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Resolved Epson S21 inkjet printer error.

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by BobbyScot, 2012/07/20.

  1. 2012/07/20
    BobbyScot

    BobbyScot Geek Member Thread Starter

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    I have an error running Epson S21 printer, ink cartridges level are greyed out, making it hard to recognise which cartridge ink is exhausted. Contacting Epson help line has proved hopeless. Any help will be most appreciated.
     
    BobbyScot,
    #1
  2. 2012/07/20
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    SpywareDr,
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  4. 2012/07/21
    BobbyScot

    BobbyScot Geek Member Thread Starter

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    SpywareDr, thanks for your reply. Use Epson cartridges in the four pack bubble.
     
    BobbyScot,
    #3
  5. 2012/07/21
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Did you try the same step that apparently resolved the same problem back in February 2010? i.e., "re-instal the current black coloured cartridge (compatible) and ensure the cartridge was securely seated "?
     
    SpywareDr,
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  6. 2012/07/21
    BobbyScot

    BobbyScot Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Yes I remember of same fault as you kindly pointed out. All four cartridges were replaced and again tried the reseating of the black, still level are greyed out. One caption suggests checking all connections, checking find nothing to be wrong.
     
    BobbyScot,
    #5
  7. 2012/07/21
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Uninstall the printer through Orb > Devices and Printers

    Uninstall all Epson software through Programs & Features.

    Download the latest driver from Epson and install.

    See if that resolves the issue.

    The printer may have a dicky set of contacts in which case the above will not help.
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2012/07/21
    BobbyScot

    BobbyScot Geek Member Thread Starter

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    PeteC, I should have left the Ink Cartridges greyed out well alone, as now printer is not working or recognised by Windows 7. Software was removed and reinstalled, cartridges removed and reseated. I loaded new cartridges two days ago into the printer, and these cartridges did print a few pages and then I closed down the printer. Tried printing today, no joy.
     
    BobbyScot,
    #7
  9. 2012/07/21
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Try using System Restore to roll back a day or so.
     
    SpywareDr,
    #8
  10. 2012/07/21
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Did you install the printer correctly?

    Usual Epson method is to run the software with the printer powered down . Switch on the printer when requested on the screen and look for confirmation message that printer has been installed.

    Is this the procedure you followed ?
     
    PeteC,
    #9
  11. 2012/07/23
    BobbyScot

    BobbyScot Geek Member Thread Starter

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    I made a few checks and discovered that the "Ensure Ink low box is ticked ", in this case it was not. It now showed that the black and cyan cartridges where exhausted. As a check renewed both cartridges, computer was now responding. Tried out again both original cartridges and again the computer did not respond and required another change over. Epson apparently does not work if one or more cartridges become exhausted in ink. Epson support is useless only suggested buying new set of cartridges from them ofcourse. No mention of me checking the "Ensure Ink low box is ticked ".
     
    BobbyScot,
    #10
  12. 2012/07/23
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    It is certainly the case with Epson printers that they will cease to function if one of the cartridges is exhausted.

    I can vouch for this having uses a succession of Epson printers - 1270, 1290, 2440 and now 2880.

    Please mark your thread as 'Resolved'.

    AND PLEASE, for the second time of asking .....

    Please enter your System Details. It helps us in answering your questions!
     
    PeteC,
    #11
  13. 2012/07/30
    BobbyScot

    BobbyScot Geek Member Thread Starter

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    I still experience same fault, after changing cartridges printer functioned properly. Again, cartridges are greyed out, except the "Black" marked with a red cross. Captions displayed:

    Ink cartridges cannot be recognised. (All cartridges Epson originals).

    Powered up printer again:

    Communication error!

    I use Hardware Diagnostic PC-Doctor: it showed no fault found.
    Printer powers up and carries out startup steps.
     
    BobbyScot,
    #12
  14. 2012/07/30
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I see that you have had problems with this printer since Feb 2010 ....

    http://www.windowsbbs.com/pc-hardware/90918-epson-s21-printer.html

    My best guess is that there is a communications problem between the print carriage contacts and the chips on the cartridges. You could try cleaning the carriage contacts with an alcohol based fluid on a cotton wool bud.

    If this goes nowhere in resolving the problem it may well be time to consider replacing the printer.
     
    PeteC,
    #13
  15. 2012/07/30
    BobbyScot

    BobbyScot Geek Member Thread Starter

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    PeteC, cleaned printing head as you suggested, proved to be negative. I hate to admit defeat, as you say a new printer is the order of the day. At the high costs of ink cartridges, reliability, which printer to choose? Epson certainly forces the use of their cartridges, simply any other make of cartridge, printer will not work. Thanks for your assistance, appreciated.
     
    BobbyScot,
    #14
  16. 2012/07/31
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I hate to admit defeat too, but at times that is the only option :) The less expensive printers are basically consumable items and incapable of repair, or, if repairable the repair is not cost effective.

    I have 2 printers - an Epson 2880 photographic quality printer on which I print A3 exhibition prints and for day to day printing an HP Officejet 6000 on which I will be using compatible (refilled) cartridges in the near future.

    My experience with HP has been good - I have only had 2 inkjet printers in ~20 years, both HP. The first, a Deskjet 520 (mono) worked for ~15 years through Windows 95, 98, XP and finally 7 (no Vista :)) using refilled HP cartridges from third party vendors.

    I was amazed to get it working on 7 - MS had a driver, but 7 was not keen on the parallel to USB connector that I was forced to use although it could be coaxed into printing.

    For the past 4 years or so my workhorse has been the HP Officejet 6000 which has performed faultlessly. Compatible (refilled) cartridges have only just become available for that printer and I shall switch to them shortly.

    Unless you have a need for a multifunction printer with inbuilt scanner, etc I would stick with a fairly basic printer.
     
    PeteC,
    #15
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  17. 2012/07/31
    BobbyScot

    BobbyScot Geek Member Thread Starter

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    PeteC, thank you for information on printers. I entirely use a printer for printing information downloads, E-mails etc and have never indulged in printing photoraphs. My current Epson S21, has always given me a hard time with cartridges, currently it can not even recognised its own Epson cartridges. A single function reliable printer is all I want.
     
    BobbyScot,
    #16
  18. 2012/07/31
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I guess this thread has come to a conclusion - .....

    Please mark your thread as 'Resolved'.

     
    PeteC,
    #17
  19. 2012/08/01
    BobbyScot

    BobbyScot Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Epson S21 error has been as the printer itself "Scrapped!! ".
     
    BobbyScot,
    #18
  20. 2012/08/01
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    :) :) :)
     
    PeteC,
    #19

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