Member Avatar for bholtsclaw

I have a HP photosmart c6180 all-in-one printer. My OS is Windows XP Pro sp2. I am having trouble getting the ink level to display. Each time I try I get the following message..."The computer is unable to establish two-way communication with the device." I use AVG firewall. Any suggestions?

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Short summary: and already tried reinstalling drivers/HP software (and checked driver availability) but printing and scanning work while the HP tools that need return communication (ink levels, toolbox, fax setup) report "The computer is unable to establish two‑way communication with the device." That error is commonly caused by one of three things: the physical USB connection, network port/SNMP/WSD port issues, or a security/firewall rule blocking the printer software.

If the printer is USB-connected: connect it directly to a PC USB port (no keyboard/docking/USB hub), try a different USB cable and a different USB port (prefer a USB 2.0 port), and test the printer on another PC if possible. HP specifically warns against hubs and recommends a short, direct cable (under ~3 m) because long/indirect USB runs often break two‑way status reporting. If a direct-test on another PC restores two‑way communication, the problem is local to the original machine (drivers, firewall, USB controller).

If the printer is network-connected: print the printer’s Network Configuration/Status report and open the Embedded Web Server (type the printer’s IP into a browser) to confirm the device is online. If Windows installed the printer as a WSD device, delete that queue and add the printer again using a Standard TCP/IP (JetDirect) port tied to the printer’s IP. Also check the port’s Configure Port settings and try unchecking “SNMP Status Enabled” (or set the correct SNMP community string) — SNMP/port mismatches often cause the OS to lose two‑way status even though printing still works.

Firewall/AV and diagnostics: temporarily disable AVG (or put it into a permissive mode) and test the toolbox; AVG Web/Firewall components have been reported to block printer status and scanning until exceptions are made. If disabling the firewall fixes it, add the HP software (or the printer-service process) to AVG’s allowed apps or enable file/printer sharing for the private network. If the issue persists after the checks above, run the vendor diagnostic (HP’s troubleshooting guidance and tools are a common next step). Always re-enable protection after testing.

Practical priority: 1) test on another PC (quick isolation), 2) direct USB cable / new cable, 3) for network: get IP → EWS → switch to Standard TCP/IP port and disable SNMP, 4) temporarily test with AVG off and add exceptions. If those steps don’t help, note exact port type shown in Devices and Printers and post it here — that detail makes it easier to recommend the next step.

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Member Avatar for MVEBA

I am experiencing the same issue. MS thinks it may have to do with a Vista update but nothing specific. HP just keeps advising to re-install. HP 6310 all in one. Vista Business on lenovo t61

Member Avatar for bholtsclaw

I have been advised that a "level 3" uninstall and then a re-installation of the printer software and driver should do the trick. To do a level 3 uninstall is pretty simple:

Level 3 uninstall for HP Photosmart c6180 all-in-one printer

Make sure your software disk is in the CD drive. Then do the following.

1. Click START
2. Go to RUN
3. Enter the following exactly: X:/UTIL/CCC/UNINSTALL.EXE L3
(Substitute your CD-ROM drive letter at the "X". Make sure that there is a space between EXE and L3)
4. Press ENTER and the uninstall should start. Just follow the screens.

Remember, this will take off the driver and any software that was loaded on the original install. After uninstall is complete then restart the computer. Then re-install.

I have done this several times for other reasons.

The printer that is having the problem belongs to a friend. When I finally get to that printer and do the uninstall and re-install I will let you know what happened.

Member Avatar for MVEBA

I tried a level 3 uninstall with live HP help. When install had to communicate with printer to setup fax, setup stopped and reported communication with device not available. I completed setup and then tried to setup fax properties and received same message. I am able to print and scan but cannot fax (from PC) or view printer properties. I am able to fax directly from printer and was able to see cartridge proeprties with a forced (#6) restart of printer.

Member Avatar for bholtsclaw

Thanks MVEBA,
I guess that puts us both back to square one. I have not tried the L3 uninstall and re-install on my friends computer. When I do I will let you know what happened.

Member Avatar for cohen

Have you guys both got the latest driver software???

Download it from

Member Avatar for bholtsclaw

Yep, I am using the latest version of the driver. I just uninstalled (L3) and re-installed the printer software and had the same success as MVEBA. The two-way communication is still there. I had to by-pass the fax configuration to complete the install. From the information I am receiving from the other forums I use, there are many more out there who have the same problem and no solutions yet. If y'all think of something let me know.

Member Avatar for Nosaj2010

i have a hp photosmart d5160 it won't print anything just saying document pending also unable to establish connection with two way device

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