tdoubleu

I've used the Epson 200/300 series inkjet printers to print CD's for a year or two. I've run out of ink so I decided to just get a new machine. I went into Fry's Electronics and got the new model. I've gone through 4 of these new printers now (two models - 260 and something in the 500 series) and have the same problem with them all. Evidently, Epson has updated their drivers to keep folks from using generic ink. If it's not genuine Epson, the printer won't work. The problem is that after a day or two - even with the new-out-of-the-box OEM ink - the printer gave me the message that the ink I have isn't Epson and shuts down. There's no work around. This has happened with ALL FOUR UNITS. Dealing with Epson support has me pulling my hair out. No help at all! Fry's says nobody else is having this problem. I've used three different computers with both XP and Vista. Has anyone else had experience with this? I'd really like to stick with this printer, but for now it's not possible.

tw

bobeckie

Yes, I too have had many problems with Epson printers. I too have ink "dry up" and refuse to work. I too have had problems with generic ink products not working. Epson is no help at all. I've been told to install a new ink head, which is about $60 plus installation or take it to someone who can clean the heads. No wonder the printers are cheap - it is far too expensive to fix. Epson flat refuses to talk about their printers after the warranty period. Good luck. I personally will not buy another Epson. I've heard good things about HP but have never had one myself. I'm on my third Epson and can't even get it installed.

psco2007

I have an Epson R260 that recently would not accept cds for printing. Just kicks them out and the error message says "tray set incorrectly." Epson sent me a new tray and it worked for 3 cds. Now, same problem.
Can I open the tray assembly to see if there is a blockage. I would like to get a new printer, but Epson is the only one that offers cd printing and I won't buy another Epson.

yisgood

In March 2007 Epson (and by extension all the printer companies) won the legal right to make their printers reject compatible cartridges. They added programming to the printers to poll the cartridges constantly instead of just at installation as they once did. If it detects that it is not genuine Epson, you get the error. I tried a number of sites and a number of vendors on ebay with mixed results for T069 and T078 cartridges. I now get my cartridges from http://ccs-digital.com/ink.asp They cost under $5, work great and have a money back guarantee.
By the way, I stick with Epson not just for the print quality but because they will express-ship a replacement printer and pick up the old one at their expense. I had to arrange this once for a relative and it was quick and painless. It arrived via Fedex. I never needed it myself and I have a number of Epson printers. If their printers were such junk, they would be losing a lot of money to Fedex.

psco2007

Thanks Yisgood,
The cartriges I am using are generic (Compandsave), and I've had no problems in the past. Since the printer is not rejecting the cartridges and paper does print, do you still think the cartridges are at fault or something in the printer?
Thanks for your advice.
Paul

yisgood

Paul,
It doesnt sound like the cartridges in your case. It's either the tray or the brand of DVDs. But since Epson will replace the printer for a year at their expense and pay shipping both ways, you should be able to get it resolved.
Good luck