Epson Stylus problem

Katykat

I have Epson printer/scanner/copier, about 4-5 yrs old, Wireless. Last week it wouldn't print, I turned it off and the computer, when I turned them both back on again, it was fine. Today, however, after doing the same, it still wouldn't print. I went through Ll the troubleshooting advice and eventually, it told me to uninstall the printer, then reistall it. This was quite a big job as there were lots of additional programmes attached to the software. I put the original disc in, went through the installation process and at the end it was unsuccessful. The printer could not be recognised.The message said Windows may need updating, so I did this, still no luck. Then I got, Search for software update online but that just produced an error message. I'm stuck, now. I dont really want to buy a new, albeit updated printer, so is there anything else I can do?

santer_2

What is the model number of the printer and which version of Windows?

macman

Can you print a test page from the printer when disconnected from the PC? If yes, then there is no hardware issue. If no, then you do have a hardware issue, and with a five year old Epson it's simply not worth spending any money to try and fix it-just replace it (and preferably not with a Epson).
NB: you don't need to install all the software supplied on disk-most of it is just bloatware. All you need is the printer driver for your printer model and OS.
As above, model and OS are needed to assist further,

Katykat

Its Epson SX515W and I have Windows 7. Yes, I can print a test page, from the printer itself, just not print any documents from the PC

santer_2

Was the printer off when you installed the driver?

Katykat

Update. I downloaded an updated driver device and now the printer icon is showing in Devices and Printers but its showing as offline. Its strange because the scanner and copier are showing as separate icons ( previously it was all in one icon) and they are shoing as online ( it actually says "ready")

Susan1942

I am adding in a quest as I am looking to buy a new printer. Mine is a Epson SX415 and it will not print black. Despite buying new ink and going through all the the advice given I have decided not to spend any further money and just buy new.

Your comment about Epson concerns This printer is my 2nd and both Epson. I was looking at the Epson XS can't remember the exact no but it has not got good reviews in that it uses a lot of ink and also that it is difficult to set up and for it to work wireless.

I would want to spend anything up to about £80 or maybe a bit more depending.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Sue

Katykat

Gets a bit more weird. The above mentioned icons (scanner and copier) both had a different model number - EPSON83C88C. So I looked in Network and sharing centre and found a printer icon with the same model number. I clicked on that and tried to print and it worked.. I then made that printer my default and everything seems to be ok. Not tried the scanner or copier yet though. It must have happened when I downloaded the updated driver, it now shows up as a different model number. Dont understand it but as long as it works, it suits me.

santer_2

May as well leave things as they are if the scanner works.

Otherwise, right click the extra ones and click remove device, you should also be able to right click the default printer, click printer properties to re-name it.

macman

Printers with different model numbers often use the same drivers, so as long as they're of the same basic type from that manufacturer, they'll work.

macman

Susan1942 wrote: »

I am adding in a quest as I am looking to buy a new printer. Mine is a Epson SX415 and it will not print black. Despite buying new ink and going through all the the advice given I have decided not to spend any further money and just buy new.

Your comment about Epson concerns This printer is my 2nd and both Epson. I was looking at the Epson XS can't remember the exact no but it has not got good reviews in that it uses a lot of ink and also that it is difficult to set up and for it to work wireless.

I would want to spend anything up to about £80 or maybe a bit more depending.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Sue

It would help if you said what you want to do with your printer-what do you want to print, and in what volume? Do you want a printer or a multi-function device? But assuming an inkjet, I'd be looking at Canon.