Solving Problems

Solving Problems
Diagnosing Printer Problems
Checking the Printer’s Lights
If the printer’s lights come on or flash, check the explanations listed below.
Green  power light flashes
Red  paper out light is on and green  power light flashes
If you’re printing on paper, your paper ran out or multiple pages have fed at once. Make sure you push the tray lever up to set the front tray to the paper (lower) position. Then, load more paper and press the  paper button to resume printing.
If you’re printing on a CD or DVD, the CD/DVD tray is not inserted. Follow the instructions in Inserting a CD or DVD to insert the tray, then press the  paper button.
Red  paper out light and green  power light flash
If you’re printing on paper, it is jammed in the printer. Press the  paper button to eject the paper. If that doesn’t work, turn off the printer, open the cover, and pull the paper out from the front, including any torn pieces. Then turn on the printer, reload paper, and press the  paper button.
If you’re printing on a CD or DVD, the CD/DVD tray has not ejected. Pull out the tray and press the  paper button.
Red  ink light flashes
One of the cartridges is nearly expended. Check the message that appears on your screen to determine which cartridge is nearly expended or follow the instructions in Checking the Ink Supply. Make sure you have a replacement cartridge.
Red  ink light and green  power light are on
One of the cartridges is expended or not installed. Make sure you have a replacement cartridge, then follow the steps in Replacing an Ink Cartridge to install it.
If you have just installed a new cartridge, it may be incompatible with the printer or incorrectly installed. Reinstall it or replace it with the correct cartridge, as described in Replacing an Ink Cartridge.
Green  power light is off; red  paper out and  ink lights flash
Paper may be blocking movement of the print head. Turn off the printer, then open the cover and remove any jammed paper or other foreign objects. Turn the printer back on again. If the lights are still on, contact Epson as described in Where to Get Help.
Green  power light flashes; red  paper out and red  ink lights flash rapidly
Before you turn on the printer or print on paper, push the tray lever up to set the front tray to the paper (lower) position.
Red  paper out and red  ink light flash alternately and green  power light is on
An unsupported device is connected to the EXT. I/F USB port. Only devices compatible with PictBridge or USB DIRECT-PRINT can be connected to this port. See Direct Printing from a Digital Camera or Mobile Phone.
Red  paper out and red  ink light flash alternately and green  power light is off
The printer may have an internal error. Turn off the printer, wait a few seconds, and turn it on again. If the lights are still flashing, contact Epson as described in Where to Get Help.
Running a Printer Check
You can run a printer check to determine whether a problem comes from the printer itself or some other source.
Before you run a printer check, make sure the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer, and make sure the front tray is in the paper (lower) position. Follow the instructions to reposition the front tray.
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Hold down the  paper button, then press the  power button. Continue holding down the  paper and  power buttons until the green  power light starts to flash, then release them.
A test page prints showing the printer’s ROM version number, an ink counter code, and a nozzle check pattern. (If the pattern has gaps, you need to clean the print head.)
If the test page prints, the problem probably lies in your software settings, the cable, or your computer. It’s also possible that your software may not be installed correctly. Follow the instructions in Uninstalling Printer Software, then see your Start Here sheet for instructions on reinstalling the printer software.
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Problems and Solutions
Setup and Software Installation Problems
Tip:
It’s a good idea to check Epson’s support website periodically for free updates to your Epson Stylus Photo R260 Series printing software. Click the Driver Update button on the Maintenance tab in your Windows printer software or visit Epson’s support website. Download instructions are posted for your convenience.
The printer makes noise after ink cartridge installation.
The first time you install ink cartridges, the printer must charge its print head for a minute or so. Wait until charging finishes (the green  power light stops flashing) before you turn off the printer, or it may charge improperly and use excess ink the next time you turn it on.
If the print head stops moving or the printer stops making noise, but the green  power light is still flashing after 5 minutes, turn off the printer. If the light is still flashing when you turn it back on, contact Epson as described in Where to Get Help.
Turn off the printer, then make sure the ink cartridges are inserted completely and the ink cartridge cover is closed completely. Also make sure no packing material remains in the printer. Wait a moment, then turn the printer back on to clear the error.
You’re having problems installing the printer software.
Make sure your printer is turned on and the cable is securely connected at both ends. Then carefully follow the installation instructions on the Start Here sheet. Also make sure your system meets the requirements listed in System Requirements.
If you’re using Windows 2000 and you see an error message or your software doesn’t install correctly, you may not have software installation privileges. Contact your System Administrator.
If you’re using Windows, make sure your system was not upgraded from Windows 95. The USB Printer Device Driver may not install correctly.
If you are using a Macintosh and you do not see the printer name in the Format for menu on the Page Setup screen, you may need to set up your printer in the Printer Setup Utility or Printer Center. See the Start Here sheet for instructions.
Make sure the USB Controller is working properly in Device Manager. See your Windows help system for details. If it’s not working, contact your computer manufacturer.
Printer Problems
Only the green  power light is on, but nothing prints.
Run a printer check. If the test page prints, make sure your software is installed correctly. You may need to uninstall your printer software and then reinstall it.
If you’re trying to print a large image, your computer may not have enough memory. Try reducing the resolution of your image or printing the image at a smaller size. You may need to install more memory in your computer.
If you print continuously for an extended period, the paper may temporarily stop feeding or the print head carriage may pause for a while to prevent the printer mechanism from overheating and being damaged. If this happens, you can continue to print but Epson recommends that you stop and leave the printer on for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, turn the printer off and on and it should print at normal speed.
The printer sounds as though it is printing, but nothing prints.
If you’re using Windows, make sure your printer is selected. For Macintosh OS X, make sure your printer is selected in the Page Setup and Print windows.
The printer won’t operate properly if it’s tilted or at an angle. Place it on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the printer base in all directions.
Your printer makes noise when you turn it on or after it has been sitting for awhile.
Your printer is performing routine maintenance.
You don’t see the printer icon in the lower right corner of your screen (taskbar) in Windows.
Try restarting your computer. If you still don’t see the icon, follow these steps:
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Windows Vista: Click the button, select Control Panel, select Hardware and Sounds, then select Printer.
Windows XP: Click Start, select Control Panel, then select Printers and Faxes (or Printers and Other Hardware and then Printers and Faxes).
Windows Me, 98SE, and 2000: Click Start, point to Settings, then select Printers.
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Right-click EPSON Stylus Photo R260 Series and select Printing Preferences or Properties.
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Click the Maintenance tab.
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Click the Speed & Progress button, then click the Monitoring Preferences button.
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Click the Shortcut Icon box. Then click OK in each of the open windows to close them.
Printing is too slow.
Make sure your system meets the requirements listed in System Requirements. If you’re printing a high-resolution image, you need more than the minimum requirements listed. You may also need to:
For the fastest printing, try these tips:
Select Grayscale in your printer settings if your document doesn’t include color.
For Windows, choose Draft as your Quality Option.
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Note:
If you don’t see the icon, see You don’t see the printer icon in the lower right corner of your screen (taskbar) in Windows.
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Click the Maintenance tab.
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Click the Speed & Progress button. The following screen appears:
The table below lists the Speed & Progress settings that affect print speed.
The red ink light is flashing or on after you replace the cartridge.
Make sure the ink cartridges are installed properly.
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Open the cartridge cover and push each ink cartridge down (you may hear a cartridge click into place if it was incorrectly installed the first time).
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Print Quality Problems
You see banding (light lines).
Align the print head.
Your printout is blurry or smeared.
When printing on special paper, check the instructions in the paper package. You may need to use an included support sheet or load your paper one sheet at a time.
The printer won’t operate properly if it’s tilted or at an angle. Place it on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the printer base in all directions.
Align the print head.
If you are using double-sided paper and printing heavily saturated or dark images on the front side of the paper, you may notice that smudges or marks appear on the front when you print the second side. If one side of the paper will contain a lighter image or text, print that side first to eliminate marks or smudging.
Clear the High Speed check box in your printer settings.
Select Thick paper and envelopes in your printer settings:
Windows:
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Note:
If you don’t see the icon, see display the printer icon for instructions on making it appear.
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Click the Maintenance tab.
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Click the Printer and Option Information button, then click Thick paper and envelopes.
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Click OK, then click OK again.
Macintosh OS X:
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Click Copies & Pages and select Extension Settings from the pop-up menu.
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Click Thick paper and envelopes, then click Print.
Load a new sheet of plain paper and press the  paper button to eject it. Do this several times. If you still have a problem, ink may have leaked inside the printer, and you need to clean it. See Cleaning the Printer for instructions.
Your printout is faint or has gaps.
Make sure your paper isn’t damaged, old, dirty, or loaded face down. If it is, reload a new stack of paper with the printable side up; it is usually brighter or whiter than the other side. For best results, use genuine Epson paper.
You see wrong or missing colors.
Clear the Grayscale setting in your printer settings (for Windows). Change the ink setting in your printer settings to Color (for Macintosh).
After you print, the colors on your printout will take some time to set as the ink dries. During this time, the colors may look different than you expect. To reduce the drying time, avoid stacking your prints on top of each other.
Your printed colors can never exactly match your on-screen colors. However, you can use a color management system to get as close as possible. Try using the ICM (Windows) or ColorSync (Macintosh) setting.
Your printout is grainy.
Align the print head.
Your printout has a slight slant.
If you have selected Fast Economy in your advanced printer settings, select Economy instead.
Align the print head.
There are scratches on your print.
If you’re printing on glossy paper, prints may be scratched if not handled properly. Don’t place objects on top of your prints, and be careful not to scratch them with your fingernails. For best results, frame your prints under glass.
Paper or CD/DVD Tray Feeding Problems
Paper doesn’t eject fully or is wrinkled.
If the paper doesn’t eject fully, you may have set the wrong paper size. Press the  paper button to eject the paper, and then select the correct paper size.
Note:
Store any unused paper in its original packaging in a dry area.
Paper doesn’t feed correctly or jams in the printer.
If paper doesn’t feed, remove it from the sheet feeder. Reload it against the right edge, behind the tabs, then slide the left edge guide against the paper.
If paper jams, press the  paper button for several seconds to clear the jam. If that doesn’t work, open the cover and remove any jammed paper, including small pieces that may have torn off. Reload the paper and press the  paper button.
If your paper loads incorrectly or jams frequently:
Use new, smooth, high-quality paper, loaded printable side up. Make sure the paper is not curled, creased, wrinkled, too thin, or too old.
If you’re using special paper, make sure you’ve followed any loading instructions that came with the paper. Also, make sure the number of sheets in the paper stack does not exceed the limit specified for the paper. For more information, see Special Papers.
The printer won’t operate properly if it’s tilted or at an angle. Place it on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the printer base in all directions.
The CD/DVD tray is ejected or not fed correctly when a print job is sent.
If the tray is ejected when you start a print job, the printer is not ready. Wait until you see a message on your screen asking you to insert the tray. Then reinsert the tray and press the  paper button.
CD/DVD Printing Problems
Images and text are not centered on the CD/DVD.
Adjust the Print position. For more information, see Adjusting the Print Position (Windows) or Adjusting the Print Position (Macintosh).
Ink smears on the CD/DVD or printing is too light.
Printed CDs or DVDs are dirty.
Clean the rollers. For more information, see Cleaning the Rollers.
The CD/DVD won’t feed into the printer.
Make sure you gently insert the CD/DVD tray along the base of the front tray until the arrow marks on the CD/DVD tray and the front tray match each other. Make sure both sides of the CD/DVD tray slide underneath the brackets on the front tray. For more information, see Inserting a CD or DVD.
Miscellaneous Printout Problems
The image is inverted, as if viewed in a mirror.
Turn off the Mirror Image setting in your printer settings:
Note:
(If you’re printing on Epson Iron-on Cool Peel Transfer paper, the image should be inverted.)
Windows:
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If you don’t see the icon, see display the printer icon for instructions on making it appear.
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Click the Page Layout tab.
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If it’s selected, click Mirror Image to turn the setting off, then click OK.
Macintosh OS X:
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Click Copies & Pages and select Print Settings from the pop-up menu.
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Click Advanced.
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If it’s selected, click Mirror Image to turn the setting off, then click Print.
The printer prints blank pages.
If you’re using Windows, make sure your printer is selected. For Macintosh OS X, make sure your printer is selected in the Page Setup and Print windows.
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Note:
If you don’t see the icon, see display the printer icon for instructions on making it appear.
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Click the Maintenance tab.
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Click the Speed & Progress button, then click Skip Blank Page.
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Click OK, then click OK again.
The printer won’t operate properly if it’s tilted or at an angle. Place it on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the printer base in all directions.
The margins are incorrect.
Use the Print Preview option in your printer software to check your margins before you print.
Output is not what you expect when printing borderless photos.
Too many copies are printing.
Make sure that the Copies option in your printer or application software is not set for multiple copies.
You see incorrect characters.
If you’re using Windows, make sure your printer is selected. For Macintosh OS X, make sure your printer is selected in the Page Setup and Print windows.
The image size or position is incorrect.
Uninstalling Printer Software
You may need to uninstall and then reinstall your printer driver and utilities. For example, this might be necessary when you upgrade your operating system. You don’t need to uninstall Epson Print CD, PhotoImpression, or your on-screen User’s Guide.
Windows
Note: Do not turn off or disconnect the printer while you are uninstalling the software.
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Click Start or , and select Programs or All Programs.
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Select Epson or Epson Printers, then select Epson Printer Software Uninstall.
With Windows Vista, click Continue, then go to step 4.
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In the next window, select EPSON Stylus Photo R260 Series, and click OK. Then follow the on-screen instructions.
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Restart your computer, then see the Start Here sheet to reinstall your software.
Macintosh OS X
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Open the Epson CD-ROM desktop icon.
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Double-click the English folder, then double-click the OSX folder.
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You may have to scroll down to see these folders.
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Double-click the Installer icon.
Note: If the Authenticate dialog box appears, enter your password or phrase and click OK.
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When the Installer window appears, select Uninstall from the pop-up menu in the upper left and click Uninstall.
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Note:
If the name of your printer remains in the Print Center or Printer Setup Utility, select it from Printer List and click Delete.
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Restart your Macintosh, then see the Start Here sheet to reinstall your software.