Computer can't find Canon Multi-Pass F50

[micky]

Hi,

Someone gave me a Canon Multi-Pass F50 all-in-one and he said it was
working.

When I got to install the drivers, WinXP Pro SP3, it insists that the
printer be on and connnected. I don't know why. Why?

The first time I tried with a USB cable. When the computert couldnt'
find the printer, I followed the directions in the error message, to
disconnect and reconnect the USB cable. When that didn't work, I used
a different cable**. When that didnt' work, I turned off the
computer (forgot to turn off the printer) and connected a parallel
cable, that until yesterday had been connected to and was working fine
with a vanilla laser printer. Turned the computer back on. It
didn't work either.

Any ideas what could be wrong?

I must admit that I don't remember if I've ever used these used USB
cables before. Maybe not, since this is the first printer I've had
that was USB.

Thanks for any help you can give.

MIcky


To comp.periphs.printers and microsoft.public.windowsxp.general

 

[Paul]

Hi,

Someone gave me a Canon Multi-Pass F50 all-in-one and he said it was
working.

When I got to install the drivers, WinXP Pro SP3, it insists that the
printer be on and connnected. I don't know why. Why?

The first time I tried with a USB cable. When the computert couldnt'
find the printer, I followed the directions in the error message, to
disconnect and reconnect the USB cable. When that didn't work, I used
a different cable**. When that didnt' work, I turned off the
computer (forgot to turn off the printer) and connected a parallel
cable, that until yesterday had been connected to and was working fine
with a vanilla laser printer. Turned the computer back on. It
didn't work either.

Any ideas what could be wrong?

I must admit that I don't remember if I've ever used these used USB
cables before. Maybe not, since this is the first printer I've had
that was USB.

Thanks for any help you can give.

MIcky


To comp.periphs.printers and microsoft.public.windowsxp.general

Machine has a power cord. Page 49.

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/2/0900007502/01/f30f50_ref_guide.pdf

Verify LCD panel lights up.

Verify "noise" indicates ink jet stuff is getting primed. On
my Canon (different model), there's probably some "head wiping" noises
before the unit is ready. Head wiping and purging, is all part of wasting
ink (good for business).

Before doing that, you can open the unit and verify it's
got all the cartridges in it. I didn't look in the manual
to see how many, location, etc. There is a user manual which
may detail how to change a cart or tank.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/suppo...pass_series/multipass_f50#BrochuresAndManuals

Paul

 

[micky]

Machine has a power cord. Page 49.

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/2/0900007502/01/f30f50_ref_guide.pdf

Verify LCD panel lights up.

It does.

Verify "noise" indicates ink jet stuff is getting primed. On
my Canon (different model), there's probably some "head wiping" noises
before the unit is ready. Head wiping and purging, is all part of wasting
ink (good for business).

All is okay. Free free to skip to the next section.

It makes lots of noises, rollers rolling, displays in the display and
ends with "Ready, Letter Text," or something like that.

When I push Scan, it says Scan Mode.

When I push Off, it makes more noises.

Before doing that, you can open the unit and verify it's
got all the cartridges in it.

Nope. It's got black, cyan, and yellow. I guess it's missing red or
whatever. Is that the problem? Probably so or you wouldn't have
asked. So I'll bet you figured it out

Could the problem be that there's no paper in it?

All I want to do is scan something. Is there a way I can fool it
into thinking the red cartridge is there, so I can install the
software? I'll bet it won't need the cartridge to scan.

I didn't look in the manual
to see how many, location, etc. There is a user manual which
may detail how to change a cart or tank.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/suppo...pass_series/multipass_f50#BrochuresAndManuals

Thanks. I wanted to have this scanned by dawn if possible.
Someone wants my signature on a fax.

 

[Paul]

It does.

All is okay. Free free to skip to the next section.

It makes lots of noises, rollers rolling, displays in the display and
ends with "Ready, Letter Text," or something like that.

When I push Scan, it says Scan Mode.

When I push Off, it makes more noises.


Nope. It's got black, cyan, and yellow. I guess it's missing red or
whatever. Is that the problem? Probably so or you wouldn't have
asked. So I'll bet you figured it out

Could the problem be that there's no paper in it?

All I want to do is scan something. Is there a way I can fool it
into thinking the red cartridge is there, so I can install the
software? I'll bet it won't need the cartridge to scan.


Thanks. I wanted to have this scanned by dawn if possible.
Someone wants my signature on a fax.

The ink could be CMYK, so maybe Magenta is missing.

If it was going to be annoying about ink, perhaps the LCD
screen would reflect that ? Like an error message on the LCD,
implying it was "stuck" ? If the LCD screen gives the impression
all is well, then perhaps it would scan. Running the thing
as a "copier", might require black ink for the output.

The software could be modular for it, and scanning could be
a separate package or something.

You could check Device Manager, and see if a new Composite Device
has appeared near the bottom. The printer may have more than one
function, hidden behind a composite entry. If nothing is appearing in
Device Manager at all, it's always possible the USB interface
is broken. I would have thought, if the LCD was doing good things,
that would generally mean the logic has power, and the USB interface
should show up. If it has a mechanical problem (like some motor related
stuff didn't cycle properly), the LCD screen should show an error. Some
printing devices, if part of the print path isn't mechanically synchronized,
it won't do anything until the "jam" is cleared.

Paul

 

[micky]

Nope. It's got black, cyan, and yellow. I guess it's missing red or
whatever. Is that the problem? Probably so or you wouldn't have
asked. So I'll bet you figured it out

Could the problem be that there's no paper in it?

All I want to do is scan something. Is there a way I can fool it
into thinking the red cartridge is there, so I can install the
software? I'll bet it won't need the cartridge to scan.

Well, I turned on the printer, put it in scan mode, and put paper in
it, but that didn't help anything.

It's been sitting in my basement for at least six months, but still
has plenty of yellow, a little blue, and some black. I would go buy
cartridges at the relatively exorbitant non-mail order price, except I
have an even bettter prilnter/all-in-one I'm hoping to fix, that was
given to me broken (never gets past "Please wait) so I probalby won't
be able to fix it. I may ask about that in a few days.

I would never throw away an empty cartidge until I got a replacement,
but otoh, my sort-of friend a) didn't know about this problem, b) had
already installed the software on her computer, and c) would have to
be brilliant to plan for when she was going to give it away. I don't
think she's even a techie.

 

[Paul]

Well, I turned on the printer, put it in scan mode, and put paper in
it, but that didn't help anything.

It's been sitting in my basement for at least six months, but still
has plenty of yellow, a little blue, and some black. I would go buy
cartridges at the relatively exorbitant non-mail order price, except I
have an even bettter prilnter/all-in-one I'm hoping to fix, that was
given to me broken (never gets past "Please wait) so I probalby won't
be able to fix it. I may ask about that in a few days.

I would never throw away an empty cartidge until I got a replacement,
but otoh, my sort-of friend a) didn't know about this problem, b) had
already installed the software on her computer, and c) would have to
be brilliant to plan for when she was going to give it away. I don't
think she's even a techie.

With an LCD screen, it should be able to put up all sorts of
cryptic messages on the screen. You think it would at least
give you a "puzzle to solve"

In "copier" mode, it has a B&W versus color setting. With the magenta
cartridge missing, perhaps you could flip it to B&W and try a copy
that way. The manual gives the impression, pushing "scan" sends a
"button event" to the PC, so perhaps it won't scan until the PC software
is set up. That's just a guess on my part. Since there is also a user manual
I didn't download, perhaps there are some secrets hidden in there.

Paul

 

[micky]

The ink could be CMYK, so maybe Magenta is missing.

I think so. Havent' looked for ink yet.

The upshot of my dilemma is that I read online that Staples will scan
a page for 7 to 15 cents. I only need one darn page, my signature,
so I will get there as soon as I can, and if I stay awake or don't
over-nap,they open at 8, I can be home by 8:30 and fax it by 9 maybe.
That won't be too bad.

Then I can take my time and either order ink for this from a cheap
place online, or I can try to fix the other all-in-one, which has been
saying "Please Wait" for 5 hours -- How long am I supposed to wait?
--, or I was even thinking of buying a new one, an Epson Workforce 520
all-in-one, complete with wireless. Except an ebay review bothers
me. It says if you run out of even one ink color, it won't let you
print in black and white. Could that be true? Is it true for all
makes of color prilnters?

He says:
BEWARE!!

I bought this printer (520 epson) about 2 months ago and I encountered
a serious problem. If you are planning on printing in just black and
white, beware, you will still need to buy color ink if it runs out!!!
It still uses some color ink even if you print in black and white and
if you run out of color ink, it won't let you print in black and white
even if you print in grayscale!! It was ridiculous. I called epson and
they said that you still need all the cartridges full even if you are
printing in gray scale. Its a scam to make money. Also, you can't
refill the cartridges because of their new technology so the price of
ink is way up there compared to other printers!

He's annoyed and I wouldl be too.

If it was going to be annoying about ink, perhaps the LCD
screen would reflect that ? Like an error message on the LCD,
implying it was "stuck" ? If the LCD screen gives the impression
all is well, then perhaps it would scan. Running the thing
as a "copier", might require black ink for the output.

The software could be modular for it, and scanning could be
a separate package or something.

Okay. Maybe it is.

You could check Device Manager, and see if a new Composite Device
has appeared near the bottom.

Didn't know about this, but I looked and couldn't find anything.

The printer may have more than one
function, hidden behind a composite entry. If nothing is appearing in
Device Manager at all, it's always possible the USB interface
is broken. I would have thought, if the LCD was doing good things,
that would generally mean the logic has power, and the USB interface
should show up. If it has a mechanical problem (like some motor related
stuff didn't cycle properly), the LCD screen should show an error. Some
printing devices, if part of the print path isn't mechanically synchronized,
it won't do anything until the "jam" is cleared.

Ugh.

Thanks a lot, Paul.

 

[micky]

With an LCD screen, it should be able to put up all sorts of
cryptic messages on the screen. You think it would at least
give you a "puzzle to solve"

In "copier" mode, it has a B&W versus color setting. With the magenta
cartridge missing, perhaps you could flip it to B&W and try a copy
that way.

Good idea. Maybe that's why the secreen gives no errror message too,
because it starts in B&W. But I've run out of energy for tonight.
Darn, I had so much to do this monring and I'll have to spend it
sleeping.

The manual gives the impression, pushing "scan" sends a
"button event" to the PC, so perhaps it won't scan until the PC software
is set up. That's just a guess on my part.

I understand. Might be a good guess, howeever.

Since there is also a user manual
I didn't download, perhaps there are some secrets hidden in there.

I have the maual now. Will read it later. .

 

[glee]

I think so. Havent' looked for ink yet.

The upshot of my dilemma is that I read online that Staples will scan
a page for 7 to 15 cents. I only need one darn page, my signature,
so I will get there as soon as I can, and if I stay awake or don't
over-nap,they open at 8, I can be home by 8:30 and fax it by 9 maybe.
That won't be too bad.

Then I can take my time and either order ink for this from a cheap
place online, or I can try to fix the other all-in-one, which has been
saying "Please Wait" for 5 hours -- How long am I supposed to wait?
--, or I was even thinking of buying a new one, an Epson Workforce 520
all-in-one, complete with wireless. Except an ebay review bothers
me. It says if you run out of even one ink color, it won't let you
print in black and white. Could that be true? Is it true for all
makes of color prilnters?

He says:
BEWARE!!

I bought this printer (520 epson) about 2 months ago and I encountered
a serious problem. If you are planning on printing in just black and
white, beware, you will still need to buy color ink if it runs out!!!
It still uses some color ink even if you print in black and white and
if you run out of color ink, it won't let you print in black and white
even if you print in grayscale!! It was ridiculous. I called epson and
they said that you still need all the cartridges full even if you are
printing in gray scale. Its a scam to make money. Also, you can't
refill the cartridges because of their new technology so the price of
ink is way up there compared to other printers!

He's annoyed and I wouldl be too.


Okay. Maybe it is.

Didn't know about this, but I looked and couldn't find anything.

If there is one ink cartridge missing altogether, the unit may not do
anything, but you should be getting some sort of error message on the
LCD.... For magenta, it would be something like INK EMPTY, or M INK
EMPTY, or PUT IN CARTRIDGE.... or at least an alarm light flashing.
Each cartridge has a chip on it, so if one is missing rather than just
empty, the all-in-one may not work... again, there should be an error of
some kind. I have seen a cartridge installed with the tape still on it
so the chip is not in contact, and it didn't create an error message, so
I guess it's possible you could not be getting one.

From the user manual:
"You can use the F50 MFP as a stand-alone device for faxing or copying,
or with your PC as a fully-integrated printer/copier/scanner/fax."

Apparently you can't use the scan or print functions without having it
installed and detected on the computer.... and the Copy button may not
function if ink is empty/missing.

I don't know what you mean re: you can't install the printer
software.... the software installation is done prior to connecting the
printer to the computer. It isn't until after the software is installed
that you connect the printer to USB to be detected.

As for scanning, the user manual states:
"The F50 MFP is factory set to scan from the Automatic Document Feeder.
To scan from the platen glass, change the scan source in the MultiPASS
Toolbar Settings."

Of course, without the software installed and/or the computer not
detecting to device, you can't use the Toolbar. I don't see a way in
the manual to toggle to scan settings without the computer. Changing
the settings for the Scan Button on the unit must also be done from the
software toolbar, according to the manual. You can look for settings in
the LCD using the Set button to go through them, but I don't think
you'll find those settings there.

If the printer is not being detected, turn it off, then turn it on
again.... I don't see you mention doing that. If two different USB
cables are not working, nor the parallel port cable, check your computer
to make sure the USB ports are working with another device, and/or that
the parallel port is enabled in Device Manager and in the BIOS Setup.

Install the Canon software FIRST, then connect the printer. If the
ports are working and you can test the USB cable as good with another
printer, then the issue apparently lies with the F50 itself.

I would have bought a new printer by now. I don't know about the Epson
model you looked at, but an older Epson unit I had would not print is
any cartridge was empty. My Canon printer, however, has ink cartridge
settings in its properties, which allows me to set it to print with only
black, only color, or both black & color. When my color gets low, I can
set it to Black Only and continue to print till I can buy ink. I only
but Canon printers anymore. Epsons are good but unless they've changed
recently, their printheads are expensive to replace because they are not
user-removable like Canon's. Canon also has better ink prices. HP
makes great hardware but I won't deal with their software anymore....
I've got better ways to spend my time.

 

[micky]

The upshot of my dilemma is that I read online that Staples will scan
a page for 7 to 15 cents.

To scan my signature, I went to Office Depot because it's a trifle
closer and they would scan a page for $2.95. So I went to Staples
and they charged $0.25 !!. Neither had self-service, though Office
Depot claimed they were getting it on new machines, and it would be
cheaper then.

The girl at Staples was great. She put it in 3 formats in a couple
minutes, much faster than I am. Onto my flash drive.

 

[Rick M]

To scan my signature, I went to Office Depot because it's a trifle
closer and they would scan a page for $2.95. So I went to Staples
and they charged $0.25 !!. Neither had self-service, though Office
Depot claimed they were getting it on new machines, and it would be
cheaper then.

The girl at Staples was great. She put it in 3 formats in a couple
minutes, much faster than I am. Onto my flash drive.

She sounds like a keeper. Marry her!

 

[micky]

If there is one ink cartridge missing altogether, the unit may not do
anything, but you should be getting some sort of error message on the
LCD.... For magenta, it would be something like INK EMPTY, or M INK
EMPTY, or PUT IN CARTRIDGE.... or at least an alarm light flashing.

Makes sense. I'd think the thing was broken but my sort-of friend
said it worked. Things seem to break when they sit around. I've
nticeed that with TVs at least. But I bought a magenta carttidge for
2.87 anyhow. It will come by Monday.

It didn't even say when there was no paper, even in print mode. It
did change the display when I pushed the color/B&W button.

Each cartridge has a chip on it, so if one is missing rather than just
empty, the all-in-one may not work... again, there should be an error of
some kind. I have seen a cartridge installed with the tape still on it
so the chip is not in contact, and it didn't create an error message, so
I guess it's possible you could not be getting one.

From the user manual:
"You can use the F50 MFP as a stand-alone device for faxing or copying,
or with your PC as a fully-integrated printer/copier/scanner/fax."

Apparently you can't use the scan or print functions without having it
installed and detected on the computer.... and the Copy button may not

I should try faxing something. It has to scan to do that, but
shouldnt' care about ink. I'd have to connect it to a phone line.

function if ink is empty/missing.

I don't know what you mean re: you can't install the printer
software.... the software installation is done prior to connecting the
printer to the computer. It isn't until after the software is installed
that you connect the printer to USB to be detected.

When I dl'd the file MultiPASSF50_30.exe and ran it, the first stage
ran where I think it put in files, but in the second stage, which ran
iautomatically immediately after, it insisted that the printer be
connected. After trying, I had no choice but to cancel and the
printer doesn't show in the printer list.

It's worht saying that this Canon had a bunch of software on its
support page, but they are all short things at most 3 megs, labeled
Easy Web Print, Update-from-ME-to-XP, Update-from-2000-to-XP. or some
program ending in UPD. I had to go to external sites to find the
driver/software itself, which is 26M in zip form and has a 12meg exe.
file.

There was one printer, and this might have been it, when this 3rd
party download didn't work 6 months or a year ago, I emailed or called
the printer maker, and I thought they would just put the software on
the webpage, but instead they mailed me a CD. I installed from the CD
and it didnt' work any better. The third party dl had included a
separate 11 meg program which had something to do with the ever
present driver scan that software download sites (except a few) are
always trying to get people to look.

As for scanning, the user manual states:
"The F50 MFP is factory set to scan from the Automatic Document Feeder.
To scan from the platen glass, change the scan source in the MultiPASS
Toolbar Settings."

Of course, without the software installed and/or the computer not
detecting to device, you can't use the Toolbar. I don't see a way in

You beat me to it, to saying that. .

the manual to toggle to scan settings without the computer. Changing
the settings for the Scan Button on the unit must also be done from the
software toolbar, according to the manual. You can look for settings in
the LCD using the Set button to go through them, but I don't think
you'll find those settings there.

If the printer is not being detected, turn it off, then turn it on
again.... I don't see you mention doing that.

I did that.

If two different USB

cables are not working, nor the parallel port cable, check your computer
to make sure the USB ports are working with another device, and/or that
the parallel port is enabled in Device Manager and in the BIOS Setup.

The parallel port and the cable I've been using for years to connect
to a simple printer.

Install the Canon software FIRST, then connect the printer. If the

Okay. I'll try some more.

ports are working and you can test the USB cable as good with another
printer,

I only have two USB printers and one is far more broken than this one.
But I may find a 3rd USB cable, which I'll try.

then the issue apparently lies with the F50 itself.

I would have bought a new printer by now.

You are not telling me what to do, like some people do. You mildly
and tactfully only said what you would have done.

So you don't deserve such a long answer, but once I got started I
couldn't quit. <grin>

Boring and non-technical. Feel free to skip. grin.

A) I get overwhelmed by the choices. A-2) It's even worse if I read
reviews. I had just about made up my mind to buy an Epson Work Force
520 (which is really compact and good looking and does everything but
have a slot for camera memory) until I read the Amazon reviews, where
it gets 12-five star and 35 one-star ratings. I don't know how
reliable such ratings are, but these are the worst I've seen for
anything B) I know if I buy one, someone will give me one and then
I'll have two. B-2) I'm cheap AND I didn't work hard enough before I
retired and I don't have enough money. 100 dollars at compound
interest will be 200 or more if I live to 90, which at the moment
certainly seems possible. . C) This is really the first thing I
*had* to scan probably since I got started in home computing in 1984.
D) Staples did it for 25 cents. E) No one else around here wants this
used stuff. There are almost more working printers in Freecycle than
there are people to take them.

In a way I should have gone to Staples a day or two ago, but I didn't
think of it, and I needed to make or break on these all-in-ones
anyhow. If they're not going to work, I will get rid of them.

I don't know about the Epson
model you looked at, but an older Epson unit I had would not print is
any cartridge was empty. My Canon printer, however, has ink cartridge
settings in its properties, which allows me to set it to print with only
black, only color, or both black & color. When my color gets low, I can
set it to Black Only and continue to print till I can buy ink.

That sounds very good. I understand they want to sell ink, buit they
shouldn't break our legs to make us buy it NOW. E

I only
but Canon printers anymore. Epsons are good but unless they've changed
recently, their printheads are expensive to replace because they are not
user-removable like Canon's. Canon also has better ink prices. HP
makes great hardware but I won't deal with their software anymore....
I've got better ways to spend my time.

I'll shop only Canon's then (At least until something changes my
mind. :-/ ) I have a Canon B&W printer from 1995 that still work
fine. I only stopped using it because a friend gave me his old B&W
Laser. My dentist was t hrowing away his B&W laser too, and gave it
to me.

Thanks for replying, thanks for reading.

 

[glee]

Makes sense. I'd think the thing was broken but my sort-of friend
said it worked. Things seem to break when they sit around. I've
nticeed that with TVs at least. But I bought a magenta carttidge for
2.87 anyhow. It will come by Monday.

It didn't even say when there was no paper, even in print mode. It
did change the display when I pushed the color/B&W button.


I should try faxing something. It has to scan to do that, but
shouldnt' care about ink. I'd have to connect it to a phone line.


When I dl'd the file MultiPASSF50_30.exe and ran it, the first stage
ran where I think it put in files, but in the second stage, which ran
iautomatically immediately after, it insisted that the printer be
connected. After trying, I had no choice but to cancel and the
printer doesn't show in the printer list.

It's worht saying that this Canon had a bunch of software on its
support page, but they are all short things at most 3 megs, labeled
Easy Web Print, Update-from-ME-to-XP, Update-from-2000-to-XP. or some
program ending in UPD. I had to go to external sites to find the
driver/software itself, which is 26M in zip form and has a 12meg exe.
file.

There was one printer, and this might have been it, when this 3rd
party download didn't work 6 months or a year ago, I emailed or called
the printer maker, and I thought they would just put the software on
the webpage, but instead they mailed me a CD. I installed from the CD
and it didnt' work any better. The third party dl had included a
separate 11 meg program which had something to do with the ever
present driver scan that software download sites (except a few) are
always trying to get people to look.


You beat me to it, to saying that. .


I did that.

If two different USB

The parallel port and the cable I've been using for years to connect
to a simple printer.

Okay. I'll try some more.


I only have two USB printers and one is far more broken than this one.
But I may find a 3rd USB cable, which I'll try.


You are not telling me what to do, like some people do. You mildly
and tactfully only said what you would have done.

So you don't deserve such a long answer, but once I got started I
couldn't quit. <grin>

Boring and non-technical. Feel free to skip. grin.

A) I get overwhelmed by the choices. A-2) It's even worse if I read
reviews. I had just about made up my mind to buy an Epson Work Force
520 (which is really compact and good looking and does everything but
have a slot for camera memory) until I read the Amazon reviews, where
it gets 12-five star and 35 one-star ratings. I don't know how
reliable such ratings are, but these are the worst I've seen for
anything B) I know if I buy one, someone will give me one and then
I'll have two. B-2) I'm cheap AND I didn't work hard enough before I
retired and I don't have enough money. 100 dollars at compound
interest will be 200 or more if I live to 90, which at the moment
certainly seems possible. . C) This is really the first thing I
*had* to scan probably since I got started in home computing in 1984.
D) Staples did it for 25 cents. E) No one else around here wants this
used stuff. There are almost more working printers in Freecycle than
there are people to take them.

In a way I should have gone to Staples a day or two ago, but I didn't
think of it, and I needed to make or break on these all-in-ones
anyhow. If they're not going to work, I will get rid of them.


That sounds very good. I understand they want to sell ink, buit they
shouldn't break our legs to make us buy it NOW. E


I'll shop only Canon's then (At least until something changes my
mind. :-/ ) I have a Canon B&W printer from 1995 that still work
fine. I only stopped using it because a friend gave me his old B&W
Laser. My dentist was t hrowing away his B&W laser too, and gave it
to me.

Thanks for replying, thanks for reading.

Yes, I noticed that Canon does not have the driver on its driver
download page..... odd. This is a fairly old model printer, but
still...

Even if you have no driver installed whatsoever, the printer should
still be detected when you turn it on and connect it to the computer via
either USB or LPT.

I would start over.... uninstall any driver you have installed, remove
the printer from Control Panel> Printers and Faxes if one appears there,
disconnect and turn off the printer, and reboot the computer.

Open the Registry Editor and make sure this key exists:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors\USB
Monitor
and that it has a "Driver" value with "usbmon.dll" for the data.

Then turn on the printer, and connect it to the computer via USB. If
nothing is detected, try other USB ports on the back of the computer,
not the front (and don't use a hub), and try a known-good USB cable. If
still nothing is detected, try connecting via parallel port instead. If
Windows does not even detect the printer that way either, then I'd say
the printer is toast and give up on it.

If you already have the new ink cartridge and want to install it, do
that before trying this.

 

[Gernot Hassenpflug]

Hi,
Here is the Canon US page for the drivers, no problem finding them.
I would check that you have the version appropriate for your OS:
http://usa.canon.com/cusa/support/c...ipass_series/multipass_f50#DriversAndSoftware

Since I am the Canon maintainer for the open-source gutenprint inkjet
printer driver project which provides the drivers for linux and MacOSX
(Canon may provide as well, of course), I have to say I am not a
Windows fundie, but in general the latest drivers allow you to choose
the connection automatically, or manually, during installation.
However, if your printer is not already detected by the OS, you will
have to set up the connection yourself later.


1) Leave the printer unconnected, and run the driver EXE file. When it
asks you for the connection, select manual and then choose
something harmless, like FILE.

The important part is that the driver is actually installed now!

You will have a printer in the printer section which prints to FILE.

2) Now, connect the printer and power it on. The OS will detect it and
launch the printer wizard. If you now go to the Canon printers, you
will find, amazingly, the F50 in the list, since the driver is
already on the OS now.

So choose it, and you will get a new printer in your printer
section, this one printing to the actual device. You can examine
the connection details for help in how you might have set it up
manually.

Now you can delete the previous FILE printer and make this one the
default.

Hope that helps somewhat.

 

[glee]

replies inline...

Hi,
Here is the Canon US page for the drivers, no problem finding them.
I would check that you have the version appropriate for your OS:
http://usa.canon.com/cusa/support/c...ipass_series/multipass_f50#DriversAndSoftware

That's the page we have already found and been to at the beginning of
the thread.... there are no drivers listed there. If you expand the
drivers section, it lists *updaters* .... Updater for MultiPASS F50
Suite , MultiPASS F50 Suite Updater, and F50 MP Driver v.4 Updater. The
actual MultiPASS F50 Suite v.4, which is the driver, isn't listed.

Are you saying one of those updaters is supposed to be the driver?
Which one?
Where is the download for MultiPASS F50 Suite v.4? That's the question,
or one of them.

Since I am the Canon maintainer for the open-source gutenprint inkjet
printer driver project which provides the drivers for linux and MacOSX
(Canon may provide as well, of course), I have to say I am not a
Windows fundie, but in general the latest drivers allow you to choose
the connection automatically, or manually, during installation.
However, if your printer is not already detected by the OS, you will
have to set up the connection yourself later.


1) Leave the printer unconnected, and run the driver EXE file. When it
asks you for the connection, select manual and then choose
something harmless, like FILE.

The important part is that the driver is actually installed now!

You will have a printer in the printer section which prints to FILE.

2) Now, connect the printer and power it on. The OS will detect it and
launch the printer wizard. If you now go to the Canon printers, you
will find, amazingly, the F50 in the list, since the driver is
already on the OS now.

Go back and read the thread, the printer is not being detected at all
when connected via USB or LPT. No printer wizard pops up because
Windows is not detecting any device.

 

[Gernot Hassenpflug]

replies inline...



That's the page we have already found and been to at the beginning of
the thread.... there are no drivers listed there. If you expand the
drivers section, it lists *updaters* .... Updater for MultiPASS F50
Suite , MultiPASS F50 Suite Updater, and F50 MP Driver v.4 Updater.
The actual MultiPASS F50 Suite v.4, which is the driver, isn't listed.

Are you saying one of those updaters is supposed to be the driver?
Which one?
Where is the download for MultiPASS F50 Suite v.4? That's the
question, or one of them.

OK, my mistake, sorry for wasting your time.
I had a look on the European sites and wonder if the C50 is maybe a Euro model of the US F50.
Maybe you can use that driver.

Go back and read the thread, the printer is not being detected at all
when connected via USB or LPT. No printer wizard pops up because
Windows is not detecting any device.

Does this printer have USB connector, or are you using a parallel-to-USB converter cable?

1) If it is native USB connection, then I would be worried seriously, since this means the USB initialization is either not happening at all, or is resulting in an error. You might want to find some USB diagnostics software (see if any other printer is automatically detected would also be a good idea).

2) If it is native parallel, then a couple of things. First, parallel does not necessarily have auto-detection in Windows. You just have to tell the computer where to send the printjobs (LPTxx). Second, if the driver (which we do not have right now, admittedly) requires communication with the printer (which is common for Windows, but not the case for linux or MacOS CUPS system) then you HAVE to have bi-directional support for parallel enabled in the BIOS of your computer. You should check that....

Just to make it more complicated, note that in many cases, if you use a parallel-to-USB cable, the bi-directional communication for parallel no longer works (depends on printer and the USB converter in the cable) and you have to switch it off in the BIOS, so you then no longer get error messages or ink-level information, but printing still works.

Hope that is all now clear as mud Maybe there is a chance to use a C50 driver?? Or at least write to Canon on the US site.
I'll post again if I find something on these odd printers!
Cheers,

 

[micky]

Yes, I noticed that Canon does not have the driver on its driver
download page..... odd. This is a fairly old model printer, but
still...

Even if you have no driver installed whatsoever, the printer should
still be detected when you turn it on and connect it to the computer via
either USB or LPT.

I would start over.... uninstall any driver you have installed, remove
the printer from Control Panel> Printers and Faxes if one appears there,
disconnect and turn off the printer, and reboot the computer.

Open the Registry Editor and make sure this key exists:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors\USB
Monitor
and that it has a "Driver" value with "usbmon.dll" for the data.

Then turn on the printer, and connect it to the computer via USB. If
nothing is detected, try other USB ports on the back of the computer,
not the front (and don't use a hub), and try a known-good USB cable. If
still nothing is detected, try connecting via parallel port instead. If
Windows does not even detect the printer that way either, then I'd say
the printer is toast and give up on it.

Thanks a lot. I think I'm giving up on it. Details to follow. in
another post. In a few days.

If you already have the new ink cartridge and want to install it, do
that before trying this.

It was only 3 dollars (not OEM) it came a day before the seller said
it would., but it didnd't help.

I tried copying and no ink came out. Not even the new magenta.

I think sometimes things break just sitting around. I've even had
that happen to old tvs, and they don't have ink.

I tried faxing, without a phone line, and I forget what happened but
iirc it wasn't as much as should have.

Maybe she meant to give me a different printer, and gave the one she
intended for me to someone else. I don't know her well enough to
ask.

 

[micky]

OK, my mistake, sorry for wasting your time.

Believe you me, that's how I felt, twice. Once when I first got the
thing, and once last week or so when I forgot what had happened and
started almost from the beginning again. Though I did quickly find
copies of the software in their proper place in my harddrive.

I had a look on the European sites and wonder if the C50 is maybe a Euro model of the US F50.
Maybe you can use that driver.

This is probably the printer for which I called the manufacturer, and
I thought they woudl tell me what url to use - that they would put it
on a webpage if it already wasn't -- but instead they mailed me a CD,
at no charge. I thought that was very strange. I guess they are
trying to stop people from using old printers, right?.

I also found them on free download sites, and tried more than one
version. I did this when I first got the printer too, but then I
think the printer reallly wasnt' connected and I didn't have time to
connect it.

Does this printer have USB connector, or are you using a parallel-to-USB converter cable?

Has both. I've tried both.

1) If it is native USB connection, then I would be worried seriously, since this means the USB initialization is either not happening at all, or is resulting in an error. You might want to find some USB diagnostics software (see if any other printer is automatically detected would also be a good idea).

All my other usb stiuff works.

2) If it is native parallel, then a couple of things. First, parallel does not necessarily have auto-detection in Windows.

But it's not auto. When I install the software it goes looking for
the printer and can't find it.

You just have to tell the computer where to send the printjobs (LPTxx). Second, if the driver (which we do not have right now, admittedly) requires communication with the printer (which is common for Windows, but not the case for linux or MacOS CUPS system) then you HAVE to have bi-directional support for parallel enabled in the BIOS of your computer. You should check that....

Just to make it more complicated, note that in many cases, if you use a parallel-to-USB cable,

I didnt' know there were such things!

the bi-directional communication for parallel no longer works (depends on printer and the USB converter in the cable) and you have to switch it off in the BIOS,

Well, that's bad.

so you then no longer get error messages or ink-level information, but printing still works.

Well that's not so bad, but I guess my impatience is growing. I do
have a nicely working laser printer, B&W, but it's been years that
I've been wanting the convenience of a copier, fax, scanner, and I
might even use color if I had it. So I'm just about ready to buy
new. Other new thread to follow.

Hope that is all now clear as mud Maybe there is a chance to use a C50 driver?? Or at least write to Canon on the US site.

I think I called them. I'll know for sure when I go through a stack of
unsorted CDs.

 

[glee]

replies inline...

massive snip

Thanks a lot. I think I'm giving up on it. Details to follow. in
another post. In a few days.

That may be a good choice under the circumstances...

It was only 3 dollars (not OEM) it came a day before the seller said
it would., but it didnd't help.

I tried copying and no ink came out. Not even the new magenta.

I think sometimes things break just sitting around. I've even had
that happen to old tvs, and they don't have ink.

Your TV doesn't use ink?! Wow, I guess I ought to spring for one of
those new models, then! ;-)

snip
Maybe she meant to give me a different printer, and gave the one she
intended for me to someone else. I don't know her well enough to
ask.

....or maybe she's sitting at home right now, cackling hysterically...

 

[Gernot Hassenpflug]

Note: snipped as much as I can get awaya with...

/../

This is probably the printer for which I called the manufacturer, and
I thought they woudl tell me what url to use - that they would put it
on a webpage if it already wasn't -- but instead they mailed me a CD,
at no charge. I thought that was very strange. I guess they are
trying to stop people from using old printers, right?.

It is good they send you the CD. Many older printers you have a crappy
free driver and for better support you need to buy a commercial driver
from the maker (well, it is developed by a 3rd party usually).

I don't think they are trying to stop people using old printers. It
may be that the terms of use have expired for the driver (since it was
developed by another company for them, under contract), for example,
so the company can no longer distribute it online. That is the case
quite often. The company then has to remove the driver from their
webpages.

/../

Has both. I've tried both.

Not too bad then; i.e., not too old.

All my other usb stiuff works.
OK.


But it's not auto. When I install the software it goes looking for
the printer and can't find it.

That is the driver, not Windows.
In Windows, if you attach a USB device, Windows goes looking for it. That does not happen with parallel.
So I take it driver cannot succeed in detecting the printer either with parallel or with USB....

/../

Well, that's bad.

If you have a cable that does not electrically pass the right signals,
that is a problem. And many manufacturers fiddled with the standard
they wanted for their printer, often simple things like swapping pins.

/../

If you burn a LiveCD of any linux distribution (for exameple, Ubuntu), see what happens if you boot up with that, attach the printer with USB (not parallel), and then open a terminal and look at the /var/log/messages file. There you should see the initialization of a USB connection as the last entries (at the time you attached the USB cable). If there is nothing there, then the PC's USB system cannot correctly communicate with the printer's USB port. Sometimes you may get a partial initialization, but if you get nothing at all, then the USB on the printer is dead.