Dell Photo 966 - Enable Biodirectional Communication

Question

Morning, I have been having endless trouble in getting my Dell Photo 966 to work - ranging from communication errors to the latest detailed below. Following advice in other posts, I have completely uninstalled the printer and it's drivers (using the clean-up tool) and then downloaded new drivers (about 4 times now). It all runs through until I try to print a test page and I get the 'Enable Biodirectional Communication'. I follow the instructions, find the box to check under the 'ports' tab, click and apply but still nothing. When I go back in to Printer Properties the box is again unchecked - it just wont save. How do I get the box to stay checked? Thanks

PudgyOne · Answer

AlSeyers,

Make and model of your computer and operating system is helpful. 32-bit or 64-bit?

What virus program and firewall are you using?

Did you try...

Enable Bidirectional Support/Enable Biodirectional Support

Rick

AlSeyers · Answer

Hi Rick, I have a purpose built pc - 64 bit Windows 7. I have followed the above link many times - I check the box, click apply and then ok. When I go back in, the box is unchecked. I've tried and tried? Thanks

AlSeyers · Answer

Ok, now the Biodirectional bit is checked and working and I have restarted PC (and it is still checked) - progress! However, as soon as I try to print, I am again getting the Communication Not available error message (the original problem before I deleted and then resintalled the 64bit driver). I have unplugged power and USB, checked Firewall Status, restarted but nothing Feel like I am going round in circles! Alistair

PudgyOne · Answer

AlSeyers, Printer wired or wireless? What virus program and firewall are you using? Rick

AlSeyers · Answer

Thanks Rick, Wired (USB) Using AVG 2014 (Free) virus software & Windows own Firewall. I have checked the Firewall settings and all lines marked 'Dell' or 'All in one centre' are checked to allow? Many thanks Alistair

PudgyOne · Answer

AlSeyers,

Try this tweak and restart your computer...

Start, control panel, device manager.

Go to the USB Controller section and click the + sign.

Go to each USB Root Hub and right click on it, left click properties, left click power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.

Restart your computer.

If that does not work, first try this to get past the firewall.

Allow Wireless Printer Blocked by AVG 8.0 Firewall

If that does not work, then try removing AVG using the AVG Removal Tool then restart your computer. If everything works, then AVG is the problem.

Rick

AlSeyers · Answer

Hi, Thanks again for your response. Suggestion 1 - tried but unsuccessful Suggestion 2 - not tried as my printer is wired not wireless Suggestion 3 - tried but unsuccessful (AVG now reinstalled). Any other thoughts? Al

PudgyOne · Answer

AlSeyers,

The procedure that usually works is...

First run Delete Print Jobs to remove any stuck print job in the queue.

Disconnect the printer.

Download and run the patch(printer cleanup utility) until it prompts you to restart your computer.

Restart your computer. Make sure the printer is removed. Manual Printer Driver Removal

Download the Vista 32-bit drivers for Windows 7 32-bit or the Vista 64-bit drivers for Windows 7 64-bit. Install the Vista drivers in the Vista Compatibility mode You'll get a message, the printer is not connected. Connect the printer at this time(powered on).

Links to the patch/drivers can be found at...

Dell 966 Photo All-In-One Printer owners thread (W7)

AVG may still be an issue. I would still use the AVG Removal tool, remove it, then restart the computer, before installing the printer.

Rick

Printers

Dell Photo 966 - Enable Biodirectional Communication

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