rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Just before leaving on my two-week vacation, I did some printing with my trusty Epson R1800—I know, it’s old, but it’s been very reliable and produces gorgeous prints—and then prepared for being away by shutting down my computer and the printer. Two days ago, upon returning from my trip, I tried to do some printing. All I got, all I continue to get are communication errors and silence.

I have rebooted both the computer and the printer, checked the cables to ensure that my cat didn’t unplug something, attempted to reinstall the software that came with the printer (That didn’t work, and all I got was a message telling me that my printer is the same model used by Matthew Brady after Gettysburg and is no longer supported.), and checked in with my local printer guru. Nothing can coax the machine into printing.

Here’s what I know: the printer is plugged in to both 110 vac and to the computer; the printer does communicate with the computer, because I have been able to get it to execute a head cleaning by working through the Utilities; the print queue is empty before I attempt to print; when I attempt to print, the print queue shows my item in the queue but it just sits there; all ink levels are at an acceptable level; I have paper in the printer; we had no electrical storms or power surges during my absence; I've tried to print photos and documents, using Word and LightRoom as appropriate, without success; my cat swears he didn’t touch anything.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks for not replying and asking me if I’m sure I have the printer plugged in.

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

If there is something stuck in the queue it is not going to print. You have to go into system services I think it is, you can look up how to do this just google how to clear queue and they will direct you how to stop and restart spooler sometimes its a matter of just hitting stop then start of the spooler. I would also unplug the printers ac cord completely and replug after a minute or so.

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

As I said in my post, the queue is empty, completely empty. I'll try the unplug/plug. Thank you.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

I have been in the same position from time to time, not with the R1800 but with others.

1st check: Empty Print queue
2nd check: Are there any other print queues with something in - these can include virtual printers as well as real ones, such as XPS document writer, Fax, Journal note writer, pdf writer etc. Don't say I don't use them, check them.
3rd check: Ensure the R1800 is your default printer.
4th check: send a test page to the printer from the Devices page, when the message comes up asking if the print was successful, say it was even if not - otherwise you get tossed into a completely useless help system.
5th (if all has failed) disconnect the printer from the computer and in the Devices page Right click on the printer and choose Remove.
6th Reboot your computer
7th download new driver from http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/supDetail.jsp?oid=14121&infoType=Downloads
During the driver install you may be asked to reconnect the printer. If not wait until the driver is installed, set the printer as Default and print a test page.
8 It either works now or the cable needs replacing or the printer needs replacing.

I assume the printer is wired, not wireless. If wireless, it may have lost its IP address.

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

This is what you posted, "the print queue is empty before I attempt to print; when I attempt to print, the print queue shows my item in the queue but it just sits there; " so it is not empty. I still try this it takes a few min. if this dosent work I would uninstall and re install.

Dan821 Loc: Traveling........

When you try to print, you should get an icon down on the taskbar, which will show one document pending. Right click the icon and select your printer. This should open another window, showing the printer and the document in the queue.

My question for you is:
Does the printer status show "paused" in the top title bar?
If so, click "printer" in the taskbar and then uncheck/click "Pause Printing". This should start your document to print.

You can also go to the printer status screen from the "Devices and Printers", then double click the default printer.
It sounds like the printer may be paused. You will need to check your sleep settings for the printer.
All of this is assuming you have Windows, of course! :)

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

I'm working with a Mac, so I don't have Windows. Grrrrrrr… It does, indeed sound like the printer is paused.

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

You can also try,
1. In Finder select go, go to folder
2. Enter: var/spool/qmaster
3. This will find a folder (oddly named with numeral & text). Trash the folders you see INside this folder (mine were called Shared & Jobs
4. In compressor, select the menu item Compressor/reset Background Processing.

artistwally Loc: Scotland

If all the suggestions so far fail, try taking your PC back to a restore point before your holiday.

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Once again UHH comes through! I'm not at a "problem solved" point yet, but only because my severe jet lag--7 hours of time difference kicks my butt--is keeping me down. Thanks to all; I'm sure the solution lies in your ideas. I'll keep you posted.

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

I want to again thank everyone for your suggestions. As it turned out, it was a software update that apparently took place while I was on vacation that had me tied up. Your comments and suggestions gave me the information I needed and a nudge in the right direction. I'm now back to printing.