"The MultiPASS hardware could not be initialized" displays when restarting the computer (C2500)

There are several possible causes for this message to appear. Review the list below and perform each step until the message has been cleared.

1. The following items may prevent communication between the Computer and MultiPASS:
   
   Data-switch boxes, Zip Drives, Tape Backups, Docking Stations, Scanners and any other device that a communication signal must pass through before reaching the MulitPASS. Try removing these devices and the software associated with each product. Be sure that the MultiPASS is connected directly to the PC with a bi-directional interface cable (IEEE-1284 cable is recommended) that is 6 feet or shorter in length.
   
   
2. Shut down the computer and unplug the power cord from your MultiPASS. Disconnect and reconnect ends of the printer interface cable to make sure it is firmly seated. Plug in the power cord to your MultiPASS, wait until the MultiPASS displays the date and receive mode, then turn on the computer.
   
3. In the computer's BIOS, check that the parallel port is set for ECP (Enhanced Capabilities Port) or bi-directional mode. If you are not sure how to enter or make changes to the computer's BIOS, contact your computer's manufacturer.
   
4. Limit the number of applications that will automatically launch each time Windows is started.
   1. Remove any programs in Windows StartUp Group.
   2. In the WIN.INI file, place a ';' (semi-colon) in front of the 'load=' and 'run=' lines, save the file and restart the computer.
      
      Note: If you have Windows 98, you may use the System Configuration Utility to select individual startup files. This is accessed by clicking on Start, Run, and type "msconfig" and click OK.
      
      
5. In the Device Manager tab of System Properties, confirm your MultiPASS is connected to the proper LPT port and that there is no conflict. A port conflict will be visible by a yellow exclamation point to the left of the port icon.
   
   Access Device Manager by doing the following:

• Right-Click 'My Computer'
• Select 'Properties'
• Click the 'Device Manager' tab

6. The MultiPASS software adds several lines to your computer's SYSTEM.INI file. Please check that the below line has been installed under the [386Enh] section of your SYSTEM.INI:

   device=C:\MPASS\cis1284.386

In addition, check that the section [cisl284.386] has been created. This section will appear at the bottom of the SYSTEM.INI file and it should look like this:

[cis1284.386]
lpt1=0
lpt2=0
lpt3=0

Note: The software installs all 3 LPT lines whether you have 1, 2, or 3 parallel port(s) on your PC.

If, in the SYSTEM.INI, the 'device =' lines, and/or the [cis1284.386] section is missing, please type them in as specified, save the changes, and restart your computer. Refer to your system's operator manual or contact your PC manufacturer for instructions on how to change or add settings in the SYSTEM.INI.

7. If the message still does not clear, close the MultiPASS Server and uninstall and reinstall the MultiPASS Software.
   1. Click Start, Programs, MultiPASS Utilities, MultiPASS Uninstaller.
   2. After the software is uninstalled, delete the MultiPASS Printer and Fax Drivers in the Printers folder.

   • Click Start, Settings, Printers.
   • Select the MultiPASS Printer icon and press the [Delete] key. Confirm the deletion.
   • Repeat this step for the MultiPASS Fax icon.

   3. It is recommended to search for and delete CANONBJ.DRV in the WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory and all temporary (TMP) files residing on your computer's hard drive prior to reinstalling the Desktop Manager.