----- Original Message -----
Carol Irving:


> Can anyone help?  I have a HP 680C printer that is refusing to print.  At
first it was in just some programs and now it won't print at all   The error
> message is re: to the print Cartridge being jammed or a paper jam.  Can
that rod be cleaned?  Also there are alot of messages re: loss of
communications
> between printer and system.  I have tried uninstalling and re installing.

If you haven't already, try a different IEEE rated printer cable.

Based on the age of your printer I would presume it's more than
due for a routine service.
Here's a few suggestions to determine if the steel guide rail is
the problem:
     1.) power up printer and with cover open verify fluid
          movement of the print carriage assembly.
     2.) if hesitance or chattering is detected power down
          the printer to stop the carriage in the middle. (you
          may have to do this by pulling the power cord)
     3.) now verify carriage movement by hand - it should
          be smooth and easy with little resistance.
     4.) at this point you may elect to clean the steel guide
          rail by using a dry lint-free towelette to remove
          the gummed up grease.
     5.) If your printer suddenly works then you have successfully
          determined your are in fact due for service. It would
          not be advisable to apply the lubricant yourself; overlubing
          would have adverse effects.
     6.) If you wish you could also clean the paper take-up rollers
          with a mild soap & water solution to increase feed
          traction.

If you continue to recieve communication errors I would next
question if the printer was ever hooked up hot to the pc. This
could damage the I/O controller on your printer. That would
mean time to shop around unless you can get free estimates.

-yui shin

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                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>