Are you encountering the frustrating “the ink absorber is full” error on your Canon IP1880 or IP1980 printer? This common issue can halt your printing and leave you searching for a solution. These Canon models, while released in 2008, remain popular due to their durability and reliable performance. If your printer’s indicator lights are flashing and you’re facing this error, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through how to reset your Canon IP1880 and IP1980 printer using the IP Tool, allowing you to get back to printing quickly.
Before we delve into using the reset tool, let’s cover a preliminary manual reset step that you should attempt first.
Initial Steps Before Using the Reset Tool
This manual method is a preliminary step and might resolve minor issues before resorting to software reset.
- Power Off: Turn off your Canon printer and unplug the power cord from the back.
- Press and Hold Power: Press and hold the power button down.
- Reconnect Power: While still holding the power button, plug the power cord back into the printer.
- Resume Button Press: Keep holding the power button and press the resume button (the button below the power button) twice.
- Release Buttons: Release both the power and resume buttons simultaneously.
After performing these steps, check if your printer error has been resolved. If the “ink absorber full” error persists, you’ll need to proceed with the IP Tool method.
Utilizing the IP Tool to Reset Canon IP1880 and IP1980
The IP Tool, often referred to as a “resetter” or “General Tool,” is a utility designed to reset the ink absorber counter on your Canon printer, effectively resolving the “ink absorber full” error.
Steps to Reset with the IP Tool:
-
Download and Extract the IP Tool: First, you need to download the resetter program. You can find a download link at the end of this article. Once downloaded, extract the contents of the ZIP file.
-
Run
General Tool.exe
: Locate the extracted folder and run theGeneral Tool.exe
application. -
Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The IP Tool interface provides a series of steps, as numbered in the image above, to guide you through the reset process. Let’s break down each step:
- USB Port Detection: Ensure your Canon IP1880 or IP1980 printer is connected to your computer via USB and is detected by the tool.
- Lock Port: The tool will likely automatically lock onto the correct USB port.
- Printer Model Selection: Select your printer model. Choose either “Canon IP1880” or “Canon IP1980.” Crucially, change the region setting from “US” to “ASA.” This region setting is important for the reset to function correctly in many regions outside of the United States.
- Setting: Click on the “Setting” option within the tool. This initiates the process of resetting the ink absorber counter.
- Test Print (Optional): You can perform a test print to check if the reset has been successful.
- Print Test: This might be another option for testing print quality or system functionality.
- System Print Test: Similar to the above, potentially tests deeper system printing functions.
- Reset Process: Click on the “Reset” button. This is the core action that clears the ink absorber counter.
- Apply Settings: Click “Apply” to ensure the reset settings are properly applied to your printer.
- Exit Program: Once completed, you can exit the IP Tool program.
After completing these steps, your Canon IP1880 or IP1980 printer should be reset, and the “ink absorber full” error should be resolved. Try printing a document to confirm.
Troubleshooting “General Tool.exe” Errors
Sometimes, you might encounter issues opening or running the General Tool.exe
program. Here are common solutions:
-
Disable Antivirus: Antivirus software can sometimes mistakenly flag the reset tool as a potential threat. Temporarily disable your antivirus software during the reset process. Remember to re-enable it afterward.
-
Compatibility Settings: If the program still fails to open, try running it in compatibility mode.
- Right-click on the
General Tool.exe
file. - Select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
- Check the box labeled “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”
- Select “Windows XP (Service Pack 3)” or another older Windows version from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
- Try running
General Tool.exe
again.
- Right-click on the
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to successfully open and use the IP Tool.
By following these instructions, you should be able to reset your Canon IP1880 or IP1980 printer and resolve the “ink absorber full” error, allowing you to continue using your reliable printer.
Download the Resetter Tool Here: