, remove and then install the HP Image Zone software again.For more information, see Uninstall and reinstall the software.

HI-

Try to reseat or unplug and replug the usb cable for the scanner to your mac, errors indicating that the computer is not communicating with it. you can also go to apple icon then go to system prefences or system profiler, click on hardware then USB check if there is an epson scanner under USB device tree

keep me posted