Where to Find Information
This User’s Guide
Provides you with all the information you need to use your
EPSON Stylus COLOR 400 and consumable products, from
setting up to troubleshooting.
Online Help (CD-ROM)
Provides you with detailed information and instructions on the
Windows printer software that controls your printer. Online
help will be automatically installed when you install the printer
software. See Chapte r 3 for information on accessin g online
help.
EPSON Answers (CD-ROM)
Provides you with additional information on using your
printer and printing with colors. Here’s what you’ll find in
EPSON Answers:
How To displays a step-by-step guide for using your
❑
printer, information about printer maintenance, and
instructions on replacing consumable products.
Problem Solver helps you fix common printing problems
❑
when you encounter them.
Test Print lets you print a test page to check the results of
❑
settings you have made and provides links to other sections
of EPSON Answers based on the results.
Color Guide explains the ABC’s of color printing and
❑
shows you how to get impressive results from your printer.
Color Ink Jet Printer
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SEIKO EPSON CORP.
The information contained herein is designed only for use with this EPSON printer.
EPSON is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.
Neither SEIKO EPSON CORP. nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this
product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by purchaser or
third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized
modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to
strictly comply with SEIKO EPSON CORP.’ s operating and maintenance instructions.
SEIKO EPSON CORP. shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the use
of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original
EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORP.
EPSON and EPSON ESC/P are registered trademarks and EPSON ESC/P Raster and
EPSON St ylus are trademark s of SEIKO EPSON CORP.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON discla i ms any and all ri ghts in those marks.
Copyright © 1996 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.
User’s Guide
Declaration of Conformity
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 an d EN 45014
Manufacturer: SEIKO EPSON CORPORAT ION
Address: 3-5, Owa 3-chome, Su wa-shi,
Nagano-ken 392 Japan
Repres e n tative: EPSON EUROP E B.V .
Address: Prof. J. H. Bavincklaan 5 11 83
AT Amstelveen
The Netherlands
Declares that the Prod uc t:
Product Name: Ink Jet Printer
Type Name: EPSON Stylus COLOR 400
Model: P950A
Conforms to the following Directive(s) and Norm(s):
Directive 89/336/ EEC:
EN 55022 class B
EN 61000-3-2
EN 61000-3-3
EN 50082-1
IEC 801-2
IEC 801-3
IEC 801-4
ii
Directive 73/23/EEC:
EN 60950
October 1996
M. Hamamoto
President of EPSON EU ROPE B.V.
Contents
Safety Information
Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1
A few precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2
NERGY STAR Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-3
E
For United Kingdom Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-4
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-5
Chapter 1
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Chapter 2
Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Using a printer stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Attaching the Paper Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Installing the Ink Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Connecting the Printer to Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Installing the Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Installing in Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Installing in Windows 95 (using plug-and-play) . . . . . . 2-14
Installing in Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Loading Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Starting to Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Getting to Know Your Printer
Getting Started
iii
Chapter 3
Checking Your Printer Driver Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
How to access the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
How to check the settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Making Changes to Printer Driver Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Using the Automatic setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Using the predefined settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Customizing the print settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Making the Media Type setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Using the Printer Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Status Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Nozzle Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Head Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Print Head Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Checking Printer Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Understanding the EPSON Spool Manager . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Understanding the Despooler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Getting Information Through Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
From Windows applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
From Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
From Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Using the Printer Software
Chapter 4
Loading Special Paper and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
About special media cleaning sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Loading Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Loading Transparencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Using EPSON Photo Paper (S041134) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Removing the perforated margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Storing EPSON Photo Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Printing on Special Paper
iv
Chapter 5
Maintenance and Transportation
Replacing an Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Chapter 6
Troubleshooting
Diagnosing the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Error indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Status Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Printer operation check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Paper handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Printing quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16
Increasing the Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25
Aligning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
Ink Cartridge Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
Contacting Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30
For United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland users . . 6-30
For Australian users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33
For Hong Kong and Singapore users . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-35
For Philippines users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-36
Appendix A
Tips for Color Printing
Basics of Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Image Resolution and Image Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
Guidelines for Using Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
v
Appendix B
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Printable area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Ink Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-7
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Safety Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
Glossary
Index
Printer Specifications
vi
vii
Safety Information
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.
Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a
❑
radiator or heat source.
Place the printer on a flat surface. The printer will not
❑
operate properly if it is tilted or at an angle.
Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet.
❑
Do not insert objects through the slots.
Use only the type of power source indicated on the
❑
printer’s label.
Connect all equipment to properly grounded power
❑
outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as
photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch
on and off.
Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
❑
If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure
❑
the total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the
extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating.
Also, make sure the total ampere rating of all devices
plagged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall
outlet’s ampere rating.
Unplug the printer before cleaning. Clean with a damp
❑
cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the printer.
Except as specifically explained in this guide, do not
❑
attempt to service the printer yourself.
Safety Information
1
Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service
❑
personnel under the following conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered
the printer; if the printer has been dropped or the cabinet
damaged; if the printer does not operate normally or
exhibits a distinct change in performance. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions.
If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe the
❑
following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current
protection for this printer, the building installation must be
protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker.
Bei Anschluß des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muß
sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation mit
einem 16 A-Überstromschalter abgesichert ist.
A few precautions
Even if you are familiar with other types of printers, be sure to
read through the following list of precautions before operating
your ink jet printer.
Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the ink
❑
cartridges during printing.
Under normal circumstances, ink will not come out of the
❑
cartridges. If ink gets on your skin, wash it off with soap
and water. If it gets in your eyes, flush them immediately
with water.
Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children.
❑
Do not dismantle the ink cartridges or try to refill them.
❑
This could result in damage to the print head.
2
Safety Informa tion
Once you install an ink cartridge, do not open the clamp or
❑
remove the cartridge except to replace it with a new one.
The cartridge may become unusable otherwise.
Install the ink cartridge immediately after you remove it
❑
from its package. Leaving the cartridge unpacked for a long
time before use may result in reduced print quality.
Do not use an ink cartridge beyond the date printed on the
❑
cartridge carton. For best results, use up the ink cartridges
within six months of installing them.
Do not shake an ink cartridge; this can cause leakage.
❑
Always turn the printer off using the P power button. The
❑
P
power light flashes until the print head is capped, which
means it is at rest in the far right position. Do not unplug
the printer or turn off the power to the outlet until the
power light stops flashing. The printer caps the print head
when no data is received for several seconds.
Before transporting the printer, make sure the print head is
❑
capped (in the far right position) and the ink cartridges are
in place.
P
NERGY STAR Compliance
E
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has
determined that this product meets the
TAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
S
The International
is a voluntary partnership with the computer and office
equipment industry to promote the introduction of
energy-efficient personal computers, monitors, printers, fax
machines, and copiers in an effort to reduce air pollution
caused by power generation.
NERGY STAR Office Equipment Program
E
Safety Information
NERGY
E
3
For United Kingdom Users
Use of options
EPSON (UK) Limited shall not be liable against any damages or
problems arising from the use of any options or consumable
products other than those designated as Original EPSON
Products or EPSON Approv ed Prod ucts by EPSO N (UK)
Limited.
Safety information
Warning:
for voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to
w
the supply voltage.
Important:
are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Green and yellow — Earth
Blue — Neutral
Brown — Live
If you have to fit a plug :
As the colours of the mains lead of this appliance may not
match coloured markings used to identify the terminals in a
plug, please proceed as follows:
The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal
in the plug which is marked with the letter E or the Earth
symbol (
The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked with the letter N.
The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked with the letter L.
G
This appliance must be earthed. Refer to rating plate
The wires in the mains lead fitted to this appliance
).
4
Safety Informa tion
If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or consult a
qualified electrician.
Replace fuses only with a fuse of the correct size and rating.
Warnings , Cautions, and Notes
Warnings
must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
w
Cautions
must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
c
Notes
contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
Safety Information
5
6
Safety Informa tion
Chapter 1
Getting to Know Your Printer
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Options and Consumable Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1
Getting to Know Your Printer
1-1
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions
paper support extension
sheet feeder
ink cartridge clamps
output tray
adjust lever
paper support
edge gu ides
printer co ver
paper out
light
output tray
extension
load/eject
button
power light and
button
1-2
Getting to Kno w Your Printer
color ink out
light
black ink ou t
light
cleaning
button
Buttons
Button Function
P
Power
E
Load/Eject
R
Cleaning
Turns th e printer on and off.
Resets th e p r inter if pressed twi c e while the powe r i s
on, which means it clears the printer’s memory.
Loads or ejects paper if pressed and released within 2
seconds.
Resum es prin ting if pres sed an d r eleas ed afte r a paper
out error.
Moves the print head to the ink cartridge replacement
position if pressed for 3 seconds while the B or A ink
out light is fl ashing or on.
Returns th e print hea d to its home position after ink
cartridge replacement.
Performs print head cleanin g if pre ssed for 3 sec ond s
when the B or A ink out light is off.
Lights
The lights on the front of the printer indicate the printer status,
such as receiving data, paper jam, or low on ink. The following
table describes what the lights mean.
1
P
N
F
-
-
--
--
---
---
N
= on, O = off, F = flashing, - = irrelevant
BA
S
---
---
--
N
FOO
F
N
Printer Sta tus
Printer is on.
Receiving data, replacing an ink cartridge,
charging i nk, or cl e an i ng th e pr int head.
Paper out. Load paper in the sheet feeder; then
press the
Paper jam. Take all the paper out of the feeder,
and reloa d th e paper. If the light con ti nu e s to
flas h , turn of f the p r in ter and ge n tly pull all t h e
paper out of th e pr inter.
Ink low. The black in k cartr idge is nearly empty.
-
Obtain a black ink cartridge (S020093).
Ink out. The black ink cartridge is empty. Replac e
-
the black ink c ar trid ge (S020093).
Ink low. Th e col o r ink c artri d ge is n earl y emp t y .
F
Obtain a colo r ink c ar tr id ge (S020089).
Ink ou t. The color ink cart ridge is empty. Replace
N
the color ink ca rtridg e (S020089).
E
load/eject button to resu m e printing.
Getting to Know Your Printer
1-3
System Requirements
When using your printer with a PC, you need Microsoft
Windows 3.1 or Windows 95; a shielded, twisted-pair parallel
cable; and the following:
Minimum system Recommended system
80386/16 MHz processor Pentium processor
16MB RAM 32MB RAM
20MB hard disk space More than 50MB free hard disk space
VGA monitor VGA or better monitor
Note:
See the minimum system requirements on the inside of the CD-ROM
cover before using or installing the EPSON Answers software.
Your computer dealer can help you update your system if it
does not meet these requirements.
Options and Consumable Products
Interface cables
®
EPSON supplies several types of interface cables. You can use
any interface cable that meets the specifications listed below.
See your computer manual for any additional requirements.
Parallel Interface Cable (shielded) C83602 from D-SUB
25-pin (computer) to 36-pin Amphenol 57 Series (printer)
Ink cartridges
Black ink cartridge S020093
Color ink cartridge S020089
1-4
Getting to Kno w Your Printer
EPSON special media
Most plain paper works well in your printer. In addition, paper
specifically designed for ink jet printers such as EPSON’s
dpi Ink Jet Paper
EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper (A4) S041025
EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper (Letter) S041060
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (A4) S041026
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (Letter) S041062
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (Legal) S041067
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (A4) S041071
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (Letter) S041072
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (A6) S041107
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper (A4) S041126
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper (Letter) S041124
EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies (A4 ) S041063
EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies (Letter) S041064
will meet most high-quality printing needs.
1
360
S041059
S041061
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (A6) S041054
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (5 × 8”) S041121
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (8 × 10”) S041122
EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheet (A4) S041106
EPSON Photo Paper (4 × 6”) S041134
Note:
❑
The availability of special media varies by country.
❑
Ink jet printers are particularly sensitive to the condition of your
paper. Keep unused paper in its original packaging and store it in
a cool, dry place.
Getting to Know Your Printer
1-5
1-6
Getting to Kno w Your Printer
Chapter 2
Getting Started
Unpacking the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Choosing a Place for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Using a printer stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Attaching the Paper Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Plugging in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Installing the Ink Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Connecting the Printer to Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Installing the Printer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Installing in Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Installing in Windows 95 (using plug-and-play) . . . . . . 2-14
Installing in Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Loading Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
2
Starting to Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Getting Started
2-1
Unpack ing the Printer
Your printer box should include a CD-ROM, which includes
the printer software that runs your printer, and the following
items:
paper support
printer
power cord
color ink cartridgeblack ink cartridge
In some locations, the power cord comes attached to the
printer. The shape of the AC plug varies by country; be sure
the plug included is the right shape for your location.
Remove all protective materials packed with your printer
before you set it up and turn on the power. Follow the
instructions inserted with the printer to remove these materials.
Save all packaging and protective materials in case you need to
transport the printer later.
2-2
Getting Started
Choosing a Place for the Printer
Follow the guidelines listed below when placing your printer.
Place the printer on a flat, stable surface. The printer will
❑
not operate properly if it is tilted or at an angle.
Place the printer close enough to the computer for the
❑
interface cable to reach it easily.
Leave adequate room for easy operation and maintenance.
❑
Leave enough room on the table at the front of the printer
❑
to lower the output tray.
Avoid using or storing the printer in places subject to rapid
❑
changes in temperature and humidity. Also keep it away
from direct sunlight, strong light, or heat sources.
Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
❑
Place the printer near a wall outlet where the plug can be
❑
easily unplugged.
Note for French-speaking users:
2
Placez l’imprimante près d’une prise de contacte où la fiche peut être
débranchée facilement.
Avoid electrical outlets controll ed by wall switches or
❑
automatic timers. Also, avoid outlets on the same circuit as
large motors or other appliances that can cause fluctuations
in line voltage.
Keep the entire computer system away from potential
❑
sources of electromagnetic interference, such as
loudspeakers or the base units of cordless telephones.
Use a grounded power outlet; do not use an adapter plug.
❑
Getting Started
2-3
Using a printer stand
When using a printer stand, note the following:
Use a stand that can support at least 11.0 kg (24.3 lb).
❑
Never use a stand that tilts the printer. The printer should
❑
always be kept level.
Attaching the Paper Support
Insert the paper support into the slots at the rear of the printer
as shown below.
Note:
To print on transparencies, you need to reposition the paper support
as described in “Loading Transparencies” in Chapter 4.
2-4
Getting Started
Plugging in the Printer
1. Make sure that the printer is turned off. It is off when the
power button protrudes slightly from the surface of the
control panel.
2. Check the label on the back of the printer to make sure the
voltage required by the printer matches that of the
electrical outlet you will be plugging it into. Also, make
sure that you have the correct power cable for your power
source.
c
Caution:
It is not possible to change the printer’s voltage. If the
rated voltage and your outlet voltage do not match,
contact your dealer for assistance. Do not plug in the
power cord.
P
2
3. If the power cord is not attached to the printer, connect it to
the AC inlet on the back of the printer.
4. Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical
outlet.
Getting Started
2-5
Installing the Ink Cartridges
Warning:
The ink cartridges are self-contained units. Under ordinary
w
use, ink will not leak from a cartridge. If ink does get on your
hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets
into your eyes, flush them immediately with water.
Install the ink cartridges as follows:
Note:
Do not open the ink cartridge packages until just before you install
the cartridges, or the ink may dry up.
1. Lower the output tray at the front of the printer; then, holding
the center edge of the cover, open the printer cover.
2-6
Getting Started
2. Turn on the printer by pressing the P power button. The
print head moves slightly to the left, which is the ink
P
cartridge install position. The
B
and A ink out lights come on.
the
power light flashes and
2
c
Caution:
Do not move the print head by hand. Otherwise you may
damage the printer.
Getting Started
2-7
3. Lift up the two ink cartridge clamps.
4. Open the ink cartridge packages. Next, remove only the
yellow tape seals from each cartridge as shown below.
2-8
black ink cartridge
(S020093)
Caution:
❑
c
❑
❑
Getting Started
color ink cartridge
(S020089)
You must remove the yellow tape seals from the
cartridges. If you attempt to print using a cartridge
with this tape seal still attached, the cartridge may
become unusable.
Do not remove the whole tape seal (especially the
white portion) from the top of the cartridge. Remove
only the yellow portion.
Do not remove the tape seals from the bottom of the
cartridges; otherwise, ink will leak.
5. Lower the cartridges into their holders with the labels face-up
and the arrow marks pointing to the rear. The color ink
cartridge, which is larger, goes on the right and the black
ink cartridge goes on the left.
Note:
Install both ink cartridges. If either of the cartridges is not
installed, the printer will not work.
6. Press the ink cartridge clamps down until they lock in place.
black
color
2
After installing the ink cartridges and pressing their clamps all
B
the way down, the
Caution:
Once you install the ink cartridges, do not open their
c
clamps again until you replace the ink cartridges.
Otherwise, the cartridges may become unusable.
and A ink out lights turn off.
Getting Started
2-9
7. Press the R cleaning button. The printer moves the print
head and begins charging the ink delivery system.
Note:
R
Even if you do not press the
moves the print head and begins the ink charging process about
60 seconds after you install both ink cartridges.
The ink charging process may take about five minutes to
complete, during which time the printer produces a variety
of mechanical sounds. These sounds are normal. When the
ink delivery system has been charged, the print head
returns to its home (far right) position.
cleaning button, the printer
8. Close the printer cover.
Caution:
During the ink charging process, the
c
Never turn off the printer while the
The life of a cartridge depends on the amount of text and
black-and-white graphics you print (for a black cartridge) and
the amount and the number of colors you use in your
documents (for a color cartridge).
Note:
To replace an ink cartridge, see “Replacing an Ink Cartridge” in
Chapter 5.
2-10
Getting Started
P
power light flashes.
P
power light is flashing.
Connecting the Printer to Your PC
To connect the printer to your computer using the built-in
parallel interface, you need a shielded, twisted-pair parallel
cable.
Follow the steps below to connect the printer to the computer:
1. Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off.
2. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer’s interface
connector. Then squeeze the wire clips together until they
lock in place on both sides. If your cable has a ground wire,
connect it to the ground connector below the interface
connector.
2
3. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer’s parallel
interface. If there is a ground wire at the computer end of
the cable, connect it to the ground connector at the back of
the computer.
See the next section for instructions on installing the printer
software. You must install the printer software before using
your printer.
Getting Star te d
2-11
Installing the Printer Software
After connecting the printer to your computer, install the
printer software. It is included in the “Printer Software for
EPSON Stylus COLOR 400” CD-ROM shipped with your
printer.
Your printer software includes:
Printer driver
❑
The printer driver is software that runs, or “drives”, your
printer. With it, you can make settings such as print quality
and speed, media type, and paper size.
Utilities
❑
The Status Monitor utility helps you check the current
status of your printer. The Nozzle Check, Head Cleaning,
and Print Head Alignment utilities help you keep your
printer in top operating condition.
EPSON folder or program group
❑
The EPSON folder (Windows 95) or program group
(Windows 3.1) contains the EPSON stylus COLOR 400
Help, Spool Manager 4, and EPSON ReadMe files. Help
gives you instant on-screen access to detailed information
and instructions on how to use your printer and printer
software, Spool Manager 4 provides you with extra control
over the printing process, and ReadMe contains the most
up-to-date information available regarding your printer
and printer software.
❑
2-12
EPSON Answers
EPSON Answers provides you with additional information
on using your printer and printing with colors. See the
booklet packed with the CD-ROM for more information.
EPSON Answers is not included in the floppy disk version.
Getting Started
If you are using the floppy disk version of the software, before
you begin installation, make a backup copy of the EPSON
printer software disk. If you wish to make a floppy disk version
of the printer software on your CD-ROM, you can use the
Driver disk creation utility included on the CD. See next page
for Windows 95, or page 2-18 for Windows 3.1.
Installing in Windows 95
Follow the steps below to install the printer software in
Windows 95.
1. Make sure Windows 95 is running and the printer is off.
2. Insert the printer software CD shipped with your printer in
the CD-ROM drive. Click
appears, shown below.
in the dialog box that
Install
2
If this dialog box does not appear when you insert the printer
software CD, double-click the
double-click the CD-ROM drive icon (or floppy disk drive
icon if using the floppy disk version). If the dialog box
shown above still does not appear, double-click the
Setup.exe
through the folder to find it.
icon. You may need to use the arrows to scroll
My Computer
icon, then
Getting Star te d
2-13
Note:
If you wish to make a floppy disk version of the printer software
included on your CD-ROM, click the
utility
button and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Select your printer icon in the EPSON Printer Utility Setup
dialog box.
4. Make sure EPSON Stylus COLOR 400 is selected, and click
to start the printer software installation. Follow the
OK
on-screen messages and when the installation is complete,
click OK again.
Driver disk creation
Your printer software is now installed. For information on
opening and using the software, see Chapter 3, “Printing With
Windows.”
Installing in Windows 95 (using plug-and-play)
Follow these steps to install the printer software using
Windows 95 plug-and-play capabilities.
Note:
To install the printer software using Windows 95 plug-and-play
capabilities, your computer’s parallel port must be an IEEE 1284
compatible, bidirectional parallel port. See your computer
documentation for more information.
2-14
Getting Started
1. Make sure the printer is connected to the computer’s parallel
port.
2. Turn off your printer and computer, if necessary.
3. Turn on the printer first; then turn on the computer. Your
computer begins loading Windows 95.
4. If you defined a password, enter it at the prompt. You see the
New Hardware Found screen.
Note:
If you do not see the New Hardware Found screen or if you run
into any kind of problem, click
installation procedure on page 2-13 instead.
Cancel
and follow the
2
5. Make sure your printer model name is displayed on the
screen. Then click the
hardware manufacturer
other buttons.
6. Click OK. You see the Install From Disk screen.
Driver from disk provided by
button. Do not select any of the
Getting Star te d
2-15
7. Insert the printer software CD shipped with your printer in
the CD-ROM drive. Depending on the country, the
CD-ROM may contain multiple-language versions of the
printer software.
First try typing
message does not appear, proceed to step 8. If an error
message does appear, you have the multiple-language
version and you need to click OK to return to the Install
From Disk screen. Type
language by typing
Portugal
(If your CD-ROM drive uses a drive letter other than “D”,
substitute the appropriate letter.)
If you use the floppy disk version, insert it in a disk drive. If
the drive you are installing from is displayed on the screen,
click OK. Otherwise, change the drive letter in the
manufacturer’s files from
8. At the next screen you can type a unique name for the printer
in the Printer name box. We recommend that you keep the
model name as shown. The program will copy the files to
your hard disk and add an icon to the Printers folder using
the printer name you assign. To use this printer as the
default printer for Windows 95 applications, select
is the default setting.)
9. Click the
, or
Spanish
Finish
D:\Win95
button.
and clicking OK. If an error
then specify your preferred
D:\
English, Francais, German, Italian
, followed by
box and click OK.
\Win95
. Click OK.
Copy
Yes
. (
,
No
The printer software that controls your printer is now installed.
For information on accessing and using the software, see
Chapter 3, “Printing With Windows.”
2-16
Getting Started
Using your printer on a Network
If you want to use your printer on a network, you need to set
up your printer as a network printer. Follow these steps:
1. Double-click the
2. Double-click the
3. Right-click the icon of your printer, and click
sure to right-click.
4. Click the
Details
My Computer
Printers
tab. The following window appears:
folder.
icon.
Properties
2
. Be
5. Click the
the printer. Click OK.
6. After you have made your settings on the Details menu, click
Start
Manager4
Add Port
, point to
. The Spool Manager window opens.
button, then specify the network path to
Programs
and
Epson
, then click
Getting Star te d
Spool
2-17
7. Select your printer, click the
The Queue setup window opens.
Queue
menu, then click
Setup
.
8. Make sure the
it is on if the box contains a check mark. Then click OK.
Now you can use your printer on a network.
Use Print Manager for this port
option is on;
Installing in Windows 3.1
Follow these steps to install the software using Windows 3.1:
1. Make sure Windows 3.1 is running and the Program Manager
window is open.
2. Insert the printer software CD shipped with your printer in
the CD-ROM drive. (If you use the floppy disk version,
insert it in a disk drive.)
3. In the File menu, choose
the Command Line box, type
inserted the disk in drive A).
. You see the Run dialog box. In
Run
D:SETUP
(or
A:SETUP
if you
2-18
Note:
If you wish to make a floppy disk version of the printer software
included on your CD-ROM, type
the dialog box that appears, click the
utility
button and follow the on-screen instructions.
Getting Started
EPSETUP
instead of
Driver disk creation
SETUP
. In
4. Click OK. You see the EPSON Printer Utility Setup dialog box.
5. Select your printer icon and click OK. The installation
program begins copying the printer software files.
After a few moments, the installation program creates the
EPSON program group in Windows.
6. When the installation is complete, click OK to exit the
installation program.
The installation program automatically selects this printer as
the default printer for Windows applications.
2
Your printer software is now installed. For information on
accessing and using the software, see Chapter 3. See also
“Starting to Print” in this chapter.
Getting Star te d
2-19
Loading Paper
The following procedure describes how to load plain paper
into the printer.
You can also print on ink jet paper, transparencies,
photo-quality glossy film or paper, envelopes, index cards, and
adhesive sheets. For details on using such media, see
Chapter 4, “Printing on Special Paper.”
Note:
To print on transparencies, you need to reposition the paper support
as described in “Loading Transparencies” in Chapter 4.
1. Lower the output tray at the front of the printer and slide out
the extension.
2-20
Getting Started
2. Slide the left edge guide to the left as far as it will go. Pull up
the paper support extension and pull out the output tray
extension.
3. Fan a stack of paper; then tap it on a flat surface to even the
edges.
4. Load the stack of paper with the printable surface up and the
right edge of the paper resting against the right side of the
sheet feeder.
Note:
Always load paper into the sheet feeder short edge first. Load
envelopes flap edge first with the flap side down.
2
Getting Star te d
2-21
5. Slide the left edge guide against the edge of the paper. Make
sure the paper stack fits under both the edge guide tab and
arrow mark as shown below.
Starting to Print
To get started printing right away, follow the printing method
explained below, which is typical of many Windows
applications. The actual way you print may vary depending on
the application you use. See your application manual for details.
For more details about the printer driver settings, see Chapter 3.
1. From your application, open the document you want to print.
If necessary, use the Page Setup option on the File menu to
specify the paper size.
2. Click
2-22
dialog box) appears.
Getting Started
on the File menu. The Print dialog box (or a similar
Print
3. Make sure your printer is selected and then click
Setup, Properties
combination of these buttons. The driver settings window
appears.
, or
Options
. You may need to click a
Printer
,
2
4. Click the
option is set to
5. Click anywhere in the Media Type box, and select the media
you loaded in the printer from the list.
6. Select
Color
color. Select
draft, or if you want colors to print as varying shades of
gray.
tab if necessary, and make sure the Mode
Main
Automatic
as the Ink setting if your document includes
if you are printing black text only, a
Black
.
Getting Star te d
2-23
7. Click OK at the bottom of the window. You return to the Print
dialog box (or a similar dialog box).
8. Click
While your document is printing, the EPSON Despooler dialog
box will appear, showing the printing progress and the status
of your printer. If you are printing from Windows 95, this
dialog box also displays the Status Monitor.
See Chapter 3 for detailed information on printer driver
settings, the EPSON Despooler, and the Status Monitor.
Close, OK
combination of these buttons.
, or
to print. You may need to click a
Print
2-24
Getting Started
Chapter 3
Using the Printer Software
Checking Your Printer Driver Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
How to access the printer driver settings . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
How to check the settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Making Changes to Printer Driver Settings . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Using the Automatic setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Using the predefined settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Customizing the print settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Making the Media Type setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Using the Printer Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Status Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Nozzle Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Head Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Print Head Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Checking Printer Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Understanding the EPSON Spool Manager . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Understanding the Despooler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
3
Getting Information Through Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
From Windows applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
From Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
From Windows 3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Using the Printer Software
3-1
Checking Your Printer Driver Settings
Before you start printing, you should make sure that the
settings in the printer driver included with your printer
software match your document requirements. While many
Windows applications override the settings made with the
printer driver, some do not, so you must verify the settings to
get the results you expect.
Be sure to check the following driver settings:
Mode
❑
(Main menu)
Media Type
❑
(Main menu)
Ink
❑
(Main menu)
Paper size
❑
(Paper menu)
Copies
❑
(Paper menu)
Orientation
❑
(Paper menu)
Automatic or Advanced
The type of paper loaded in the
printer
Black or Color
The size of the paper loaded in
the printer
The number of copies to be
printed
The direction of printing on the
page
3-2
Using the Printer Software
How to access the printer driver settings
The way you should access the printer driver settings depends
on how you want the settings to take effect. Be aware that
settings you make in your application override settings made
directly in the driver, so in most cases you should access the
driver from your application to make sure that the printer
driver settings are appropriate for your document.
If you want the settings to apply only to the document(s)
❑
you will print in a particular Windows application, see
“Starting to Print” on page 2-22.
If you want the settings to apply to your Windows
❑
applications, see the description below for Windows 95 or
Windows 3.1.
Note:
Online help is available for details about the printer driver settings.
From Windows 95
Follow these steps to access the printer driver settings from My
Computer:
3
1. Double-click the My Computer icon.
2. Double-click the Printers folder.
3. Right-click the icon of your printer, and click Properties. Be
sure to right-click.
4. Click the Main tab. You now see the Main menu of the
printer driver settings window.
See page 3-4 for information on how to check the settings.
Using the Printer Software
3-3
From Wi n d ows 3. 1
Follow these steps to access the printer driver settings from
Program Manager:
1. Open the Main program group and double-click the Control
Panel icon.
2. Double-click the Printers icon .
3. Choose your printer from the Installed Printers list.
4. Choose Setup. You see the Main menu of the printer settings
window.
See the following for information on how to check the settings.
How to check the settings
Be sure to check the settings through your application before
printing in case your application overrides your settings. Click
Print on the File menu, and click Properties, Options, Printer,
or Setup. Click the Main tab if necessary.
3-4
Using the Printer Software
1. Check the Mode option. For most print jobs, leave the option
set to
Automatic
the best settings according to the data to be printed, the
Media Type setting, and the Ink setting. The current
settings are shown at the bottom of the menu.
2. Check the Media Type option. Select the media you loaded in
the printer from the Media Type list. See page 3-12 for
more information on making the Media Type setting.
. The printer driver automatically makes
3
3. Check the Ink option. Select
color. Select
if you want colors to print as varying shades of gray.
4. Click the
Paper
if you are printing black text, a draft, or
Black
tab. The Paper menu appears.
if your document includes
Color
Using the Printer Software
3-5
5. Make sure the paper size you loaded in the printer is selected
in the Paper Size list. If you don’t see your paper size in the
list, use the arrows to scroll through the list.
Note:
If your paper size is not included in the list, select
and enter the paper size dimensions in the dialog box that
appears. For information on the User Defined setting, see online
help.
6. Check the Copies option. You can click the arrows or type a
number in the box to make this setting.
7. Check the Orientation option. The effect of your orientation
setting is shown in the display to the left.
Note:
Always load paper into the sheet feeder short edge first. Load
envelopes flap edge first with the flap side down.
8. Click the OK button at the bottom of the window.
Note:
You can get more information on the printer driver settings by
clicking the
details on making the printer driver settings, see the next section.
Help
button at the bottom of the window. For more
User Defined
Making Changes to Printer Driver Settings
As described in Chapter 2, the printer driver lets you choose
from a wide variety of settings to get the best results from your
printer.
The quickest and easiest way to start printing is to leave the
Mode option set to Automatic on the Main menu. This way you
only need to check the Media Type, Ink, and Paper Size
settings, as described on page 2-22.
3-6
Using the Printer Software
Basically, there are three levels of settings: the Automatic
setting; the predefined settings, which give you more control
over printer settings; and the custom settings, which you make
to fit your individual needs. These settings are described in
detail in the following sections.
Several printer utilities are provided to help you check the
condition of the printer and perform mainten ance procedu res.
See pages 3-14 through 3-16 for information on the Status
Monitor, Nozzle Check, Head Cleaning, and Print Head
Alignment utilities. For instructions on using the Status
Monitor, see page 3-15, and for instructions on using any of the
other utilities, see Chapter 6, “Troubleshooting.”
Using the Automatic setting
3
If you leave Mode set to
only settings you need to check yourself are the Media Type
and Ink settings. See page 3-12 for details about making the
Media Type setting.
Most Windows applications feature paper size and page layout
settings which override similar settings on the Paper menu, but
if your application does not, you should also check the items
on this menu. Click the
view the Paper Size settings.
Note:
If you choose
Automatic
you choose Quality or Speed. For most print jobs, leave this set to
Speed. Select Quality only when print quality is more important than
speed.
Online help provides more information about the printer
driver including the settings and menus. See page 3-19 for
instructions on using online help.
Plain Paper
is selected, a slide bar appears in the Mode box that lets
Automatic
Paper
as the Media Type setting while
on the Main menu, the
tab at the top of th e me nus to
Using the Printer Software
3-7
Using the predefined settings
The predefined settings are provided to help you optimize the
print settings for a particular kind of printout such as
presentation documents or images taken by a video or digital
camera. You will find the predefined settings in the list under
the
Advanced
button on the Main menu.
To choose a predefined setting, click the
then select the most appropriate setting from the Advanced
settings list under the Advanced button according to the type
of document or image you will print.
When you choose a predefined setting, other settings such as
Print Quality, Halftoning, and Color are set automatically.
Changes are shown in the Current Settings display at the
bottom of the Main menu.
Before printing, be sure to verify the Media Type and Ink
settings, as they may be affected by the predefined setting you
select. See page 3-12 for more information on the Media Type
setting.
Advanced
button
3-8
Using the Printer Software
The printer driver provides the following predefined settings:
Photo
Text/Graph
PhotoEnhance
Text
Good for printing scan ned photos
Good for printing presentation
documents such as graphs and
charts
Good for printing images captured
using a video, digital camera, or
scanner. EPSON PhotoEnhance
automatically adjusts the contrast,
saturation, and brightness of the
original image data to produce sharper,
more vivid color printouts.
PhotoEnhance does not affect your
original image data.
Note:
Printing with PhotoEnhance selected may
take longer depending on your computer
system and the amount of data contained in
your image.
Good for prin t in g tex t -on ly do c u men ts
3
Economy
ICM
Note:
❑
ICM is only available for Wndows 95.
❑
Selecting
option to
available depending on the selected predefined setting and on the
Ink setting if a predefined setting is selected.
PhotoEnhance
Color
. Also, some Media Type settings are not
Good for printing drafts of text
ICM means image Color Matching.
This feature automatically adjusts
printout colors to match colors on your
screen.
ICM
or
automatically sets the Ink
Using the Printer Software
3-9
Customizing the print settings
Many users will never need to manually make their own print
settings. However, if you need more control over the driver,
want to make the most detailed settings available, or just want
to experiment, click the
and then click the
dialog box appears:
More Settings
Advanced
button on the Main menu
button. The
More Settings
Some settings are enabled or disabled depending on the Print
Quality, Media Type, and Ink settings you make. To save time
and effort, always customize your settings in this order: Print
Quality, Media Type, Ink, and then make other settings. See the
next section for details about making the Media Type setting.
See also online help for details about the other settings.
After making your settings, click OK. Your settings will be
applied and you will return to the Main menu. To return to the
Main menu without applying your settings, click
3-10
Using the Printer So ft w are
Cancel
.
To save your custom settings, click
menu. The Custom Settings dialog box appears:
Type a unique name for your custom settings in the Name box,
and click the
Advanced settings list, along with the predefined settings.
Note:
❑
You can not use a predefined settings name for your custom
settings.
button. Your settings will appear in the
Save
Save Settings
on the Main
3
❑
To delete a custom setting, click
menu, select the setting in the Custom Settings dialog box, and
then click
❑
You can not delete the predefined settings.
When you select your saved settings in the Advanced settings
list, be aware that making new settings, for example Media
Type and Ink settings, may affect and change your custom
settings. This may cause unexpected results in your printout. If
this happens, reselect your saved settings and try printing
again.
Delete
.
Save Settings
Using the Printer So ft w are
on the Main
3-11
Making the Media Type setting
On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches
the paper you loaded in the printer. See the following to
determine the appropriate Media Type setting (shown in bold)
for your paper. First find your paper, then select a
corresponding Media Type setting. For some kinds of paper,
you have several Media Type settings to choose from.
Note:
❑
If your EPSON brand paper name is not shown below, refer to
the product number to determine the proper Media Type setting.
❑
If the corresponding Media Type setting for your paper is not
shown in the Media Type list, change the Print Quality setting in
the More Settings dialog box, the Mode setting, or the predefined
setting selected in the Advanced settings list.
Plain Paper
Plai n paper
Envelope
360 dpi Ink Jet Paper
3-12
EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper (A4) S041059
S041025
EPSON 360 dpi Ink Jet Paper (Letter) S041060
Using the Printer So ft w are
Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (A4) S041061
S041026
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (Letter) S041062
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper (Legal) S041067
S041048
EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheet S041106
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (A6) S041054
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (5 × 8”) S041121
EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Card (8 × 10”) S041122
Ink Jet Transparencies
EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies (A4 ) S041063
EPSON Ink Jet Transparencies (Letter) S041064
Photo Quality Glossy Paper
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper (A4) S041126
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Paper (Letter) S041124
EPSON Photo Paper (4 × 6”) S041134
Photo Quality Glossy Film
3
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (A4) S041071
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (Letter) S041072
EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film (A6) S041107
Using the Printer So ft w are
3-13
Using the Printer Utilities
EPSON printer utilities allow you to check the current printer
status and do some printer maintenance from your screen. To
access the utilities, click the
window (shown below), then click the button for the utility you
want to use. A brief description of the utilities is given below.
For more details, see online help.
tab in the printer software
Utility
Note:
The letter in parentheses after the utility name indicates the shortcut
key for that utility. Press
that utility.
3-14
Using the Printer So ft w are
Alt
and the letter on the keyboard to open
Status Monitor
Note:
The Status Monitor is only available for Windows 95.
The Status Monitor utility helps you to keep track of the
printer, and it alerts you if there are any problems. When you
install the printer software for Windows 95, the Status Monitor
is automatically copied to your hard disk.
The Status Monitor utility is available only when the printer is
connected directly to the host computer. You cannot use this
utility when printing over a network.
When you send a print job to the printer, the Status Monitor
and the Despooler dialog box appear on your screen. See page
3-16 for information about the Despooler.
The Status Monitor provides information about the printer
status by displaying the appropriate icon on your screen.
Checking the printer status.
3
An error has occurred. Your printer cannot print. Check
your printer.
The printer is ready.
The printer is pr intin g.
The ink level is low or out.
Using the Printer So ft w are
3-15
Nozzle Check
You can check the print head nozzles for clogging with this
utility. Check the nozzles when you notice print quality has
declined and also after cleaning to confirm that the print head
nozzles have been cleared. See page 6-25 for more information.
Head Cleaning
You can clean the print head with this utility. You may need to
clean the head when you notice print quality has declined. Use
the Nozzle Check utility first to confirm that the head needs to
be cleaned. See page 6-25.
Print Head Alignment
This utility aligns the print head. Use this utility when you
notice a misalignmen t of vertical lines . See page 6-28.
Note:
❑
Do not use the Nozzle Check, Head Cleaning, and Print Head
Alignment utilities with printers connected to your computer
through a network.
❑
3-16
Do not use the Nozzle Check, Head Cleaning, and Print Head
Alignment utilities while printing is in progress; otherwise your
printout may be marred.
Using the Printer So ft w are
Checking Printer Status
When you send a print job to the printer, the EPSON Despooler
and Status Monitor appear in the lower right portion of your
screen. The Despooler shows the progress of the current print
job and allows you to control the progress of the print job, as
described be low.
Understanding the EPSON Spool Manager
The EPSON Spool Manager is similar to Windows Print
Manager. If it receives two or more print jobs at one time, it
puts them in a line (with printers on a network this may be
called a print queue) in the order received. When a print job
reaches the top of the line, the EPSON Despooler sends the job
to the printer.
The Spool Manager starts automatically when you print from
your application. To access the Spool Manager from Windows
95, click the
the taskbar. To access the Spool Manager from Windows 3.1,
double-click the
at the bottom of your desktop. For more information, see
online help.
EPSON Spool Manager
EPSON Spool Manager
icon after it appears on
icon after it appears
3
Using the Printer So ft w are
3-17
Understanding the Despooler
When you send a print job to the printer, the EPSON Despooler
dialog box appears in the lower right portion of your screen.
This box shows the progress of the current print job and
provides printer status information.
You can control printing from the Despooler dialog box using
the stop, pause, and reprint buttons as explained below.
Stop Cancels printing
Pause Pauses printing until you press it again
Reprin Opens a dialog box that allows you to
choose to restart printing from the current
page, reprint the whole document, or
hold the document for printing later
The Status Monitor at the bottom of the Despooler dialog box
only appears if you are using Windows 95.
3-18
Using the Printer So ft w are
Getting Information Through Online Help
Your printer software has an extensive online help feature that
includes detailed information and instructions about printer
driver settings and the printer utilities. Online help will answer
most of your questions about your printer software.
From Windows applications
To access online help from your application, open the File
menu and choose
Setup, Options
combination of these buttons) depending on the software you
are using. Click the
Paper, and Utility menus for help related to the items on that
menu.
If you are running Windows 95, you can get specific help
related to any item on a menu by right-clicking the item, then
clicking the
, or
What’s This?
or
Print
Properties
button at the bottom of the Main,
Help
prom p t.
Print Setu p
(you may need to click a
. Then click
Printer
From Windows 95
To access online help directly from Start, click the
point to
COLOR 400 Help
Programs
and
. You see the help contents window.
, and then click
Epson
EPSON Stylus
From Windows 3.1
Start
3
,
button,
To access online help directly from Program Manager, open the
EPSON program group and click the
400 Help
icon. You see the help contents window.
EPSON Stylus COLOR
Using the Printer So ft w are
3-19
3-20
Using the Printer So ft w are
Chapter 4
Printing on Special Paper
Loading Special Paper and Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
About special media cleaning sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Loading Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Loading Transparencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Using EPSON Photo Paper (S041134) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Removing the perforated margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Storing EPSON Photo Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
4
Printing on Special Paper
4-1
Loading Special Pa per and Other Media
You can use most plain bond paper to achieve good results.
However, coated papers and glossy paper/film give you better
results because they reduce the amount of ink that is absorbed.
EPSON provides special media that are formulated for the ink
used in EPSON ink jet printers. EPSON recommends you to
use media distibuted b y EPSON to ensure high-qu alit y results.
For a list of EPSON special media, see page 1-6, or "Printing
Supplies" in online help.
When loading special paper distributed by EPSON, read the
instruction sheets packed with your special media first and
keep the following in mind.
Make sure the printable surface of the paper is face up
❑
when loading media into the sheet feeder. See the
instruction sheets packed with the media to determine
which side is the printable surface. Some media have cut
corners to help identify the correct loading direction, as
shown below.
cut corner*
*Some m edia features cut corners
to help identify the correct loading
direction
4-2
printabl e surface
Make sure the paper stack fits under the edge guide tab
❑
and the arrow mark, both of which are located on the inside
surface of the left edge guide. Basic loading capacity for
special media is explained below.
Printing on Special Paper
EPSON 360 dpi
Ink Jet Paper and Photo
Quality Ink Jet Paper
You can load paper up to the
arrow mark. If you load legal-size
ink jet paper, do not load it more
than halfway to the arrow mark.
EPSON Photo Quality
Ink Jet Card
EPSON Photo Quality
Glossy Paper
EPSON Photo Quality
Glossy Film
You can load up to 30 index
cards. Always place the included
support sheet under the cards
when loading them.
You can load up to 20 sheets.
4
For best results, you should load
glossy film one sheet at a time.
Before loading glossy film,
always put a support sheet* or a
sheet of plain paper under the
glossy film. If you wish to print
with multiple sheets, set the
minimum top margin of the page
to 30 mm and put a support sheet
under the stack of glossy film.
Be sure to remove each printout
from the output tray immediately
after printing. Before stacking or
storing your printout, allow
enough time for the ink to dry
throughly and except for A6 size
glossy film cover the printed side
of every sheet with an enclosed
protective sheet.
Printing on Special Paper
4-3
EPSON Ink Jet
Transparencies
You can load up to 10
transparencies. Before lo ading
transparencies, you need to
reposition the paper support as
described in “Loading
Transparencies” later in this chapter.
Be sure to remove each printout
from the output tray immediately
after printing. Before stacking or
storing your printout, allow
enough time for the ink to dry
throughly and cover the printed
side of every sheet with an
enclosed protective sheet.
EPSON Photo Quality
You can load one sheet at a time.
Self Adhesive Sheet
Envelopes You can load up to 10 envelopes.
*If a su pport sheet is packed with Phot o Quality Glossy Film or Paper, load it
underneath the glossy film, but do not print on it.
4-4
Printing on Special Paper
If ink smears on your documents when printing on thick
❑
special media, such as envelopes or index cards, set the
adjust lever to the “+” position. To change the setting, open
the printer cover and position the lever as shown below.
Note:
Return the adjust lever to the “0” position before printing on media of
normal thickness. Leaving the lever in the “+“ position may cause
gaps in the printed image.
About special media cleaning sheets
4
Cleaning sheets packaged with EPSON special media should
not be used with this printer. The cleaning function performed
by these sheets is not necessary with this type of printer, and
the sheets could jam in the printer.
Printing on Special Paper
4-5
Loading Envelopes
When printing on envelopes, please note the following:
You can load up to 10 envelopes into the sheet feeder.
❑
Load envelopes flap edge first with the flap side down, as
❑
shown below.
Do not use envelopes that are curled or folded. Also avoid
❑
using envelopes that are too thin; they may curl during
printing.
❑
Select
Plain Paper
as the Media Type setting on the printer
driver’s Main menu. For more details on making printer
driver settings, see online help.
If ink smears on your documents, set the adjust lever to the
❑
”+” position. To change the setting, open the printer cover
and reposition the lever. See the illustration on page 4-6.
Note:
Return the adjust lever to the “0” position, which is the normal
position, after you finish printing on envelopes. Leaving the lever in
the “+” position may cause the printed image to have gaps on other
media.
4-6
Printing on Special Paper
Loading Transparencies
When printing on transparencies, please note the following:
Before loading transparencies, remove the paper support
❑
and reinsert it into the slots at the back of the printer as
shown below.
4
Always put a support sheet or a sheet of plain paper under
❑
the stack of transparencies.
You can load up to 10 transparencies.
❑
Make sure the printable surface of the paper is face up
❑
when loading transparencies into the sheet feeder. See the
illustration on page 4-4.
Select
❑
Ink Jet Transparencies
the printer driver. For more details on making printer
driver settings, see online help for Windows, or Chapter 5
for Macintosh.
as the Media Type setting in
Printing on Special Paper
4-7
Using EPSON Photo Paper (S041134)
EPSON Photo Paper (S041134) is perforated around the
margins so you can trim your printed images to look like 4 × 6
inch (102 × 152 mm) photographs. Please note the following
when using this paper.
Loading
Load the paper printable side up with the perforated
❑
margins positioned as shown below.
4-8
loading position
Use flat, undamaged paper. If the paper or the support
❑
sheet is curled, flatten it before loading to avoid paper
feeding problems.
Always place the included support sheet under the stack of
❑
Photo Paper, but do not print on it.
You can load up to 20 sheets of Photo Paper into the sheet
❑
feeder.
Printing on Special Paper
To print on the coated (whiter) side of Photo Paper, select
❑
Photo Quality Glossy Paper
and
EPSON PhotoPaper 4X6 in
as the Media Type setting
as the Paper Size setting in
your printer driver.
Note:
The outside edge of your image might be cut off when you remove
the perforated margins.
17 mm (0.67 in.)
6 mm (0.24 in.)
3 mm (0.12 in.)
3 mm
You can also print with black ink on the non-coated side
❑
6 mm
trim size
printed image size
(EPSON logo side) of Photo Paper. To print on this side,
select
360 dpi Ink Jet Paper
then select
EPSON Photo Paper 4X6 in
as the Media Type setting and
as the Paper Size
setting.
Cut or tear the paper at the perforation only after printing.
❑
Do not cut, tear, or fold the paper before printing.
4
Printing on Special Paper
4-9
Removing the perforated margins
To remove the perforated margins, fold the paper back and
❑
forth a few times along the perforations, then carefully tear
the margins off.
You may also remove the margins by cutting along the
❑
perforations.
Storing EPSON Photo Paper
❑
4-10
Return unused paper to the original package as soon as you
finish printing, and avoid storing it in places exposed to
high temperature, humidity, or direct sunlight.
Printing on Special Paper
Chapter 5
Maintenance and Transportation
Replacing an Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Transporting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
5
Maintenance
Maintenance and Transportation
5-1
Replacing an Ink Cartridge
The printer’s indicator lights will inform you when it is time to
obtain a replacement ink cartridge and when it is time to
replace an empty cartridge. Also, because ink quality decreases
over time, replace an ink cartridge if you haven’t used up the
ink within six months and print quality declines.
EPSON recommends the use of genuine EPSON ink cartridges.
Other products not manufactured by EPSON may cause
damage to your printer not covered by EPSON’s warranties.
B
When the
flashing obtain a replacement black ink cartridge
❑
on replace the empty black ink cartridge.
❑
ink out light is
(S020093).
When the
❑
❑
Note:
If the ink runs out, you cannot continue printing until you replace it
even though the other ink cartridge still contains ink.
c
5-2
Maintenance and Transportation
A
ink out light is
flashing obtain a replacement color ink cartridge
(S020089).
on replace the empty color ink cartridge.
Caution:
Once you remove an ink cartridge, it becomes unusable and
cannot be reinstalled even if ink remains.
To replace an ink cartridge, follow these steps.
1. Make sure the printer is on. Determine which cartridge
B
needs to be replaced as indicated by the
ink out light.
Note:
If you need to replace an ink cartridge when the
lights are off, see page 6-28.
2. Make sure the printer is paused and the output tray at the
front of the printer is lowered; then open the printer cover.
R
3. Hold down the
the
print head moves left slightly to the cartridge replacement
position, and the
head is in position.
Note:
The printer automatically moves the print head back to its
❑
home (far right) position after about 60 seconds if you have
not started the replacement procedure.
If you hold down the Rcleaning button when both B and
❑
A
ink out lights are off, the printer starts cleaning the print
head.
cleaning button for three seconds until
P
power li gh t fl a she s wh en th e pr in t
black or A color
B
and A ink out
5
Maintenance
c
Caution:
Do not move the print head by hand. Always use the
cleaning button to move it. Otherwise you may damage
the printer.
Maintenance and Transportation
R
5-3
4. Lift up the clamp that holds the cartridge you want to replace
as far as it will go. When you do, the cartridge will rise
partly out of the cartridge holder. The following illustration
shows color ink replacement. For black ink replacement, lift
up only the smaller clamp on the left.
color
black
5. Lift the cartridge out of the printer and dispose of it properly.
Do not take the used cartridge apart or try to refill it.
Warning:
If ink gets on your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap
w
and water. If ink gets into your eyes, flush them
immediately with water.
5-4
Caution:
Leave the old cartridge installed in the printer until you
c
are ready to replace it with a new one.
Maintenance and Transportation
6. Remove the ink cartridge from its protective bag. Next,
remove only the yellow tape seal from the cartridge as
shown b elow .
black S020093
Caution:
❑
c
7. Lower the ink cartridge into the cartridge holder with
the label on the cartridge face up and the arrow on the
cartridge pointing to the rear of the printer. The larger
(color) cartridge goes on the right, the black ink cartridge
on the left.
You must remove the yellow tape seal from the
cartridge. Leaving the tape on when you install the
cartridge will permanently damage it.
❑
Do not remove the whole tape seal (especially the
white portion) from the top of the cartridge. Remove
only the yellow portion.
❑
Do not remove the tape seal from the bottom of the
cartridge; otherwise, ink will leak.
color S020089
5
Maintenance
Maintenance and Transportation
5-5
8. Press the ink cartridge clamp down until it locks in place.
The following illustration shows color ink replacement. For
black ink replacement, press down the smaller clamp on
the left.
R
9. Press the
head and begins charging the ink delivery system. This
process may take a few minutes to complete.
Caution:
The
c
performs the ink charging operation. Never turn off the
printer while this light is flashing. Doing so can result in
incomplete charging of ink.
cleaning button. The printer moves the print
P
power light continues to flash while the printer
Note:
R
Even if you do not press the
moves the print head and begins the ink charging process about
60 seconds after you replace the ink cartridge.
10. When the ink charging procedure is finished, close the
printer cover.
11. Send data to resume printing.
5-6
Maintenance and Transportation
cleaning button, the printer
Cleaning the Printer
To keep your printer operating at its best, you should clean it
thoroughly several times a year.
1. Make sure the printer is turned off and all the control panel
lights are off. Then unplug the power cord.
2. Remove any paper from the sheet feeder.
3. Use a soft brush to carefully clean away all dust and dirt.
4. If the outer case or the inside of the sheet feeder is dirty, clean
it with a soft, clean cloth dampened with mild detergent.
Keep the printer cover closed to prevent water from getting
inside.
5. If the inside of the printer accidentally gets soiled with ink,
wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Warning:
Be careful not to touch the gears inside the printer.
w
5
c
Caution:
❑
Never use alcohols or thinners to clean the printer; these
chemicals can damage the components as well as the case.
❑
Be careful not to get water on the printer mechanism or
electronic components.
❑
Do not use a hard or abrasive brush.
❑
Do not spray the inside of the printer with lubricants;
unsuitable oils can damage the mechanism. Con tact your
dealer or a qualified servic e person if lubrication is needed.
Maintenance and Transportation
Maintenance
5-7
Transporting the Printer
If you need to transport your printer some distance, carefully
repack it using the original box and packing materials as
follows:
1. Open the printer cover and make sure that the print head is
in the home (far right) position. If not turn on the printer
and wait until the print head returns to the home position.
Turn off the printer and then close the printer cover.
Caution:
Leave the ink cartridges installed when you transport the
c
printer. Removing the cartridges during transport can
damage the printer.
2. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet; then
disconnect the interface cable from the printer.
3. Remove the paper from the sheet feeder and remove the
paper support.
4. Push in the output extension tray, and then raise the output
tray.
5. Attach the protective materials to the printer.
6. Repack the printer and power cord in the original box.
7. Keep the printer level during transport.
5-8
Maintenance and Transportation
Chapter 6
Troubleshooting
Diagnosing the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Error indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Status Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Printer operation check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Paper handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Printing quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16
Increasing the Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25
Aligning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
Ink Cartridge Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28
Contacting Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30
For United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland users . . 6-30
For Australian users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33
For Hong Kong and Singapore users . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-35
For Philippines users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-36
6
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
6-1
Diagnosing the Problem
Troubleshooting printer problems is best handled in two easy
steps: first diagnose the problem, then apply likely solutions
until the prob lem is fixed. The infor m ation that yo u need to
diagnose the most common problems is provided by the
printer’s control panel lights and by the EPSON Status Monitor
utility (Windows 95 only).
In addition, you can determine whether a problem lies with the
printer itself or with the computer by performing a printer
operation check (see page 6-4). In “Problems and Solutions”
later in this chapter you can find causes and solutions to
specific printer problems. Use the information presented in this
chapter to pinpoint the source of your problem, then apply the
recommended solutions until the problem is solved.
Error indicators
You can identify many common printer problems with the
lights on the control panel. If your printer stops working and
the lights are on or flashing, use the following table of panel
light patterns to diagnose the problem, then follow the
recommended co rrective meas ures.
6-2
Troubleshooting
Lights Problem and Solution
Paper Out
nS
fS
No paper is loaded in
the printer.
The paper is not
loade d corr ectly.
Paper Jam
Paper has jammed in
the printer.
oB
oI
Ink Low (black ink cartridge)
fB
nB
fI
nI
n
= on, o = off, f = flashing
The black ink cartridge
is nearly empty.
Ink Out (black ink cartridge)
The black ink cartridge
is empty.
Ink Low (color ink cartridge)
The color ink cartri dg e
is nearly empty.
Ink Out (color ink cartridge)
The color ink cartri dg e
is empty.
Load paper in the sheet feeder;
then press the
to turn this light of f. The printe r
resumes printing.
Remove and reload the paper.
See “Loading Paper” in Chapter 2.
Take all the paper out of the
feeder, and reload the paper. If
the light c on tinues to fl ash, turn off
the printer and gently pull all the
paper out of the pri n te r. If it tears
and pieces remain inside the
printer, open the pr i n te r co ver and
remove th e pieces of paper. Turn
on the pri nter and try ag ain.
Obtain a replacement black ink
cartridge (S 020093). See page 5-2
for detail s.
Replace the bl ack ink cartridge
with a new one (S 020093). See
page 5-2 fo r details.
Obtain a replacement color ink
cartridge (S 020089). See page 5-2
for detail s.
Replace the color ink cartridge
with a new one (S 020089). See
page 5-2 fo r details.
load/eje c t button
E
6
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
6-3
Lights Pr oblem and So lution
Carriage Error
fP
fS
Printer failed.
Press the P power button twice to
reset the printer. If the error is not
cleared, contact your dealer.
nH
nI
Unknown Printer Error
fP
An unknown prin te r
error has occurred.
Turn off the pr inter, an d c on t act
your dealer.
fS
fH
fI
= on, o = off, f = flashing
n
Status Monitor
If you are using Windows 95, you can check the printer’s
current status with the Status Monitor. See page 3-15.
Printer operation check
Performing a printer operation check can help you determine
whether the problem comes from the printer or the computer.
6-4
Troubleshooting
To perform a printer operation check, follow these steps:
1. Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off.
2. Unlock the wire clips on both sides of the interface connector
and remove the ground connector, if necessary. Then
disconnect the cable from the printer’s interface connector.
3. Make sure that paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
Caution:
Use paper at least 182 mm (7.17 inches) wide; for
c
example, B5 size paper loaded short edge first. Otherwise,
the print head will spray ink directly onto the platen
during the self test and smear any documents you print
afterwards.
E
4. Hold down the
button to turn on the printer. Then release both buttons.
load/eject button and press the P power
Troubleshooting
6
Troubleshooting
6-5
The printer prints an operation check page including the
version of your printer’s ROM, the ink counter code, the
current code page, and a nozzle check pattern. Here is a
typi c a l pr i n to u t :
The abov e sample is in black and whi te, but t he actual test prints
in color (CMYK).
5. Press the P power button to turn off the printer after it
finishes printing the operation check page.
6-6
If the operation check page results appear as shown in
❑
step 4, this means that the printer itself is all right and
that the problem probably lies in the printer software
settings, application settings, the interface cable (be
sure to use a shielded cable), or the computer itself.
If the operation check page does not print satisfactorily,
❑
for example, if any segment of the printed lines is
missing, there is a problem with the printer. This could
be a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head. See
“Problems and Solutions” below for possible causes
and solutions to the problem, or go directly to
“Cleaning the Print Head” on page 6-25.
Troubleshooting
Problems and Soluti ons
This section divides printer problems into five sections:
Power supply . . . . page 6-7
Operation . . . . . . . page 6-8
Paper handling . . . page 6-13
Printing quality . . . page 6-16
Go to the section that most likely contains the source of the
problem, and look for the description that matches the
problem. The causes and solutions are listed from the most
likely to the least likely, so try them in the order that they are
written until the problem is solved.
Power supply
The lights come on briefly but then go off and stay off.
Cause What to do
The prin ter’s vo l ta g e rating
does not match the voltage of
your electrical outlet.
Check the printer and outlet voltage
ratings. If the voltages do not match,
unplug the printer immediately and
contact your dealer.
w
Warning:
Do not reconnect the power cord to an
electrical outlet that does not have
matching vo lta ge.
Troubleshooting
6
Troubleshooting
6-7
The printer does not work and the control panel lights are off.
Cause What to do
The printer is turned off. Press the P power button.
The Ppower light will come on.
The power cord is not
properly plugged into the
electrical outlet.
The electrical outlet is
controlled by an outside
swit ch or autom a ti c ti mer.
The electrical outlet is out of
order.
Turn o f f the pr i nter, make su re the
power cord is firmly plugged into the
electrical outlet, and turn the printer
back on. If the lights don’t come on,
press the P power button again. If
they still don’t come on, contact your
dealer.
Use a different outlet.
Plug another electrical device into the
outlet to determine whether the outlet
is working. If it is not, use a different
outlet.
Operation
The P power light is on but nothing prints.
Cause What to do
The interface cable is not
plugged in securely.
Confirm that the cable is securely
fastened to the printer and the
computer. If the cable is connected
correctly, perform a printer operation
check as described on page 6-4.
Your interface cable does not
meet both the printer and
computer specifications.
6-8
Troubleshooting
Use an interface cable that meets bot h
printer and computer specifications.
See page 1-4.
Your software is not properly
set up for your printer.
Make sure that your printer is selected
in your software.
Install or reinstall the printer software
as describ e d i n Ch a p te r 2.
Nothing prints and several of the control panel lights are on or
flashing.
Cause What to do
Several common printer
errors have occurred at once.
Use the table in “Error indicators”
earlier in this chapter to determine
what combination of errors may have
occurred, and apply the recommended
solutions.
The printer sounds like it is printing, but nothing prints.
Cause What to do
The print head nozzles are
clogged.
One or both of the ink
cartri dges are older than six
months or beyond the date
on the packag i n g .
Clean the print head. See “Cleaning
the Print Head” later in this chapter. If
this does not work after a few trials,
please contact your dealer.
Try cleaning the print head. If that
does not solve the problem, replace
the ink cartridges as needed. If both
and A lights are off, see “Ink
Cartridge Problems” later in this
chapter.
6
B
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
6-9
The printer operation check page prints well, but nothing
prints f r om an app lication.
Cause What to do
Your printer is not selected in
your software.
The interface cable does not
meet both the printer and
computer requirements.
Your computer is not 100%
®
AT compatible.
IBM
Your computer system’s
memory is insufficient to
handle the vol um e of data in
your document.
Select your printer in the printer setup
section of your software.
Use a printer cable that meets the
requirements shown under “Interface
cables“ on page 1-4.
Select
Use Print Manager for this port
in the Queue Setup window. To access
this window, double-click the
Spool Manager4
folder and select
icon in the EPSON
from th e
Setup
EPSON
Queue menu.
Try reducing the image resolution of
your document in your image-editing
software.
Install more memory in your
computer if you can.
Select lower resolution or less colors
for your display setting as described
below.
6-10
Troubleshooting
For Windows 95, ch oose a lower
resolution setting as the Color Palette
setting. To access the Color Palette,
click
choose
double-click the
the
, poin t to
Start
Control Panel
Settings
tab. For detailed
Settings
. Then
Display
, and
icon and click
information on making this setting, see
your Windows 95 user’s guide.
For Windows 3.1, double-click the
Windows Setup
menu; then click
Change System Settings
choose a lower resolu t i on se tting for
your display from the Display pop-up
list. For detailed information on
making this setting, see your
Windows 3.1 u ser ’s gu ide.
If you have a display adapter setting
utility, use it to set lower resolution.
For detailed information, see your
display board user’s guide.
icon on the Ma i n
Options
Color documents print out in black and white.
Cause What to do
and choose
. Then
Your printer is not selected in
your software.
Color printing is not selected
in your application or in the
printer driver.
Select your printer in your software.
Select color printing in your
application and the printer driver. Try
to print again. If the image still comes
out in black and white, try printing
from another progr am. I f th is fixes the
proble m , co n tact the m a n u f acture r of
the application you had trouble with.
Troubleshooting
6-11
6
Troubleshooting
Printing starts too high or too low on the page.
Cause What to do
Margins are set incorrectly in
your application.
The size of the paper loaded
in the p ri n te r does n ot m atch
the paper size setting within
your application.
Check that the margins are set
correctly in your program. See
“Printable area” in Appendix B .
Load the correct size of paper, or
change the paper size settings within
your application to match the size of
the paper you are using.
Print speed is not what you expect.
Cause What to do
The image resolution and the
amount of color used i n the
document may be too hi gh.
Carefully considering your use of
color and resolution can help you
optimize your printing times. For
more details, see “Increasing the Print
Speed” later in this chapter.
Note:
High resolution printing and color
printing significantly increase the amount
of data to be pro ce ssed. Th ese tw o factors
have the greatest effect on print speed.
The print head moved to the ink cartridge repla cement
position unexpectedly.
Cause What to do
The R cleaning button was
pressed while the B or
light was flashing or on.
6-12
Troubleshooting
A
One or both of the ink cartridges is
low or out of ink. Repla ce t he ink
cartridges as d e sc r ibed in Ch apter 5.
The New Hardware Found screen appears even though the
printer software has already been installed.
Cause What to do
The error may occur in
Windows 95 s y st em.
Click
Do not install a driver
[Windows will not prompt you
again]
, then click OK.
Paper handling
Paper does not feed p rop erly fr om the s heet feeder.
Cause What to do
Too many sheets are loaded
in the sheet feeder.
The edge guides are not set
correctly.
Paper is jammed in the paper
path.
The paper is curled or folded. Use flat, undamaged paper.
Take the paper stack out of the feeder,
remove some sheets, an d reload the
stack. Load pap er on ly up to the arr ow
mark on the left edge guide.
Adjust the gu ides against the stac k of
paper. See “Loading Paper” in
Chapter 2.
Turn off the printer and gently pull all
of the paper out of the pri n ter . If it
tears and pieces remain inside the
printer, open the printer cover; then
remove any remaining pieces of paper.
6
The paper is old or creased. Use only new, smooth sheets of paper.
The paper’s size is not
compatible with the printer.
Use paper that meets the paper
requirements for this printer. See
“Paper” in Appendix B.
Troubleshooting
6-13
Troubleshooting
The printer loads mor e th an on e sh eet at a time.
Cause What to do
Too many sheets are loaded
in the sheet feeder.
The edge guides are not set
correctly.
The paper is too thin. Make sure the paper meets the paper
Take the paper stack out of the feeder,
remove some sheets, an d reload the
stack. Load pape r only u p to the arrow
mark on the left edge guide.
Adjust the gu i des again st the st ack of
paper. See “Loading Paper” in
Chapter 2.
requirements for this printer. See
“Paper” in Appendix B.
Ejected paper is wrinkled.
Cause What to do
The paper is too thin or damp. Do not store your paper in a damp or
humid environment. Store paper in its
original packaging.
Paper does not fully eject.
Cause What to do
The paper is too long. Press the E load/eject button to eject
the paper. Use paper that meets the
paper requirements for this printer.
See “Paper” in Appendix B.
6-14
Troubleshooting
Paper feed or paper jam pr oblem s occur frequently.
Cause What to do
Sheets of paper are stuck
together.
The edge guides are not set
correctly.
The paper is too thin or
rough.
Special media that should be
loaded one sheet at a time is
loaded more than one sheet
at a time.
Too many sheets are loaded
in the sheet feeder.
The printable side of the
paper is not correctly loaded.
Fan the stack of paper and straighten
it before loading.
Adjust the gu ides against the stac k of
paper.
Make sure the paper meets the paper
requirements for this printer. See
“Paper” in Appendix B.
Check the paper package to confirm
whether the type of media you ar e
using may be loaded more than one
sheet at a time.
Load paper only up to the arrow mark
on the left edge guide.
Try turning the stack of paper over in
the sheet feeder. Most packages of
paper indicate the printable side with
an arrow on the end of the package.
Make sure the printable side is loaded
face up.
Troubleshooting
6
Troubleshooting
6-15
Printing quality
The printed ima ge ha s gaps or fa int ar eas .
Cause What to do
The print head nozzles ar e
clogged.
The paper quality has been
reduc e d due t o a g e .
The printer driver settings
may not be corre ct.
Clean the print head. See “Cleaning
the Print Head” later in this chapter.
Use new paper.
Select
Automatic
driver’s Main menu and make sure the
Media Type setting is appropriate for
the type of paper loaded in the printer.
See page 3-12.
on the printer
The printed image is blurred.
Cause What to do
Your paper is moist or damp. Do not store your paper in a damp or
humid environment. Store the paper
in its original packaging.
The printer driver settings
may not be corre ct.
Select
Automatic
driver’s Main menu and make sure the
Media Type setting is appropriate for
the type of paper loaded in the printer.
on the printer
Printe d imag e is smear ed.
Cause What to do
The paper you loaded is too
thick.
Special paper was loaded
without the support sheet or
a regular sheet of paper
under it.
6-16
Troubleshooting
Open th e p ri n ter cove r and s e t th e
adjust lever to the “+ ” p osit ion .
Load the support sheet or a piece of
plain paper under the special paper.
Multiple sheets of EPSON
Photo Quality Glossy Film
are loaded.
Ink has leaked on the platen. Wipe the inside of the printer as
Load glossy film on e sh eet at a time
with the loading support sheet or a
piece of plain paper under the glossy
film.
If you need to load multiple sheets of
glossy film, load only up to 30 sheets
and set the top marg i n of the page to
30 mm or more.
shown below with a soft, cle a n cloth.
w
Warning:
Be careful not to to u ch the gears inside the
printer.
Troubleshooting
6-17
6
Troubleshooting
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