Terri218
Member
OK for today's problem - now I can't print anything on my Epson Stylus Color 880 printer. The lights are not showing that either the black and white or color cartridges are out of ink but nothing prints. I just bought both of these cartridges (for about $50 for both) less than 10 printed pages ago which means $5 a page. I cleaned the heads. That is ridiculous. I am ready to throw this thing out of the window.
Can anyone save my sanity (and my wallet)?
Buckleysmom
Member
Is the problem only from one application? try to print from 2 or 3 programs to make sure it's not a software setting. If it seems to be happening with all software then try rebooting both the pc and the printer. If that doesn't work and if you received diagnostic software with your printer run through the troubleshooting section. Also check all your connections. If your using a USB connection try plugging it into a different port. Hope this helps.....hang in there....I've been down this road many times.
------edit------
Buzz and I were posting at the same time. His idea is good but remember if it's been a while since you last printed and you have to go back very far you could lose a lot of stuff.
Will it print a test page? Often done directly on the printer by holding down buttons.. check your printer manual for directions on test pages.
Buckleysmom
Member
I know this sounds crazy but settings can change even if you don't specifically, manually change them.....trust me! Follow BTC's advice....run a test page.
PS: Any installs/uninstalls can cause various issues.....I'm not saying that's the answer cause it's a longshot.....but don't ever underestimate what "could" happen. PC's have minds of their own at times.
GMMan, Hexadecimal Blacksmith
Blocked
Most printers have a status tool on the PC. Go into Control Panel -> Printers and Faxes, right click on your printer and click on Properties, and on one of those tabs there should be a button for printer status. It might also be in your Start Menu. Also try the test page button in the printer preferences.
Do you get any error messages when you try to print? Any indications on the printer itself?
Was the test page sent from the computer or was it done directly on the printer?
GMMan, Hexadecimal Blacksmith
Blocked
Try a nozzle alignment page. If it comes out garbled or blank you know it's an internal problem.
copmom
Member
I have gotten brand new ink cartridges that didn't work.. just a thought! One little tip I got from Dell regarding my photo printer (that I rarely use), is the head nozzles can become dried out. The tech said I should soak the tip of the print heads in some warm water to unclog them and viola, that worked for me.
copmom
Member
Terri, Of course you would take them out of the printer before putting the little ink nozzle side in a bit of warm water. Now, of course, this is ONLY if they aren't functioning because they've dried out. Both B&W and Color at the same time doesn't seem to jibe with this theory though. But if you bought both at the same time from the same mfr., it is quite possible that they're defective.. that does happen.
Have you tried contacting Epson tech support about this? And also, have you tried printing a test page like Bentley asked? If so and that works, that eliminates that it's the ink cartridges.. and might be a communication problem between the computer and printer.
As for changing USB ports (if the printers connected to that as opposed to a parallel or serial connection), that doesn't always work either. I'm still trying to get my camera card reader recognized on 'my computer' even though it does show up in control panel/system, and have tried different ports for that one. The USB's do work because they recognize my thumb drives and when I plug the camera directly into the USB it works, but not the 2 different card readers I've tried. Always something!
Is the test page being sent from the computer or done right on the printer?
due to me not removing the protective tape from the cartridge
I thought I would be the only one who could accomplish this stunt :)
A word to Revo Uninstaller - User's manual to help uninstall programs:
You asked for it in another thread which I can't find now
Revo is a very secure and reliable tool. However, it can only do what the user tells it to do, that means, make sure, you know what you tell him to delete. In the beginning and when you are not sure what some words mean, it might be better to choose the secure method. At my first attempt with Revo I deleted main parts of the registry - Revo's restore-point saved me. So, be carefully and read the instructions - it's not too complicated.
Following instructions is of course also important for safely using CCleaner. Both tools are reliable and always updated.
For more infos have a look at Best Free File Cleaner.
Gizmo's Freeware Reviews are always my first source consulted, and of course Google - but that is an other story to tell.
graylox
Quantum Dragon
Member
@Terri218: It might just be that your cartridges are what we call "Citrons" here in the French town of Mirabel, QC (Lemons in English). I had that problem once with some from HP. If you can bring it back to where you bought them, do so as it is NOT worth the hassle. Also if your Epson uses separate cartridges and print heads, it might not be the cartridges at all, again I had a similar problem with a Canon BJC-600 in the past.
The HP uses integrated print heads on the cartridges so when you change it, you also change the heads but the Canon uses headless cartridges with the print head being a single separate unit so I guess it could be the same with your Epson.
Here is the link to your printer's Documents web page: Documents & Manuals
These might be more specific:
Product Information Guide
Start Here Card
@graylox: Good point about using Revo and CCleaner!
The other thread (and post) you evoke is this one: Gamehouse Daily Free Game - Post 60414 also by Terri218
If you were to illustrate the power of these tools compared to the standard Install/Uninstall tool in windows in real world examples, you could say that the standard Windows tool is like a one blade Bic razor for your beard or legs (as it leaves some rough edges :) and that Revo/CCleaner are more akin to the Japanese Katana or "samurai sword." for their power.
Because of this power they have, if you are not careful with them, you might end up shaving your face or legs off!
For myself, I use a one/two punch combination with 1) Revo and 2) Glary Utilities (both the Freeware and the Pro version given away here a while back will do)
1) I use Revo's Maximum removal settings but I manually* check every line it offers to remove (both in the Registry and link entries) as I know it is often too powerful if left to its own devices.
* Yeah, call me Nerd, Geek, Computer Wiz or anything else that comes to mind (I won't feel insulted like some I have seen in other forums I go to) but since I retired three years ago and even if I have started studying more and more, I also walk a lot and can often be seen in parks seemingly frozen solid just listening to small birds singing. In short, I cannot be classified! LOL ;P
2) I then use the 1-click maintenance in Glary Utilities to clean leftovers and, yes, I check manually again! ;)
Kudos also for your site recommendation, I also make a point of visiting http://www.techsupportalert.com (AKA Gizmo's Freeware Reviews)
Two other good sites come to mind also, they are Freewaregenius and Make Use Of
Ciao
Quantum Dragon AKA Paul
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner! Try printing a test page from the printer itself using the directions linked below:
If it prints that fine then the problem is between your printer and the computer; if it doesn't, the problem is with the printer or inks.
Thanks to Paul for the link to the manual :)
Anonymous
Unregistered
http://www.helpmerick.com/frontpage?page=31
Reset your HP Printer
I don't remember where I learned this trick or why it works, but it does work in many instances with some HP printers. Use this technique to reset your printer if it is hung up for any reason, can't automatically "align cartridges" or is just acting goofy.
1. Unplug the power cable from the back of the printer
2. Let the printer sit untouched without the power cable for at least two to three minutes
3. Push and hold the power button
4. Plug in the power while still holding the power button in.
5. Keep holding the power button for at least thirty seconds after you plugged the power cable back in.
6. Release the power button and try using your printer again.
May work try and see.
At least you don't need to go digging through your computer for imaginary fixes.. Is this official 'chipped' Epson ink?
copmom
Member
Terri.. I think Bently means are you using official genuine Epson brand ink cartridges as opposed to some generic which are sold by many under their brand names. I used to get Quill brand ink for one of my printers instead of HP and they didn't work for me at all.. was just trying to save a bit of money, but sometimes cheaper isn't always up to par with genuine.
Buckleysmom
Member
Terri......Ya know, at this point maybe you should just replace the cartridges and see what happens (if you haven't already done that - I didn't read all the posts word for word). Anyway, you might save yourself loads of time and frustration. I've had cartridges that were working fine and just quit, for no apparent reason, when they were still half full. If you can determine that's the case try getting at least a partial refund from wherever you bought them.
Also....just a tip....I just read an article about always shutting your printer off when not in use. I tend to turn mine on in the morning and forget to turn it off. It sits there turned on all day till I shut down at night.....and even then I've forgotten the printer at times and only shut down my pc. Anyway, this article said that some printers actually close up or seal the print nozzles when the printer is shut down to keep the ink from drying out and to aid in keeping the nozzles from blocking. My HP goes through quite a bunch of activity upon shut down (same as start up) so I'm wondering if that's what it's doing. It didn't say what brands/models of printers do this but it's a good practice to get into.
Terri218
Member
Yes I think a generic cartridge is my problem but I can't afford to print as little as I print with the cost of the "genuine" Epson cartridges. I'm going to look into a b&w only printer which is supposed to be a lot more cost effective. In the meantime, I'll print at the library and pay 15 cents a page.
Buckleysmom
Member
Check out http://www.4inkjets.com
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