Cannot install the Printer Driver

MAC

1. If it is your first driver installation, follow the instructions to install the driver on your Mac. If it is not your first driver installation, remove and reinstall the driver in your Mac.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. Download the latest version of the driver Mac.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Make sure that your Hard Disk is not full. You need 10 MB of free hard disk space to install your printer software.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.

4. Make sure that your printer is unplugged when you install the driver

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.

5. If you have installed too many printer drivers in one computer, you may not be able to install any more. Remove one or more printer drivers that you are not using, and try installing the SC 880 printer driver again.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

DOS, Windows 95/98/3.1, Windows NT 3.51/4.0

1. If it is your first driver installation, follow the instructions to install the driver on your PC. If it is not your first driver installation, remove and reinstall the driver in your PC. (If you are a DOS user, please contact your software vendor)

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

2. Make sure that your Hard Disk is not full.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Make sure that your printer is unplugged when you install the driver

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.

4. Check if the parallel port (Bios) is set to SPP/ Standard or Normal. For the setting method, refer to your PC manual.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.

5. If you have installed too many printer drivers in one computer, you may not be able to install any more. Remove one or more printer drivers that you are not using, and try installing the SC 880 printer driver again.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

6. If you cannot install or run the USB printer driver an a computer, make sure your compute is equipped with a USB cable or not upgraded from Windows 95 to Windows 98 or 2000. Make sure that your Computer is Windows 98 or Windows 2000 pre-installed model

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help require

Uninstalling / Reinstalling the Printer Driver

1. For Windows 95/98 users:

When you are reinstalling the printer driver after deleting it, installing a printer driver for a second port, or installing the driver using plug and play, make sure to do the following:

Check all print jobs have finished printing before you begin installation. Close all applications. Select “Replace existing driver” if prompted by the installation program.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Windows NT user, go to Checkpoint 2.

Windows 2000 user, go to Checkpoint 3

2. For Windows NT4.0 users:

When you are reinstalling the printer driver or installing a printer driver for a second port, make sure to do the following:

Check all print jobs have finished printing before you begin installation.

Close all applications. Run the “Epson Printer Utility Uninstall” program by the following steps:

           Click on “Start”.

           Click on “Settings”.

           Select “Control Panel”.

           Double click the “Add/Remove Programs” icon.

           Select the “Epson Printer Software” from the list and click “Add/Remove”.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

3. For Windows 2000 users:

When you are reinstalling the printer driver or installing a printer driver for a second port, make sure to do the following:

Check all print jobs have finished printing before you begin installation.

Close all applications. Run the “Epson Printer Utility Uninstall” program by the following steps:

           Click on “Start”.

            Click on “Settings”.

           Select “Control Panel”.

           Double click the “Add/Remove Programs” icon.

           Select the “Epson Printer Software” from the list and click “Change/Remove”.

Note: If you are unable to close the “Add/Remove Programs” window by clicking “Close”, click the Close [X] button at the upper right corner of the window. This problem does not affect the printer driver uninstallation.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Cannot Monitor a Shared Printer

1. Make sure that the printer driver is installed on the computer that is hosting the Windows shared printer, that it is set to be shared, and “Allow monitoring of shared printers” is selected in the “Monitoring Preferences” of the printer driver.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

Windows NT4.0 user, go to Checkpoint 4

Windows 2000 user, go to Checkpoint 5

2. If you are using Windows95/98, open the “Network” icon in the control panel on the computer that is sharing the printer, and check that File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks component is installed.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Open the “Network” icon in the control panel on the computer that is sharing the printer, check that IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol is NOT installed on either the client or server computers.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

4. Before you try the following, refer to your administrator for help.

When using a Windows NT4.0 shared printer in a non-updated Windows NT environment, if you check “Allow monitoring of shared printer”, and then start Epson Status Monitor 3, the Application Error Notice Window appears and you cannot monitor NetWare shared printers. To avoid this problem, make sure you have installed Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 2 or later.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.

5. Before you try the following, refer to your administrator for help.

When using a Windows NT4.0/2000 shared printer, if you check “Allow monitoring of shared printer”, and then start Epson Status Monitor 3, you cannot monitor a NetWare shared printer. To avoid this problem, open “Services” from the control panel, stop the Epson Printer Status Agent service, and start Epson Status Monitor 3. After Epson Status Monitor 3 has started, restart the printer status service. You must do this each time you log into Windows NT/2000.

When connecting a Windows NT4.0/2000 shared printer on the server, be sure to do the following to all client PCs:

1. Clear the “Allow monitoring of shared printer” checkbox in the driver’s Monitoring Preferences window.

2. Stop Epson Net Web Manager. Note: You need Administrator’s privileges to change these settings.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Paper Light Is On

1. Load paper in the sheet feeder, then press the load / eject button. The printer resumes printing and the light goes out.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required

Paper Light Is Blinking

1. Press the load / eject button to eject the jammed paper. If the error does not clear, open the printer cover and remove all of the paper inside, including any torn pieces. Then, reload the paper in the sheet feeder and press load / eject button to resume printing.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Black Ink Light Is On

1. Obtain a replacement black ink cartridge (T019).

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Black Ink Light Is Blinking

1. Replace the black ink cartridge with a new one (T019).

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Color Ink Light Is On

1. Obtain a replacement color ink cartridge (T020).

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Color Ink Light Is Blinking

1. Replace the color ink cartridge with a new one (T020).

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Power and Paper Lights are Blinking, Black Ink and Color Ink Lights Are On

1. Turn off the printer. Open the printer cover and remove any paper from the paper path by hand. Then, turn the printer back on.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. Turn off the printer, then turn it on again. The ink lights come on and the printhead moves to the left. Replace the ink cartridge with a new one.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

All Lights Are Blinking

1. Turn off the printer and contact your dealer.

Communication Error

(Illustration)

1. Make sure that the printer is powered on. Does it solve the problem? Can not power on the printer: Go to the “No power to printer section”

Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 2.

2. Turn your printer and computer off and make sure that the interface cable is securely plugged in both your printer and your computer.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 3.

3. Clear any stalled print job from spool manager.

After you send a print job, an Epson Stylus COLOR 880 button appears on the taskbar. Click this button to open the Epson Spool Manager, where you can view print status information about the print jobs that have been sent to the printer. Select all print jobs and click on cancel to erase them.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 4.

4. Make sure that you have installed the correct driver for your printer.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

General Error

(Illustration)

  1. Delete all print jobs and turn the printer off. Remove any foreign objects from inside the printer. After a few minutes, turn the printer back on.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Contact your dealer.

Incorrectly installed cartridge

(llustration)

1. Check that the ink cartridges are installed correctly. For more information, see your manual.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Different Device From Specified

(Illustration)

1. You are attempting to connect a different device from that specified in the driver. Stop and check the driver and the device.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Paper Jam

(Illustration)

1. Remove the stack of loaded paper Press the Load / Eject button. Remove any remaining jammed paper by hand. Reload the stack of paper.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to paper Jamming issues section.

Paper not loaded correctly / Out of paper

(Illustration)

1. Reload the paper and press the load / Eject button.

Does It solve the problem? Yes: Solved No: Go to paper feeding issues section.

Black and/or color ink out

(Illustration)

1. Replace the empty ink cartridge(s) indicated below.   Click how to for instructions.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

"Insufficient memory to print. Please consult the 'ReadMe' file for more information."

1. There is insufficient memory for printing. To resolve this problem try the following:

     Expand the installed Memory.

     Expand the size of the Virtual Memory.

     Please refer to the PC manual for this method.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required

"Insufficient disk space to print. Please consult the 'ReadMe' file for more information."

1. There is insufficient free hard disk space to carry out the print job. To resolve this problem, try expanding the amount of free space on your Hard Disk.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

"A Fatal Error has occurred. Unable to print. Please consult the 'ReadMe' file for more information."

1. The printer driver is not installed correctly. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver. Does this solve the problem?

Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

1. If you have installed the ink cartridge recently or have printed less than 100 pages, repeat the install cartridge procedure work. (Note: The ink cartridge life is based on 5% coverage at 360dpi. If you have been printing at 1440dpi over an entire page, the cartridge life will drop proportionally.)

Perform the following procedure:

Press the cleaning button until the print head has moved to the change cartridge position

Lift the lid that holds the cartridge (do NOT remove cartridge) and press down immediately. Then press the cleaning button and allow the cartridge to charge the print head. Do NOT switch the printer off until the printer has finished charging.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. If you have printed between 100 and 300 pages, and it is your first ink cartridge, or it has been installed for at least 6 months, replace the ink cartridge.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. If you have printed between more than 300 pages, and it is your first ink cartridge, or it has been installed for at least 6 months, replace the ink cartridge.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

1. Make sure that the power cord is firmly plugged into the electrical outlet and turn the printer back on.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2

2. Use a different socket.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Your printer needs repair.

Paper is Jammed inside the printer

1. If the paper is jammed in the paper path, take all the paper out of the sheet feeder and press the load/eject button (the center one of the control panel). The jammed paper should be ejected.

Then reload the paper making sure of the following:

• The paper is smooth, not curled or wrinkled
• The paper is of high quality, loaded with the printable side up.
• The paper stack was fanned before loading.
• The paper is not loaded above the arrow on the left edge guide.
• The left edge guide is adjusted to fit your paper.

Does it solve the problem?   Yes: Solved.  No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. If the paper out light continues flashing, turn the printer off, open the printer cover and gently pull out any paper that may be jammed in the paper path or inside the printer, including any small pieces that may have torn off.

Note: If you cannot remove the foreign object easily by yourself, do not use force or do not try to disassemble the printer. Call your dealer for assistance.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Does this problem often happen?

Yes: Go to Paper Not feeding correctly. No: Solved.

Paper Not Feeding Correctly

1. Pay attention to the following when loading the paper:

• Use smooth high-quality paper loaded printable side up.
• Make sure paper is not curled or wrinkled.
• Lower the output tray at the front of the printer and slide out the extension
• Slide the left edge guide to the left as far as it will go. if you load long paper ( legal size etc) pull up the paper support extension
• Fan a stack of paper; then tap it on a flat surface to even the edges
• 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. Always load paper into the sheet feeder short edge first. Load envelopes flap edge first with the flap side down. load pre-printed forms or letterhead top edge first … Slide the left edge guide against the left edge of the paper.
• Make sure the paper stack fits under both the edge guide tab and arrow mark.
• Ensure the paper is straight in the printer.

Note: Store any unused paper in its original packaging in a dry area

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. Before loading the stack of paper, try fanning the paper. Pick up and use your thumb to flick through the paper. This should separate any pieces of paper which maybe stuck together.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Make sure to load the paper within the loading capacity.

Plain paper:

Up to the arrow mark on the left edge guide.

Envelopes:

Up to 10 Envelopes.

360 dpi Ink Jet Paper and Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper:

Up to the arrow mark on the left edge guide.

Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards, Ink Jet Note Cards, and Ink Jet Greeting Cards:

Up to 30 cards.

Always place the included support sheet* under the cards

Photo Quality Glossy Film:

One sheet at a time or a maximum of 20 sheets.

When loading multiple sheets, set the minimum top margin of the page to 30 mm. Always put a support sheet* or a sheet of plain paper under the glossy film.

Ink Jet Transparencies:

Up to 30 transparencies. Always put a sheet of plain paper under the stack of transparencies.

Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets:

One sheet at a time.

Photo Paper:

Up to 20 sheets.

For 200 x 300 mm Photo Paper, you can only load one sheet at a time.

Always put a support sheet* under the stack of Photo Paper.

Premium Glossy Photo Paper:

One sheet at a time.

Photo Stickers 16 and Photo Stickers:

4 One sheet at a time. Always put the included support sheets* A and B under the stack of Photo Stickers.

Panoramic Photo Paper and Iron-On Cool Peel Transfer Paper:

One sheet at a time.

Matte Paper-Heavyweight:

Up to 20 sheets.

Always put a support sheet* under the stack of Matte Paper-Heavyweight.

* Do not print on support sheets that are loaded under special media.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 4

4. Make sure there is nothing stuck inside the printer.

If there is a piece of paper or other debris in the printer, clear the pathways. Note: If you cannot remove the foreign object easily by yourself, do not use force or do not try to disassemble the printer. Call your dealer for assistance.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.

5. If you are printing on special media. Make sure the printable side of the paper is facing 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 type of media have cut corners to help identify the correct loading direction.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 6.

6. Is the paper within the specification?

The paper specifications for Stylus Color 880 are as follows:

Single sheets: Size

     A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)

     A5 (148 mm x 210 mm)

     B5 (182 mm x 257 mm)

     Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)

     Half letter (139.7 mm x 215.9 mm)

     Statement (139.7 mm x 215.9 mm)

     Legal (216 mm x 356 mm)

     Executive (184.2 mm x 266.7 mm)

  Paper types Plain Paper bond paper, special papers distributed by Epson

  Envelopes: Size

     No. 10 (104.8 mm x 241 mm)

      DL (110 mm x 220 mm)

     C6 (114 mm x 162 mm) 132 mm x 220 mm

  Paper types Plain Paper bond paper, air mail Index Cards: Size

     A6 (105 mm x 148 mm)

     5 x 8" (127 mm x 203 mm)

     8 x 10" (203 mm x 254 mm)

  Paper types Special papers distributed by Epson

  Transparencies, Glossy Film: Size

     A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)

     Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)

     A6 (105 mm x 148 mm) [for glossy film]

  Paper types Special papers distributed by Epson

  Self Adhesive Sheets: Size

     A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)

  Paper types Special paper distributed by Epson

  Matte Paper-Heavyweight: Size

     A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)

     Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)

  Paper types Special papers distributed by Epson

  Premium Glossy Photo Paper: Size

     A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)

     Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)

  Paper types Special papers distributed by Epson

  Photo Paper: Size

     A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)

     Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)

     100 mm x 150 mm

     4 x 6”

     (101.6 mm x 152.4 mm)

     200 mm x 300 mm

     113.6 mm x 175.4 mm

  Paper types Special papers distributed by Epson

  Photo Stickers: Size

     A6 (105 mm x 148 mm) with 4 or 16 frames

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

No Feeding At All

1. Make sure that the black / color ink is not out. Check if the ink light are on on the printer control panel. If it is the case, replace the appropriate cartridge.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 2.

2. Do you get any respond from the printer when you send the print job? (Is the printer trying to feed the paper? Can you hear any noise from the printer?)

Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to Printer does not print section.

3. Remove the stack of paper and make sure of the following:

     The paper is not curled or creased.

     The paper is not too old. See the instructions that came with the paper for more information.

     The paper is not loaded above the arrow on the left edge guide.

     Paper is not jammed inside the printer. If it is, remove the jammed paper.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.

4. Load the paper again. Make sure that you follow any special loading instructions that came with your paper.

See also the paper handling section in your online guide.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Printer does not print section.

Multiple Pages Feed

1. Fan the paper. Pick up and use your thumb to flick through the paper. This should separate any pieces of paper that may be stuck together.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: solved. No: Go to checkpoint 2.

2. Make sure that the paper is not too thin too heavy or curled

  Thickness:

     For plain bond paper: 0.08 to 0.11 mm (0.003 to 0.004 inch)

     For Envelopes: 0.16 mm to 0.52 mm (0.006 to 0.02 inch)

  Weight:

     For plain bond paper: 64 g/m2 (17 lb) to 90 g/m2 (24 lb)

     For envelopes: 45 g/m2 (12 lb) to 75 g/m2 (20 lb)

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. If too many copies of a document are being printed, check the Copies setting in both the printer driver and in your application.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Paper Does Not Eject Fully / Paper ejected Wrinkled

1. If the paper doesn¹t eject fully, you may have set the wrong paper size. Press the load/eject button to eject paper. Then select the correct paper size in your application or in your printer software (this size has to match the size of the paper loaded in your printer). If pressing the load/eject button does not work, open the printer cover and gently remove the paper

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. If the paper is wrinkled when it comes out, it may be damp or too thin. Try to load a new stack. Note: Store any unused paper in its original packaging in a dry area.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Paper Doesn't Feed Correctly When Double-sided Printing

1. If multiple pages feed when using the double-sided printing feature, remove the blank paper from the stack. Fan the edges of the stack to separate the sheets. Make sure that the paper is not wrinkled or creased, then reload it properly to ensure that no pages are skipped and that the document is printed correctly.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. If a number of print jobs have been sent to the printer, check the page settings in your application and confirm that the paper is loaded properly to ensure that no pages are skipped and that the document is printed correctly.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

If you are having print quality problems, first perform a Test Printing of this page. Then, compare your test printing with Illustration 1 and Illustration 2, and choose the illustration that best resembles your printout.

To print a test page:

1. Click Print on the File menu of the browser you are currently using.
2. Make sure that your printer is selected as the default printer, and click OK or Print.

Blurry or Smeared Printout

(Illustration)

1. Make sure that your paper is dry and that the printable side is facing up. Also, make sure that you are using an acceptable paper type.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. Select Automatic as the Mode setting on your printer driver's Main menu (Windows) or in the Print dialog box (Macintosh).

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. If the paper is curled toward the printable side, flatten it or curl it slightly toward the opposite side.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.

4. Set the adjust lever to the “+” position, and make sure that the MediaType setting in your printer driver is correct.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.

5. Remove each sheet from the output tray as it is printed, especially if you are using transparencies.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 6.

6. If you are printing on glossy media or transparencies, place a support sheet (or a sheet of plain paper) beneath the stack. Or, load one sheet at a time.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 7.

7. Run the Print Head Alignment utility. To run the Print Head Alignment utility, follow the instructions below.

For Windows Users:

1. Make sure that your printer is ON and both black and color ink out light are off.
2. Access the printer software.
3. Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions
5. When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

For Macintosh Users:

1. Make sure that the printer is on, and the black and color ink lights are off.
2. Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
3. Follow the on-screen instructions
4. When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to rest the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 8.

8. Run the Print Head Alignment utility.

To run the Print Head Alignment utility, follow the instructions below.

For Windows Users:

1. Make sure that A4 or Letter size plain paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
2. Access the printer software
3. Click the Utility tab, then click the Print Head Alignment button
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and align the print head

For Macintosh Users:

1. Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder
2. Click the Utility icon button, then click the Print Head Alignment button
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to align the print head.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 9.

9. Ink may have leaked inside the printer; wipe the inside of the printer with a soft, clean cloth.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 10.

10. Clear the carriage return area by feeding blank pages through several times using the load/eject button. The amount of ink should decrease after several pages.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Horizontal Banding

(Illustration 1 and Illustration 2) 

1. Make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the sheet feeder.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.

For Windows users:

1. Make sure that your printer is ON and both black and color ink out light are off.
2. Access the printer software.
3. Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions
5. When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

For Macintosh users:

1. Make sure that the printer is on, and the black and color ink lights are off.
2. Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
3. Follow the on-screen instructions
4. When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. To run the Print Head Alignment utility, follow the instructions below.

For Windows Users:

1. Make sure that A4 or Letter size plain paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
2. Access the printer software
3. Click the Utility tab, then click the Print Head Alignment button
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and align the print head

For Macintosh Users:

1. Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder
2. Click the Utility icon button, then click the Print Head Alignment button
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to align the print head.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.

4. Select Automatic as the Mode setting on your printer driver’s Main menu (Windows) or in the Print dialog box (Macintosh).

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.

5. Check the black and color ink out lights. If a light is flashing, replace the appropriate ink cartridge.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 6

6. Make sure that Maximum is not selected as the Printable Area setting in your printer driver. When this setting is selected, banding may occur in the expanded area.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 7.

7. Make sure that the Media Type selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of media that is loaded in the printer.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Vertical Misalignment or Banding

(Illustration 1 and Illustration 2)                  

1. Make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the sheet feeder.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. Run the Print Head Alignment utility. To run the Print Head Alignment utility, follow the instructions below.

For Windows Users:

1. Make sure that A4 or Letter size plain paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
2. Access the printer software
3. Click the Utility tab, then click the Print Head Alignment button
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and align the print head

For Macintosh Users:

1. Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder
2. Click the Utility icon button, then click the Print Head Alignment button
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to align the print head.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Clear the High Speed check box in your printer driver. For instructions, see Using the Advanced settings for Windows.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.

4. Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.

For Windows users:

1. Make sure that your printer is ON and both black and color ink out light are off.
2. Access the printer software.
3. Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions
5. When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

For Macintosh users:

1. Make sure that the printer is on, and the black and color ink lights are off.
2. Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
3. Follow the on-screen instructions
4. When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need To repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to Checkpoint 5.

5. Make sure that the Media Type setting selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of media that is loaded in the printer.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required

Color Gap

(Illustration)

1. Make sure that your paper is not damaged, dirty, or too old. Also, make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the sheet feeder.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.

For Windows users:

1. Make sure that your printer is ON and both black and color ink out light are off.
2. Access the printer software.
3. Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions
5. When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

For Macintosh users:

1. Make sure that the printer is on and both black and color ink out light are off.
2. Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
3. Follow the on-screen instructions
4. When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need To repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Check the black and color ink out lights. If one of the lights is flashing, replace the appropriate ink cartridge.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.

4. Adjust the color settings in your application or your printer driver.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.

5. Select Automatic as the Mode setting on your printer driver’s Main menu (Windows) or in the Print dialog box (Macintosh).

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 6.

6. Make sure that the Media Type setting selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of media that is loaded in the printer.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Incorrect / Missing Colors

(Illustration)

1. Change the Ink setting in your printer driver to Color.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. Adjust the color settings in your application or your printer driver.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Run the Head Cleaning utility. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.

For Windows users:

1. Make sure that your printer is ON and both black and color ink outlight are off.
2. Access the printer software.
3. Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions
5. When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

For Macintosh users:

1. Make sure that the printer is on, and both black and color ink out light are off.
2. Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
3. Follow the on-screen instructions
4. When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need To repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.

4. If colors are still incorrect or are missing, replace the color ink cartridge. If the problem persists, replace the black ink cartridge.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Printer does not print at all

1. Have you installed the printer driver?

Yes: Go to Checkpoint 2. No: Install the driver following the supplied procedure.

2. Make sure that you have selected the appropriate printer in the Chooser.

1. Select the Chooser from the Apple menu. Then click your printer’s icon and the port that your printer is connected to.
2. Select the appropriate Background Printing radio button to turn background printing on or off. When background printing is on, you can use your Macintosh while it is preparing a document for printing. In order to use the Epson Monitor 3 utility to manage print jobs, background printing must be turned on.
3. Close the Chooser.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Is there any error message displayed on the screen or error light is flashing or on?

Access Epson StatusMonitor following the steps below to check the current printer status.

1. Click Print or Page Setup on the File menu of your application. The Print dialog box appears.
2. Click the StatusMonitor icon button. Or, click the Utility icon button, then click the Epson StatusMonitor button in the Utility dialog box that appears. The StatusMonitor dialog box opens.

Yes: Link to "Error Message or Lights" category. No: Go to Checkpoint 4

4. Print the operation check page. To print a printer operation check page,

1. Make sure that both the printer and computer are turned off.
2. Disconnect the cable from the printer's interface connector.
3. Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
4. Hold down the load/eject button and press the power button to turn on the printer. Then release both buttons.
5. The printer prints an operation check page which includes the version of your printer's ROM, the ink counter code, and a nozzle check pattern.

Compare the quality of the printed check page with the sample below. If there are no print quality problems, the printer itself is all right and the problem probably lies in the printer software settings or the application settings, or with the interface cable or the computer itself.

If the check page does not print satisfactorily, there is a problem with the printer. For example, if any segment of the problem could be a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head. In such cases, run the Head Cleaning or the Print Head Alignment utility. To access the utility, click the Utility icon button in the Print or Page Setup dialog box, then click the button for the utility that you want to use.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to Checkpoint 5.

5. How are you connected?

USB: Go to Checkpoint 6. Network: Contact your Network Administrator.

6. If you are using iMac with Mac OS 8.1, make sure that you have updated your OS to 8.5 or later and run iMac Update. Refer to http://www.apple.com/ for further update information.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 7.

7. Clear any stalled print jobs from the queue.

Select Epson Monitor3 from the Application menu at the right end of the menu bar, or open Epson Monitor3 by double-clicking the Epson Monitor3 icon in the Extensions folder.

In the Epson Monitor3 dialog box, select the Delete button.

Note: Make sure to turn on Background Printing in the Chooser or in the Background Printing dialog box to use Epson Monitor3.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 8 .

8. Make sure that your Hard Disk is not full. To print, you need extra hard disk space amounting to about twice the size of the file you want to print.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Win 3.1, 95, 98, 2000, NT4.0

1. Have you installed the printer driver?

Yes: Go to Checkpoint 2. No: Install the driver following the supplied procedure.

2. Make sure that you have selected Stylus COLOR 880 as the printer you wish to use.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. Is there any error message displayed on the screen or error light is flashing or on?

For Windows 98, 95, 2000, and NT 4.0, check the current printer status using Epson Status Monitor 3.

To access the Status Monitor3,

1. Click Start, point to Settings, then click Printers.
2. For Windows 98 and 95, select your printer, then click Properties on the File menu. For Windows 2000, select your printer, then click Printing Preferences on the File menu. For Windows NT 4.0, select your printer, then click Document Defaults on the File menu. The printer driver opens.
3. Click the Utility tab in the printer driver, then click the icon button for the utility that you wish to use.

Yes: Link to "Error Message or Lights" category

No: Go to Checkpoint 6 / Win 3.1 Go to Checkpoint 4

4. Make sure of the following:

Printer is on.

Turn off the printer and make sure that the power cord is securely plugged in.

Your outlet works and it is not controlled by a wall switch or a timer.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.

5. Check if the cable is securely plugged in. Make sure that you use the right cable for your printer.

Shielded Parallel Interface Cable from D-SUB 25-pin (computer) to 36-pin Amphenol 57 Series (printer)

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 6.

6. Print the operation check page. To print a printer operation check page,

1. Make sure that both the printer and computer are turned off.
2. Disconnect the cable from the printer's interface connector.
3. Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
4. Hold down the maintenance button and press the power button to turn on the printer. Release only the power button first. When the nozzle check starts, release the maintenance button.
5. The printer prints an operation check page which includes the version of your printer’s ROM, the ink counter code, and a nozzle check pattern.

Compare the quality of the printed check page with the sample below. If there are no print quality problems, the printer itself is all right and the problem probably lies in the printer software settings or the application settings, or with the interface cable or the computer itself.

If the check page does not print satisfactorily, there is a problem with the printer. For example, if any segment of the problem could be a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head.

In such cases, run the Head Cleaning or the Print Head Alignment utility.

To use the utility,

1. From the File menu, click Print or Print Setup.
2. In the dialog box that appears, click Printer, Setup, Options, or Properties. (Depending on your application, you may need to click a combination of these buttons.)
3. Click the Utility tab in the printer driver, then click the icon button for the utility that you wish to use.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to Checkpoint 7.

7. How are you connected?

Parallel Port: Go to Checkpoint 8. USB: Go to Checkpoint 13.  Network: Contact your Network Administrator

8. Make sure that there is no scanner or other device connected between your PC and the printer. If there is, these devices can cause problems.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 9.

9. Clear any stalled print jobs from the Spool Manager.

After you send a print job, an Epson Stylus COLOR 680 button appears on the taskbar. Click this button to open the Epson Spool Manager, where you can view print status information about the print jobs that have been sent to the printer. You can also cancel, pause and resume, or restart a print job by selecting it in the list and clicking the appropriate button.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 10.

10. If you are using Windows 2000 or NT4.0, try to uninstall the Epson Printer Port.

Click Start, point to Programs and Epson Printers, then click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 11.

11. Make sure that your Hard Disk is not full. To check the free space of your Hard Disk,

For Windows 95, 98, 2000 and NT users

1. Double Click on My Computer.
2. Click on C Drive (or the drive where your OS is located).
3. Click on File menu and Properties. 4. You can see in the screen the free space of your Hard Disk.

For Windows 3.1 users:

1. Double Click on Main.
2. Double Click on File Manager.
3. Click on C Driver (or the drive where your OS is located).
4. On the bottom of the screen you can see the free space in the Hard Disk.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 12.

12. Try reinstalling the printer driver.

Does this solve the problem?

Give instructions for reinstallation (Setup Guide).

Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

13. Make sure that computer is a Windows 98 or Windows 2000 pre-installed model. You may not be able to install or run the USB Printer Driver on a computer which is not equipped with a USB port or which is upgraded from Windows 95 to Windows 98 or 2000.

For details about your computer, contact your dealer.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 14.

14. Is the Epson USB Printer Devices shown in the Device Manager menu?

If you cancelled the plug-and-play driver installation before the procedure was completed, either the USB device driver or the printer driver may be installed incorrectly. Follow the steps below to check the installation.

1. Turn the printer on. Plug the USB cable into the printer and the computer.
2. Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop, then click Properties in the shortcut menu that appears.
3. Click the Device Manager tab. If your drivers are correctly installed, Epson USB Printer Devices should appear in the Device Manager menu.

Yes: Further help required.  No: Go to Checkpoint 15.

15. If Epson USB Printer Device does not appear in the Device Manager menu, click the plus (+) sign beside Other Devices to view the installed devices.

If USB Printer appears under Other Devices, the USB printer device driver is not installed correctly. If Epson Stylus COLOR 680 appears, the printer driver is not installed correctly.

Follow the steps below to remove the device.

1. Under Other Devices, select USB Printer or Epson Stylus COLOR 680, then click Remove. Then click OK.
2. When the Confirm Device Removal dialog box appears, click OK. Then click OK again to close the Properties window.
3. Turn off both the printer and the PC. Then install the drives again, following the instructions in the Setup Guide.

If neither USB Printer nor Epson Stylus COLOR 680 appears under Other Devices, click Refresh or unplug the USB cable from the printer, then plug it into the printer again.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Printer sounds as though it is printing, but nothing prints

1. Run the Head Cleaning Utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.

For Windows users:

1. Make sure that your printer is ON and both black and color ink out light are off.
2. Access the printer software.
3. Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions
5. When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle.  If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

For Macintosh users:

1. Make sure that the printer is on, and the black and color ink lights are off.
2. Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
3. Follow the on-screen instructions
4. When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to rest the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean.  If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2

2. Make sure that you installed a new ink cartridge the last time you replace the cartridge. Once you remove an installed ink cartridge from a printer, it becomes unusable and cannot be reinstalled even if ink remains. If you removed and reinstalled the same ink cartridge, install a new one.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

When printer is connected via parallel port, printer does not respond to a print job. It keeps loading / ejecting the paper or printing garbage. What’s wrong?

Please perform the followings:

1. Check whether the parallel cable used is a Bi-directional parallel cable. If the cable is not a Bi-directional parallel cable, please get one.
2. Check your PC system CMOS / BIOS setting or parallel mode or LPT port. Please set to either ECP or Bi-directional mode.
3. Check whether your PC has Anti-Virus software called "PC-Cillin". If yes, please uninstall the software and then send to print again. You may have to uninstall the PC-Cillin software under Safe Mode setting in your PC. It means that when the PC boots up, you press F8 to go to Safe Mode setting and then go to "Add/Remove Programs" in Control Panel to remove the software.

Wrong Layout

1. Which best describes your layout issue?

Printing off side of paper: Go to checkpoint 2.

Printing to far down paper / Top margin too big: Go to checkpoint 4.

2. Make sure that the Media size setting in your printer driver is correct. On the Paper menu, select the Media size setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 3.

3. Power off the printer and push the printhead as far right as it will go. Then power on.

WARNING: Please, ensure that the printer is completely powered off before moving the printhead. Do not force the printhead if it becomes stuck. This process resets the printer and clears any information left in the printer¹s buffer.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

4. Perform a nozzle check page.

     Turn off your printer.

     Hold down the load/eject button and press the power button to turn on the printer. Then release the buttons.

Does this pattern appear in the top left-hand corner?

Yes: Go to step 5. No: Go to checkpoint 9.

5. Does verifying the paper margins solve the solution?

Single sheets (including panoramic size) and index cards

Envelopes

A: The minimum top margin is 3.0 mm (0.12"). When loading multiple sheets of Epson Photo Quality Glossy Film, the minimum top margin is 30.0 mm (1.2").

B-L: The minimum left margin is 3.0 mm (0.12").

B-R: The minimum right margin is 3.0 mm (0.12").

C: The minimum bottom margin is 14.0 mm (0.55"). When printing near the minimum bottom margin, some colors may not be printed properly. If this occurs, try increasing the bottom margin.

You can decrease the minimum bottom margin to 3 mm by selecting Maximum as the Printable Area setting on the printer driver’s Paper menu (Windows) or in the Page Setup dialog box (Macintosh). However, print quality may decline in the expanded area. Before printing large jobs using this setting, print a single sheet to confirm printout quality.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

6. Check the paper size settings in the Paper menu (windows) or in the Page Setup dialog box (Macintosh). Make sure the settings are appropriate for the paper size you are using.

Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

7. Check whether your document has headers and footers. Try to remove them. (Functions of software to allow footnotes and headers.)

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to checkpoint 8.

8. Does the layout issues occur with other software?

Yes: Further help required.  No: Contact Software vendor.

9. Power off the printer and push the printhead as far right as it will go. Then power on.

WARNING: Please, ensure the printer is completely powered off before moving the printhead. Do not force the printhead if it becomes stuck. This process resets the printer and clears any information left in the printer¹s buffer

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Unrecognized Characters

Win 3.1, 95, 98, 2000

1. Are you printing a PostScript file? Does the saved file end in .ps?

Yes: You need a RIP to print a PostScript file and this printer doesn¹t support a RIP

No: Go to checkpoint 2

2. Make sure that there is no scanner or other device connected between your PC and the printer. If there is, these devices can cause problems.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 3

3. Select your printer as default printer in Windows Click on the Start menu, Point settings, and click on printers. Then right-click on the Epson Stylus Color 880 printer and click on "Select as default printer.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 4

4. If there are any print jobs in Spool Manager, make sure to erase them. Then turn the printer off and on.

After you send a print job, an Epson Stylus COLOR 880 button appears on the taskbar. Click this button to open the Epson Spool Manager, where you can view print status information about the print jobs that have been sent to the printer. Select all print jobs and click on cancel to erase them.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5

5. Switch the printer off. Make sure that the printer's interface cable is securely plugged in. Switch the printer back on.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 6.

6. Are you using the latest version of the printer? Enter the name of the latest versions of the driver for Windows 3.1, 95, 98 and 2000.

Yes: Go to checkpoint 8. No: Go to checkpoint 7.

7. Download the latest version of the printer from the download section of this Internet Page Enter the name of the latest versions of the driver for Windows 3.1, 95, 98 and 2000. Uninstall the former driver and install the newest one.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 9.

8. Try to uninstall and reinstall the driver.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 9.

9. Does the cable work with another printer?

Yes: Go to checkpoint 10.  No / No other printer available: Go to step 11.

10. Make sure to use the correct cable. Parallel Interface Cable (shielded) from D-SUB 25-pin (computer) to 36-pin Amphenol 57 Series (printer). USB Interface Cable (shielded) from Series A 4-pin (computer) to Series B 4-pin (printer). Depending on your geographic location, one or both of these cables may not be supplied.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Win NT4.0

1. Are you printing a PostScript file? Does the saved file end in .ps?

Yes: You need a RIP to print a PostScript file and this printer doesn’t support a RIP

No: Go to checkpoint 2

2. Make sure that there is no scanner or other device connected between your PC and the printer. If there is, these devices can cause problems.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 3.

3. Select your printer as default printer in Windows Click on the Start menu, Point settings, and click on printers. Then right click on the Epson Stylus Color 880 printer and click on "Select as default printer.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 4.

4. Switch the printer off. Make sure that the printer’s interface cable is securely plugged in. Switch the printer back on.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5

5. Try to uninstall the Epson Printer Port. Click Start and point to Programs, then point to Epson Printers and click Epson Printer Port Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 6

6. Are you using the latest version of the printer? Enter the name of the latest versions of the driver for Windows NT 4.0.

Yes: Go to checkpoint 8. No: Go to checkpoint 7.

7. Download the latest version of the printer from the download section of this Internet Page Enter the name of the latest versions of the driver for Windows NT 4.0 Uninstall the former driver and install the newest one.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 9.

8. Try to uninstall and reinstall the driver.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 9

9. Does the cable work with another printer?

Yes: Go to checkpoint 10.  No / No other printer available: Go to step 11.

10. Make sure to use the correct cable. Parallel Interface Cable (shielded) from D-SUB 25-pin (computer) to 36-pin Amphenol 57 Series (printer). Depending on your geographic location, one or both of these cables may not be supplied

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

11. Try to use another cable Parallel Interface Cable (shielded) from D-SUB 25-pin (computer) to 36-pin Amphenol 57 Series (printer). Depending on your geographic location, one or both of these cables may not be supplied.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

MAC

1. Are you printing a PostScript file? Does the saved file end in .ps?

Yes: You need a RIP to print a PostScript file and this printer doesn¹t support a RIP

No: Go to checkpoint 2

2. Clear any stalled print jobs from the queue. Select Epson Monitor3 from the Application menu at the right end of the menu bar, or open Epson Monitor3 by double-clicking the Epson Monitor3 icon in the Extensions folder. In the Epson Monitor3 dialog box, select the Delete button. Note: Make sure to turn on Background Printing in the Chooser or in the Background Printing dialog box to use Epson Monitor3.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 3.

3. Switch the printer off. Make sure that the printer's interface cable is securely plugged in. Switch the printer back on.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 4.

4. Are you using the latest version of the printer? Enter the name of the latest version of the driver for MAC

Yes: Go to checkpoint 6. No: Go to checkpoint 5.

5. Download the latest version of the printer from the download section of this Internet Page Enter the name of the latest version of the driver for MAC Uninstall the former driver and install the newest one.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 8.

6. Try to uninstall and reinstall the driver.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 7.

7. Does the cable work with another printer?

Yes: Go to Checkpoint 8. No / No other printer available: Go to step 9.

8. Get correct cable MAC. USB Interface Cable (shielded) from Series A 4-pin (computer) to Series B 4-pin (printer).

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

9. Try to use another cable USB Interface Cable (shielded) from Series A 4-pin (computer) to Series B 4-pin (printer).

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required

Cannot print from an application correctly

Win 95, 98

1. If you use Windows95/98, printing difficulties may occur with the following applications:

Micrografx Designer4.0

Imported grayscale images may be printed in black due to a bug in Designer. For correct output, set the color setting to Color.

Adobe Illustrator 4.0

Setting the Print Quality to "Fine - 720dpi" or "Superfine - 1440dpi" sometimes causes parts of images or graphics to not print correctly. If this is the case, set the Print Quality to "Normal - 360dpi", or use "Fine - 720dpi" with Finest Detail set to off.

Windows Help

The bitmap images contained in a help file may print incorrectly. Set the Print Quality to "Normal - 360dpi" or, use "Fine - 720dpi" but turn Finest Detail off.

Microsoft Word 7.0

Thin colored lines are sometimes printed in black and white. This problem does not occur in Microsoft Word 97.

Lotus AmiPro 3.0

When you compress an image vertically, the location of the print output no longer matches the location shown on the screen. For displays with less than 256 colors, the color of the object on the screen and in the print output can be slightly different.

Lotus WordPro96

When printing seems slow, try temporarily closing down WordPro96 - or - displaying the Epson Spool Manager. This will allot more processing time to the print job.

Lotus Freelance96

For displays with less than 256 colors, the color of the object on the screen and in the print output can be slightly different.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Win NT4.0, Win 2000

If you use Windows NT4.0/2000, printing difficulties may occur with the following applications:

Lotus WordPro 96

1. Very rarely, an imported bitmap image is not printed correctly.

2. The frame line is printed incorrectly. (All or some parts of the frame line exceed the document dimensions)

Works 4.0

If the "Cancel" button is clicked while printing, a "memory low" message is sometimes displayed.

Excel 97

Color of pattern occasionally looks different from print preview.

WordPad

When printing a document just after system start-up the print position is sometimes incorrect (skipped page/skipped column). This problem has been noted only on the 1st pr job.

MS-Graph (MS-Word)

The name of a graph in a document is sometimes printed incorrectly. The position of the graph name is different from the screen.

Corel Draw 6.0

Very rarely, an imported photographic image is not printed correctly.

MS-Word 7.0

Sometimes the frame line (dotted line) color is different from the screen.

Lotus1-2-3 5.0

Sometimes the line feed position is different from the preview.

PowerPoint 7.0

The background color of a document is not printed correctly when printing using gray.

Microsoft Word 6.0, Microsoft Works 4.0, CorelDRAW 7.0, PowerPoint 7.0

Changing the copy count in the "copies" field on the paper dialog box does not change the # of copies printed.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Mac OS

1. Printing difficulties may occur with the following applications.

Microsoft Excel

When using the Macro "PRINT" command, don’t set TRUE for the draft parameter.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Solid areas of color in your printout may have a speckled appearance. This occurs when a color selected in your application software differs only slightly from one of the printer’s primary ink colors. To avoid this problem, select a pure color from your application software. For example, select Format Slide Color Scheme, Change Color, More Colors. Change the Red, Green, and Blue percentages to represent a pure color. For example, pure yellow is: Red = 65535, Green = 65535, Blue = 0. Selecting ColorSync™ 2.0 may also improve the quality of the output.

Aldus SuperPaint

If a printer error occurs during "Black and White" printing with background printing turned off, your Macintosh does not display an error message. The "Cancel" function is ignored when background printing is turned off.

Adobe Photoshop 2.0 and earlier

If your monitor is set to 32,000 colors, your document will be printed in black and white. Use other available settings or update your software to version 2.5 or later.

PixelPaint Pro 2.0

When you print at Photo - 720dpi or Photo - 1440dpi Print Quality settings, memory errors may occur. In this case, turn on background printing in the Chooser. This problem cannot be solved by increasing the memory size setting for the application.

Speed Doubler

When Speed Doubler is installed and virtual memory is being used with MicroWeave turned on in the printer driver, printing may take considerably longer.

Microsoft PowerPoint 98

When you select Print from the File menu, an unexpected error may occur. In this situation, define a custom show by selecting Custom Shows from the Slide Show menu, then try printing again.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Others

Windows

1. The driver settings may not be correct. Read the following information:

     Select "AUTOMATIC" in the printer drivers "MAIN MENU"

     Ensure the "MEDIA TYPE" setting is the same than the paper being used.

     Also check speed and paper size.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to checkpoint 2.

2. Make sure the source file is correct as per attached document? The file dpi is less than the selected output dpi (this can be changed within the application).

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to the section "Cannot Print Correctly From an Application"

MAC

1. Have you checked the driver settings? Check speed, paper type, resolution / quality.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 2.

2. The driver settings may not be correct. Read the following information:

     Select "AUTOMATIC" in the print "DIALOG BOX".

     Ensure that the "MEDIA TYPE" setting is the same as the paper being used.

     Also check speed and paper size.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to the section "Cannot Print Correctly From an Application.

3. Are you printing a PostScript file? Does the saved file end in .ps?

Yes: You need a RIP to print a PostScript file and this printer doesn¹t support a RIP

No: Go to checkpoint 4

4. Try to calibrate. File, page setup, Utilities. (MAC)

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

5. Make sure AppleTalk is disabled. Button for AppleTalk status is located in chooser. Open Apple menu. Click on "Chooser"

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to step 6.

Inverted Image

Windows 95 / 98 / 2000 / NT

1. Clear the "Flip Horizontal" check box in the printer driver, or turn off the "Mirror" setting in your application. Select Custom as the Mode setting on the Main menu of your driver and then click "Advanced" to access the Advanced dialog box to make this setting.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Windows 3.1

1. Clear the "Flip Horizontal" check box in the printer driver, or turn off the "Mirror" setting in your application. Select Advanced, then click More Settings to make this setting.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

MAC

1. Clear the "Flip Horizontal" check box in the printer driver, or turn off the "Mirror" setting in your application Select Custom as the Mode setting in the Print dialog box, then click the Advanced button to access the Advanced dialog box opens. To make this setting.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Printout has smears on the bottom edge

1. If the paper is curled toward the printable side, flatten it or curl it slightly toward the opposite side.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to checkpoint 2

2. Set the adjust lever to the "+" position, and clear the High Speed check box in your printer driver's Advanced dialog box. The Advanced dialog box is accessible through the Main menu (Windows) or the Print dialog box (Macintosh) when Custom is selected as the Mode setting. To turn this option off, you may also need to change the Print Quality setting.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

1. If there are any print jobs in the Spool Manager, delete them. Then, power  the printer off and on. If there are no print jobs in the Spool Manager, disconnect the printer from the PC, power off and then power on.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.

2. Check to see if the buttons on the printer are stuck. If it is stuck, try freeing the button.

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to Checkpoint 3.

3. If the printer starts printing after it is reconnected, is the print recognizable or garbage?

If the printing is recognizable, there must be a print job being sent to the printer. Close all applications, then power the printer off and on.  If the printing is garbage, check to see if our printer is connected directly to your PC. NOT connected via a scanner or some other device ?

Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

MAC

1. Does your MAC meet the minimum specifications?  Minimum System Requirements.

     Mac OS 8.1

     5 MB RAM

     8 MB RAM when background printing is turned on.

  Recommended System

     Mac OS 8.5.1 or later

     10 MB RAM or more

     18 MB RAM or more when background printing is turned on

  Yes: Go to checkpoint 2

  No: The printer speed depends on the specifications of your MAC

2. Make sure your driver is set for the maximum speed and adequate paper  type:

From Printer driver, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed.

Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct. In the Print dialog box, select the Media Type setting that matches the paper that is loaded in the printer.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 3.

3. Make sure the paper/envelopes lever is set on paper. Open the printer cover. Move the gray lever on right-hand side on 0.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 4.

4. Does disabling background printing solve the problem?

Background printing can be disabled as follows:

1. Click on the “Apple Menu” and highlight the “Chooser”

2. Select the Stylus Color in the Select Printer dialogue window.

3. In the Chooser’s dialogue window: Click the radio button to OFF (Background Printing)

4. Close the Chooser

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.

5 If you are using virtual memory, disable virtual memory. From applemenu, control, memory. Virtual memory status is displayed

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Windows 95

1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?

  Minimum System Requirements

     486/25 MHz

     16 MB RAM

     20 MB hard disk space

     VGA monitor

  Recommended System

     Pentium or better processor

     32 MB RAM or more

     50 MB or more hard disk space

     VGA monitor or better

  Yes: Go to checkpoint 2

  No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC

2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer? Scanner, Zip driver, Modem?

Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to checkpoint 4.

3. Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?

The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.

  Yes: Go to checkpoint 4

  No: The device is causing the slow down

  Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.

4. Make sure your Windows 95 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.

     From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed

     Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct

     On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved.  No: Go to checkpoint 5.

5. Make sure the paper/envelopes lever is set on paper. Open the printer cover. Move the gray lever on right-hand side on 0.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Windows 98

1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?

  Minimum System Requirements

     486/66 MHz

     16 MB RAM

     20 MB hard disk space

     VGA monitor

  Recommended System

     Pentium or better processor

     32 MB RAM or more

     50 MB or more hard disk space

     VGA monitor or better

  Yes: Go to checkpoint 2

  No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC

  2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer? Scanner, Zip driver, Modem?

Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to checkpoint 4.

3. Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?

The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.

Yes: Go to checkpoint 4. No: The device is causing the slow down.  Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.

4. Make sure your Windows 98 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.

From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed

Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct

On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer. Does it solve the problem?

Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.

5. Make sure the paper/envelopes lever is set on paper.  Open the printer cover. Move the gray lever on right-hand side on 0.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Windows 2000

1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?

  Minimum System Requirements

     486/66 MHz

     16 MB RAM

     40 MB hard disk space

     VGA monitor

  Recommended System

     Pentium or better processor

     64 MB RAM or more

     100 MB or more hard disk space

     VGA monitor or better

  Yes: Go to checkpoint 2

  No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC

2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer? Scanner, Zip driver, Modem

Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to checkpoint 4.

3. Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?

The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.

  Yes: Go to checkpoint 4

  No: The device is causing the slow down

  Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.

4. Make sure your Windows 2000 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.

     From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed

     Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct

     On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.

5. Make sure the paper/envelopes lever is set on paper Open the printer cover. Move the gray lever on right-hand side on 0.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

Windows NT4

1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?

  Minimum System Requirements

     486/66 MHz

     16 MB RAM

     40 MB hard disk space

     VGA monitor

  Recommended System

     Pentium or better processor

     64 MB RAM or more

     100 MB or more or more hard disk space

     VGA monitor or better.

  Yes: Go to checkpoint 2

  No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC

2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer? Scanner, Zip driver, Modem?

Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to checkpoint 4.

3 Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?

The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.

Yes: Go to checkpoint 4. No: The device is causing the slow down. Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.

4. Make sure your Windows NT4 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.

     From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed

     Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct

     On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer

  Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.

5. Make sure the paper/envelopes lever is set on paper. Open the printer cover. Move the gray lever on right-hand side on 0.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required

Windows 3.1

1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?

  Minimum System Requirements

     486/25 MHz

     16 MB RAM

     20 MB hard disk space

     VGA monitor

  Recommended System

     Pentium or better processor

     32 MB RAM or more

     50 MB or more hard disk space

     VGA monitor or better.

  Yes: Go to checkpoint 2.  No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC.

2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer? Scanner, Zip driver, Modem?

Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to checkpoint 4.

3. Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?

The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.

Yes: Go to checkpoint 4. No: The device is causing the slow down.  Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.

4. Make sure your Windows 3.1 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.

     From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed

     Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct.

On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer.

Note: if the Media Type that you wish to select does not appear in the list, make the Print Quality setting in the More Settings dialog box first. To access this dialog box, click Advanced on the Main menu, then click More Settings.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.

5 Make sure the paper/envelopes lever is set on paper. Open the printer cover. Move the gray lever on right-hand side on 0.

Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.

The printer started head cleaning during the printing process

The printer may start head cleaning during the printing process in order to prevent the overheating of the printhead.

After this cleaning sequence is performed, the Ink Out Error may be indicated in case of the following conditions:

The ink cartridge is removed from the printer and installed into the printer again.  The ink cartridge has exceeded its life (Ink cartridge life is within 6 months after opening package)

The cooling fan on the backside of the printer turns on unexpectedly even when the printer is not printing

During printing or when the printer is not printing, the cooling fan may turn on and off automatically, in order to maintain the inside of the printer at a constant temperature.