Use scanner on printer?

MP210: Can I use the scanner without the printer?

• Hi, I need your help with this problem: the Canon MP210 ran out of color ink. I did not refilled cartridge, because i need only scanner, and now I get the E5 error. Anyway, the problem is not in the E5 error. The problem is, that the scanner does not work, too, as long as the printer is out of order! That is so silly! When I try to scan, the scanner dialog opens with the scanner buttons, but when I try to scan, I get the following error message: Printer maintenance in progress. Scan after it is complete. Code: 2,11,0 What is the bloody connection between the scanner and printer??? Is there a way, that I can disable this - is it possible to be able to scan, without fixing the printer issue? If printing and scanning is related in a way, that missing ink prevents from scanning, then this is the most stupid and useless piece of machinery I've ever seen ;(

• Answer:

  Unfortunately, my friend, your Canon PIXMA MP210's scanner will NOT function without there being ink in all of the cartridges. Printer manufacturers say that this is because it's the only way to let the computer know that the unit is fully functional. I appreciate that it's a bind when you consider that no ink is actually used during the scanning process, but I'm afraid there's no way ... at least, no way that I know of ... to get around this. You'll find that this is the case with ALL modern day All-in-One printers/Multi-Function devices.