Solving Problems


Checking the LCD Screen

Here is a list of error messages that appear on the LCD screen and what you should do when you see them.

Error message
Solution
No XXX ink cartridge -> Press the Color button to install new ink cartridge.
The indicated ink cartridge is not installed. See Replacing an Ink Cartridge to install a cartridge.
XXX ink out - >
Press the Color button to begin replacement ink cartridge.
The indicated ink cartridge is out of ink. See Replacing an Ink Cartridge to replace the cartridge.
XXX ink cartridge error - - - >
Cartridge replacement is necessary. Press the Color button to begin.
There is something wrong with the indicated ink cartridge. See Replacing an Ink Cartridge to replace the cartridge.
Paper jam - > Press the Color button. Remove any remaining jammed paper by hand.
Paper is jammed. Press the Color button to clear the jam. If it is still jammed, see Paper Feed Problems.
Paper out - > Load paper into the sheet feeder, then press the Color button.
Load paper in the sheet feeder, then press the Color button to continue printing. See Loading Paper.
Scanner unit open - - - >
Close the scanner unit.
Carefully close the scanner and press it down until it clicks securely into place.
Multi-page feed error - > Multiple pages have been fed into the printer at once. Remove and reload the paper, then press the Color button.
The Stylus Photo RX500 has fed more than one sheet at a time into the paper path. Remove and reload the paper (see Loading Paper), then press the x Color button.
Scanner error - - - >
See your documentation and call service if necessary.
Press the On button to turn off the Stylus Photo RX500. Unlock the transportation lock, if necessary (see Transporting the Stylus Photo RX500). Turn on your Stylus Photo RX500 again. If the error message still appears, contact your dealer or EPSON as described in Where To Get Help.
Printer error - - - >
See your documentation and call service if necessary.
Press the On button to turn off the Stylus Photo RX500, then press the button again to turn it back on. If the message still appears, contact your dealer or EPSON as described in Where To Get Help.
Service required.
Contact your dealer or EPSON as described in Where To Get Help.
Cannot be stored saved in the XXX mode.
You can only use the l Save button to save settings in copy mode.
Cannot recognize the memory card. Do you want to format the card?
Make sure the Stylus Photo RX500 supports your memory card; see Memory Cards and Image File Types. If it does, then format the card or insert a new memory card.
There is not enough free space on the memory card. Operation canceled.
There is not enough free space on your card to scan an image to it. Insert a new memory card.
The memory card is write-protect. Operation canceled.
Release write protection on the memory card, or insert a new memory card.
No memory card. Operation canceled.
No memory card is inserted, an unsupported memory card is inserted, or a card is inserted incorrectly. Check Memory Cards and Image File Types to see which cards are supported and the correct memory card slot to use for your card.
There is no Index Sheet or it is not set correctly. Please perform again after a check.
The index form was not positioned correctly on the scanner glass. See Placing Your Original Document.
Check of a picture is not carried out or marking is not right. Please perform again after a check.
The index form was not filled in correctly. Be sure to fill in the entire circle on the index form under the photo(s) you want to print and the paper you want to use.
Paper is not selected on the Index Sheet or the oval is not filled in correctly. Check the Index Sheet, then try again.
Be sure to fill in the entire circle on the index form under the paper you want to use.

Printing a Nozzle Check

You can print a nozzle check to determine whether a problem comes from the Stylus Photo RX500 or some other source.

  1. Make sure letter-size or larger paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
  2. Press the Setup button on the control panel to enter setup mode. You see an LCD screen similar to this:

  3. Press the top left button (beside Ink levels in the illustration) until you see Nozzle Check on the screen.
  4. Press the x Color button. The nozzle check prints.

If the check page prints, the problem probably lies in your software settings, the interface cable, or your computer.

If the check page doesn't print, you may have a problem with your Stylus Photo RX500. Try the suggestions in the following sections.

Setup and Software Installation Problems

Tip: It's a good idea to check EPSON's web site periodically for possible updates to your software. Visit http://support.epson.com and check the section for your product to see if there is new software available for downloading to your computer.

The Stylus Photo RX500 makes noise after ink cartridge installation.

You cancelled software installation or connected the Stylus Photo RX500 before installing the software.

Your EPSON software may be incorrectly installed. See Uninstalling Your Software. Make sure you carefully follow the steps on your Start Here sheet when you reinstall your software. You need to connect the Stylus Photo RX500 at the correct time in the installation process.

You're having problems installing the software.

Printing and Copying Problems

The Stylus Photo RX500 is on, but nothing prints.

It sounds like the Stylus Photo RX500 is printing, but nothing prints.

Your Stylus Photo RX500 makes noise when you turn it on.

Your Stylus Photo RX500 is performing routine maintenance.

Printing or copying 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. You may also need to:

For the fastest printing:

The margins are incorrect.

The printer prints blank pages.

Scanning Problems

Your system doesn't recognize the Stylus Photo RX500.

Make sure the Stylus Photo RX500 is connected to your computer and plugged into an electrical outlet.

The fluorescent lamp isn't on.

The Stylus Photo RX500 doesn't scan.

The Stylus Photo RX500 scanning software doesn't work properly.

Paper Feed Problems

Too many copies are printing.

Make sure that the Copies setting in your printer software and/or program aren't set for multiple copies.

Paper doesn't feed correctly or jams in the Stylus Photo RX500.

Paper doesn't eject fully or is wrinkled.

Print Quality Problems

You see banding (light lines) in your printouts or copies.

Your printout is blurry or smeared.

Your printout is faint or has gaps.

Your printout is grainy.

You see wrong or missing colors.

Miscellaneous Printing Problems

You see incorrect characters.

The image size or position is incorrect.

Make sure the paper and/or layout options are set correctly. Click the ? or Help button on your printer settings window for more information. If you're copying without a computer, check the layout settings on the LCD screen; see Copy Layout.

The image is inverted, as if viewed in a mirror.

Turn off Mirror Image in the printer software or the mirror setting in your application software. If you're copying without a computer, check the LCD screen to make sure Mirror is not selected; see Copy Layout.

Scan Quality Problems

Your scanned image is blurry or distorted.

Your image is too dark.

Only part of the image is scanned.

The image does not look the same as the original.

The scanner doesn't recognize your image type when scanning in Full Auto mode.

Try scanning the image again. If that doesn't work, scan in Home or Professional mode. See Advanced Scanning With EPSON Scan for instructions.

The file size is too big.

Adjust your scan settings. Try selecting a lower resolution (dpi), saving the file in a different format, or scan only part of the image. 300 dpi is typically an adequate resolution for images that will be printed.

The printed image is larger or smaller than the original size.

You have changed the resolution or scaled your image. The image size settings in your software determine the size of the printed image.

A dotted line appears in the image.