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Epson Stylus C42 Series Printer Basics Manual

Epson printer basics
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EPSON Stylus
C42 Series
®

Printer Basics

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Summary of Contents for Epson Stylus C42 Series

  • Page 1: Printer Basics

    EPSON Stylus C42 Series ® Printer Basics...

  • Page 2: Copyright Notice

    SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. The information contained herein is designed only for use with this EPSON printer. EPSON is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Transporting the Printer ........
  • Page 4 Diagnosing Printer Problems ........

  • Page 5: Welcome

    For added value, it supports a wide range of EPSON Glossy Photo Greeting Cards, Photo Stickers, of sizes and finishes. Visit the EPSON Store at www.epsonstore.com for a complete list. It’s a good idea to check EPSON’s support web site periodically for free updates to your printer software.

  • Page 6: Warnings, Cautions, Notes, And Tips

    Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips Please follow these guidelines: Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury. Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment. Notes contain important information about your printer. Tips contain additional hints for better printing. Welcome!

  • Page 7: Printing From Start To Finish

    Printing From Start to Finish Before you start, make sure your printer software is installed as described on the Start Here sheet or Installing Software for Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000 booklet. No matter what you print, you need to remember two things: Use the right paper.

  • Page 8: Loading Paper

    Load the printable side face up. It’s usually whiter or brighter than the other side. Load letterhead or preprinted paper into the printer top edge first. Don’t load paper above the arrow on the left edge guide. Load the following media types one sheet at a time: Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets, Photo Stickers, , and Panoramic Photo Paper.

  • Page 9: Printing In Windows

    Here’s what to do to print a basic document—such as a newsletter or school project. Make sure you have paper in the printer, as described on page 8. After you create your document in a software program, follow these steps to print.
  • Page 10 You see your printer Properties (or Preferences) window. 2 Choose your paper type . . . 3 and paper size 4. Select the type of document you’re printing: I Draft : For rough drafts on plain paper. Saves ink. I Text : For text-only documents, like letters or reports.
  • Page 11 I Print Preview : Lets you see what your printout will look like before you print. For more information about printer settings, click the Help button, or right-click any item on the screen and then click What’s This?. 10. Click to return to the Print window.

  • Page 12: Selecting The Settings You Use Most Often

    Selecting the Settings You Use Most Often Your printer settings apply only to the program you’re currently using. If you usually print one type of document in different programs—for example, color photos on letter-size paper—you can change the default printer settings for all your programs.

  • Page 13: Printing On A Macintosh

    Printing on a Macintosh This section explains how to use your EPSON Stylus C42 to print from a Macintosh running either OS X or OS 8.5.1 to 9.x. Macintosh OS X Here’s how to print a basic document, such as a newsletter or school project, if your Macintosh is running OS X.
  • Page 14 4. Select from the File menu. You see a screen like this: Print 5. Select from the pull-down menu. You see a group of settings like Print Settings this: Click here and select Print Settings Select the type of paper you loaded Select the ink color Select Automatic mode Select higher quality...

  • Page 15: Color Management

    6. Select the following settings: Load the right paper for your document in the printer. If you loaded special paper, choose the correct paper type in the Media Type list. If you’re not sure which setting to choose, see page 22.
  • Page 16 If multiple print jobs are listed, click a print job, then click the reorder the jobs. When you’re finished using your printer, make sure you press the P power button to turn it off. Never use a power strip or external switch to turn off the printer.
  • Page 17 Here’s what to do to print a basic document—such as a newsletter or school project— if your Macintosh is running OS 8.5.1 to 9.x. Make sure you have paper in the printer, as described on page 8. After you create your document, follow these steps to print.
  • Page 18 5. Make the following settings: Choose the paper you’re printing on (click the arrow to scroll through the Media Type list). If you’re not sure which setting to select, see page 22. Set the Ink option to document, click Black Set the Mode option to results on all types of paper.
  • Page 19 If you’re not using background printing and you need to cancel printing, hold down the When you’re finished using your printer, make sure you press the P power button to turn it off. Never use a power strip or external switch to turn off the printer.

  • Page 20: Macintosh Os 8.5.1 To 9.X

    3. In your application software, set a left margin of approximately 3 inches. Set a top margin of approximately 2 inches. Then type the address. 4. Open your printer software and make the following settings: For Paper Type (Windows) or Media Type (Macintosh), select...
  • Page 21 Print window. Print button on the Print Settings menu. Preview button on the printer settings menu. button that appears. from your application software’s File menu. Then Print to close your Preferences button on the Print...

  • Page 22: Selecting The Correct Paper Type

    For this paper . . . Plain paper sheets or envelopes EPSON Premium Bright White Paper EPSON High Quality Ink Jet Paper EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper EPSON Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards EPSON Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets...

  • Page 23: Maintaining Your Printer

    (when the red When you don’t turn on your printer for a long time, the print quality can decline. It’s a good idea to turn on your printer at least once a month to maintain good print quality.

  • Page 24: Running The Head Cleaning Utility

    Running the Head Cleaning Utility 1. Make sure the printer is turned on but not printing, and the red off. (If the red light is flashing or on, you may need to replace the ink cartridge; see page 25 for details.) 2.

  • Page 25: Examining The Nozzle Check Pattern

    You can click the button to launch your web browser and order ink cartridges online. error light stays on, you may printer Ink Monitor icon on your taskbar. You see a Maintaining Your Printer Buy Now...

  • Page 26: Ink Cartridge Precautions

    If the quality doesn’t improve after cleaning and aligning the print head, you can replace the cartridge even if the Use these EPSON ink cartridges within six months of installing them and before the expiration date on the package:...

  • Page 27: Removing And Installing Ink Cartridges

    Be sure you have a new ink cartridge before you begin. Once you start the ink cartridge replacement procedure, you must complete all the steps in one session. 1. Make sure the printer is turned on and not printing (the green P power light should be on, but not flashing). Then open the printer cover.
  • Page 28 P power button to turn the printer off. Then make sure that the ink cartridge clamps are completely closed. Close the printer cover and press the doesn’t work, contact EPSON as described on page 46.

  • Page 29: Aligning The Print Head

    Load plain paper that’s at least 8.27 inches (210 mm) wide to prevent ink from spraying inside the printer and smudging your printouts. 1. Make sure the printer is turned on, but not printing, and letter-size plain paper is loaded.

  • Page 30: Cleaning The Printer

    6. When you’re finished, click Cleaning the Printer To keep your printer working at its best, you should clean it several times a year. 1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the USB cable and power cord. 2. Remove all paper, then use a soft brush to clean any dust or dirt from the sheet feeder.

  • Page 31: Transporting The Printer

    After transporting the printer, remove the tape securing the print head and test your printer. If you notice a decline in print quality, clean the print head (see page 23); if output is misaligned, align the print head (see page 29).

  • Page 32: Solving Problems

    Refer to the pictures on page 33 if you need help identifying parts of the printer. It’s a good idea to check EPSON’s support web site periodically for free updates to your printer driver. Visit http://support.epson.com. Download instructions are posted for your convenience.

  • Page 33: Printer Parts

    Printer Parts Left edge guide Maintenance button and error light Power button and light Paper support Printer cover Output tray Print head (ink cartridge holders) Solving Problems...

  • Page 34: Diagnosing Printer Problems

    Then turn the printer on again. If the lights are still on, contact your dealer or EPSON; see page 46 for contact information. Green P power light The printer may have an internal error.

  • Page 35: Running A Printer Check

    If the check page doesn’t print, you may have a problem with your printer. Try the suggestions in “Problems and Solutions” beginning on page 36. If nothing works, contact your dealer or EPSON as described on page 46. Solving Problems...

  • Page 36: Problems And Solutions

    P 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 on page 46. Turn off the printer, then make sure the ink cartridge clamps are...

  • Page 37: Printer Problems

    Run a printer check as described on page 35. If the check page prints, make sure your software is installed correctly. The printer sounds as though it is printing, but nothing prints. Make sure the print head nozzles are not clogged. To clean the print head, see page 23.

  • Page 38: Print Quality Problems

    For Windows, choose Quality Type. For Macintosh, set the Quality/Speed slider to If your printer is connected to a hub, disconnect unused USB devices. Print Quality Problems You see banding (light lines).
  • Page 39 (the printable side should be face up). Use a support sheet with special paper, or try loading your paper one sheet at a time. Use EPSON papers to ensure proper saturation and absorption of genuine EPSON inks. Run the Print Head Alignment utility.
  • Page 40 You see wrong or missing colors. Make sure your printer software is not set to use black ink only. The print head nozzles may need cleaning; see page 23 for instructions. The ink cartridges may be old or low on ink. To replace an ink cartridge, see page 25.

  • Page 41: Paper Feeding Problems

    See page 51 for paper specifications. 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.

  • Page 42: Miscellaneous Printout Problems

    47. Then try printing again. Make sure your printer is selected in your software, or is set as the active printer in the Macintosh Chooser (OS 8.5.1 to 9.x) or Print Center (OS X). If you’re using a switch box or...

  • Page 43: Reinstalling Printer Software

    You can reinstall your printer software over your currently installed printer software. Make sure the printer is connected to your computer, then follow these steps: 1. Turn the printer on. Then insert the EPSON CD-ROM in your drive. If you see the Options Menu, go to step 4.

  • Page 44: Macintosh Os 8.5.1 To 9.X

    4. Restart your Macintosh, then follow the instructions on the Start Here sheet to reinstall your software. Macintosh OS X You can reinstall your printer software over your currently installed printer software. Follow these steps: 1. Insert the EPSON CD-ROM in your drive. 2. Double-click the EPSON file. C42Series CD-ROM icon (if necessary) and double-click the .
  • Page 45 Continue 4. Read the license agreement and click 5. Select the OS X drive where you want to reinstall your printer software, then click Continue 6. Click on the Easy Install screen, and follow the on-screen instructions to Upgrade install the printer softtware and restart your Macintosh.

  • Page 46: Where To Get Help

    Where To Get Help EPSON provides technical assistance 24 hours a day through the electronic support services and automated telephone services listed below: Service Access World Wide From the Internet, you can reach EPSON Support at http://support.epson.com. At this site, you can download drivers...

  • Page 47: Requirements And Specifications

    100MB free hard disk space (200MB or more recommended) VGA or better display adapter and monitor 2x CD-ROM or DVD drive for installing the printer software (4x or faster recommended) A shielded USB “AB” cable up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) long.

  • Page 48: Macintosh System Requirements

    128MB RAM recommended for OS X At least 100MB free hard disk space (200MB recommended) VGA display or better 2x CD-ROM or DVD drive for installing the printer software (4x or faster recommended) A shielded USB “AB” cable up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) long.

  • Page 49: Specifications

    Specifications Printer specifications Printing Printing method Nozzle configuration Print direction Input buffer Mechanical Paper feed method Paper path Sheet feeder capacity Dimensions Weight Electrical Rated voltage (Universal Power Supply) Input voltage range* Rated frequency range Input frequency range Rated current...
  • Page 50 ** Ink thaws and is usable after approximately 3 hours at 77 °F (25 °C). To ensure good results, use genuine EPSON cartridges and do not refill them. Other products may cause damage to your printer not covered by EPSON’s warranties.
  • Page 51 Width 3.5 to 9.5 inches Length 3.5 to 44 inches Plain bond paper or special paper distributed by EPSON 0.003 to 0.004 inch 17 to 24 lb (64 to 90 g/m No. 10 (4.13 × 9.5 inches) DL (4.33 × 8.7 inches) C6 (4.49 ×...
  • Page 52 Avoid extremes in temperature or humidity when printing. Optimum printing temperature ranges from 55 to 77 °F, and optimum humidity ranges from 40 to 60% RH. Store EPSON Self-Adhesive Sheets under the following conditions: 59 to 86 °F, and 20 to 60% RH. Requirements and Specifications Letter (8.5 ×...
  • Page 53 Minimum right margin (B-R) Minimum bottom margin (C)** * When loading multiple sheets of EPSON Photo Quality Glossy Film, the minimum top margin is 1.2 inches (30.0 mm) ** When printing near the bottom margin, some colors may not print properly. If this occurs, try increasing the bottom margin.

  • Page 54: Epson Ink Jet Papers And Ink Cartridges

    EPSON Ink Jet Papers and Ink Cartridges Use EPSON paper and inks to get the same photo quality results that have earned EPSON’s printers all of their awards! EPSON papers are specially coated to work with EPSON’s quick drying inks. You’ll notice that when prints come out of your printer, you can immediately handle them.

  • Page 55: How To Order Epson Ink And Paper

    How To Order EPSON Ink and Paper To order EPSON ink cartridges, paper, and other printing media, contact your dealer or call EPSON at (800) 873-7766, or visit the EPSON Store at www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 463-7766 for dealer referral.

  • Page 56: Index

    Draft setting, 10 Economy setting, 15, 18 Electrical specifications, 49 Envelopes minimum margins, 53 printing on, 20 to 21 specifications, 51 EPSON accessories, 46 help, 46 papers, 22, 54, 55 Print Lab Series, 54 Store, 26, 46 Faint images, 39...
  • Page 57 Head Cleaning utility, 23 to 24 Help, EPSON, 46 ICM, 11, 40 Incorrect characters, 42 Incorrect colors, 40 Incorrect margins, 42 Ink cartridge cartridge life, 50 level of ink in, 12, 18, 25 to 26 ordering, 25 to 26, 46, 55...
  • Page 58 Problems installing software, 36 to 37 miscellaneous, 42 paper feeding, 41, 52 print quality, 38 to 40 printer, 37 to 38 Progress meter, 12, 16, 19 Properties window, 10 Quality Type setting, 10 Quality/Speed setting, 15, 18 Reinstalling software, 43 to 45...
  • Page 59 Weight, paper, 51 Windows default settings, 12 printing with, 9 to 12 Quality Type, 10 reinstalling software, 43 system requirements, 47 World Wide Web, 46 Index...

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