LPT1 is the parallel port on your PC. The error can be caused by many factors. Please follow the guideline list below to rectify the problem:

• Firstly ensure that there are no red lights on the printer. If there is a red light, consult your user guide to amend the problem i.e. Replace the black cartridge. While there is a red light on the printer it will behave as if Offline. Both cartridges will need to have ink in them, click the link to explain:

Can I use still use my EPSON Stylus printer if my colour cartridge is empty?

• Confirm that the cable is firmly seated at both ends and that it is a direct connection. If the Green data light is flashing on the printer disconnect the interface cable and switch the printer off and back on. Connecting your printer through a different device may cause you communication issues, click the link to explain:

My printer is connected to my PC through another device, why am I having problems?

• You need also to confirm that you are using the Parallel interface to connect the printer to your PC (LPT1). If you are using USB then the driver isn’t configured correctly as it should be using a USB port to send data. To confirm which interface you are using please click the following link:

What is the difference between the Parallel and USB interfaces?

• To configure the driver to use the correct port you need to access the properties of the driver:

Win 9X / ME: Click Start, Settings and select printers. Right click on the required printer and select properties. Select the details tab and in the field “Print to the following port” select LPT1 for Parallel or EPUSB1 for USB connection.

Win 2000 / XP: Double click My Computer, then double click Control Panel. Double click printers and right click on the required printer. Select Properties and then the Ports tab. Select LPT1 or EPS_LPT1 for parallel or USB00…for USB.

• Ensure that the LPT1 port isn’t disabled in Device Manager. To check this Right click My Computer and select Properties. Select Device Manager and click the + sign next to Ports (COM & LPT). Check that there are no Red Crosses or Exclamation marks next to the LPT1 port.

• Windows 98 / ME / XP only: It is possible that there is a program running in the background of your PC that could be causing communication issues. Using the MSCONFIG utility you can change the programs that load at startup on your PC. These programs can still be used as normal but they will not launch memory resident files at start up. Below are instructions on how to troubleshoot this. This will not affect the stability or performance of your PC. However, EPSON cannot take any responsibility for any technical occurrences or problems that occur from these actions. Call your PC vendor for support if required.

1. Proceed by clicking Start and select Run. Type MSCONFIG and click OK.
2. Select the Startup tab and make a note of any items that are not selected in the list so that you can return the PC to its original configuration if required. Now return to the General tab and select the “Selective Startup” option and remove the tick for “Load Startup group items”. Now click Apply, then OK.
3. When asked if you want to restart your PC click No and Shut it down manually. When the PC is shut down leave it to rest for a moment and switch it back on.
4. You can now try printing again. If the print is successful we know that one of the background programs was causing the communicational issues. If you are satisfied with not having these programs running in the background you can leave your PC configured like this.
5. However, if you want a program to be running you will need to select it in the startup tab in the MSCONFIG utility. Configuring it with adding only 5 options at a time and testing that the printer still works will allow you to establish precisely which program is causing the issue and addressing the issue accordingly.

• It may also be useful to confirm the BIOS setting for your Parallel port. The recommended option is ECP (Enhanced Computer Port). For assistance with checking or changing this option please call your PC vendor for support.

• After changing the BIOS or trying all the recommended troubleshooting it is advised that you reinstall the printer driver. Firstly you need to uninstall the driver. Instructions are at the following links:

How do I uninstall a printer Driver on Windows 98 or ME?

Or

How do I uninstall a printer driver on Windows 2000 or XP?

You then need to install the printer. Users connecting via parallel simply insert the EPSON printer software CD-ROM and follow the onscreen instructions.
For users connecting via USB interface please click the relevant link:

How do I install a USB printer on Windows 98 or ME?

Or

How do I install a USB printer on Windows 2000 or XP?

Article: KB020097 Language: English Product Range: Ink Jet

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