Don't Update Epson XP-4100 Software
Feb 9, 2020 15:27:05 #
bobforman
Loc: Anacortes, Washington State
In a pinch I purchased this cheap little printer to print Xmas letters planning to give it away when I buy a more professional printer. The ink cartridges that came with it ran out after about 25 letters so I purchased 3rd party replacements. They worked fine and were every bit as good as the originals. I got a note yesterday from Epson to update the firmware. Guess what? Now the printer doesn't recognize any of the cartridges. The slimy you-know-whats have intercepted the customer's ability to use 3rd party ink.
So if you are in a similar situation, don't update your Epson software.
So if you are in a similar situation, don't update your Epson software.
Feb 9, 2020 15:34:41 #
Feb 9, 2020 15:38:20 #
Epson ink is pretty economical. The original ink cartridges were primarily included so you could set up the printer. They were not full cartridges.
From the manual:
The included initial cartridges are designed for reliable printer setup and cannot be used as replacement cartridges or resold. After setup, the remaining ink is available for printing. Yields are based on ISO 24711 in default mode, printing continuously. Yields vary due to print images, settings, and temperatures. Printing infrequently or primarily with one color reduces yields. All cartridges must be installed with ink for printing and printer maintenance. For print quality, some ink remains in replaced cartridges.
From the manual:
The included initial cartridges are designed for reliable printer setup and cannot be used as replacement cartridges or resold. After setup, the remaining ink is available for printing. Yields are based on ISO 24711 in default mode, printing continuously. Yields vary due to print images, settings, and temperatures. Printing infrequently or primarily with one color reduces yields. All cartridges must be installed with ink for printing and printer maintenance. For print quality, some ink remains in replaced cartridges.
Feb 9, 2020 15:38:23 #
Could you delete the printer from your system and then reinstall it without the update?
Feb 9, 2020 16:06:16 #
bobforman
Loc: Anacortes, Washington State
I'm going to try this. It's a poor business practice by Epson.
Feb 10, 2020 05:37:18 #
2Dragons wrote:
Could you delete the printer from your system and then reinstall it without the update?
He can't. Unlike the driver, the firmware is stored in the printer itself.
Feb 10, 2020 06:11:21 #
bobforman
Loc: Anacortes, Washington State
I've found that out. Looks like the printer is going out the window, figuratively.
Feb 10, 2020 06:23:53 #
Feb 10, 2020 07:08:21 #
bobforman wrote:
In a pinch I purchased this cheap little printer t... (show quote)
Yes, that has happened in the past - with cameras, too. Sneaky. I bet the ink makers will catch up. Generic cartridges for my HP and Canon printers now come with chips.
Feb 10, 2020 07:08:55 #
jlg1000 wrote:
He can't. Unlike the driver, the firmware is stored in the printer itself.
Damn! Never thought of that.
Feb 10, 2020 08:08:25 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
bobforman wrote:
I've found that out. Looks like the printer is going out the window, figuratively.
Or you could just buy Epson ink.
Feb 10, 2020 10:37:37 #
hogesinwa
Loc: Dalyellup Western Australia
I haven't updated my printer in the two years I've been back home. Epson knows this and I get constant nags to install updates. Never, ever do this if you are using 3rd party. I found this out from a 3rd party supplier, hidden away down in his product description.
I always decline the nag and so far, so good. I did have glitch recently where it wouldn't recognise a cartridge but after several restarts, removals and re-insertions they eventually worked.
Not having the "latest update" means zilch on a $60 printer.
I always decline the nag and so far, so good. I did have glitch recently where it wouldn't recognise a cartridge but after several restarts, removals and re-insertions they eventually worked.
Not having the "latest update" means zilch on a $60 printer.
Feb 10, 2020 10:46:07 #
hogesinwa wrote:
Not having the "latest update" means zilch on a $60 printer.
Not having the "latest update" means zilch on a $60 printer.
BTW, I believe that those updates are meant to disable 3rd party cartridges.
It's a cat and mouse game, each time some manufacturer finds a way to shunt the printer detention scheme, Epson updates the chips in the cartridges, and some time later updates the firmware to enforce to only accept those.
Feb 10, 2020 11:06:25 #
hogesinwa
Loc: Dalyellup Western Australia
jlg1000 wrote:
BTW, I believe that those updates are meant to disable 3rd party cartridges.
It's a cat and mouse game, each time some manufacturer finds a way to shunt the printer detention scheme, Epson updates the chips in the cartridges, and some time later updates the firmware to enforce to only accept those.
It's a cat and mouse game, each time some manufacturer finds a way to shunt the printer detention scheme, Epson updates the chips in the cartridges, and some time later updates the firmware to enforce to only accept those.
True that. Which is why they keep on a'tryin and I keep on avoidin. 😊
Feb 10, 2020 12:04:34 #
bobforman
Loc: Anacortes, Washington State
Can you imagine you are driving your new Chevy and a fan belt brakes. You pull into a garage and have them replace it with a non-GM belt. Then you're cruising by a cell tower at the time Chevy updates the firmware which discovers you're running a non-GM fan belt and shuts down your car. I see this as the equivalent. In addition to never buying another Epson, I'm writing our state AG.
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