Epson Stylus Photo 1200 Installation guide

EPSON
®
Stylus Photo 1200
Printer Basics

1
EPSON Ink Jet Papers
Use EPSON’s paper and inks to get the same photo quality results that have earned your printer all of
its awards! EPSON’s 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. There is no drying time,
no smearing or smudging, and your image is clean and smooth. Here’s just a few of EPSON’s papers:
360 dpi Ink Jet Paper
Bright white coated paper for quick printing at lower resolutions with brilliant
results. Perfect for letters, charts, clip art, and color drafts.
Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper
Acid-free, bright white, with a smooth matte finish to create your best
impression. Perfect for presentations, newsletters, color reproductions, and all
your photo and craft projects.
Photo Paper and Panoramic Photo Paper
Photo lab quality, heavier weight glossy paper available in a variety of
sizes. Perfect for color photo keepsakes of snapshots, framed art,
banners, and panoramics.
Photo Quality Glossy Film
Durable, bright white film sheets with the highest-gloss finish. Perfect for
printing professional quality, high-resolution photographs of all your digital
images.
Iron-On Cool Peel Transfer Paper
Transfer your designs and photographs onto T-shirts or other cloth items. Perfect
for ironing onto team T-shirts, canvas bags, crafts, and gifts.
See the inside back cover for a list of EPSON papers and ordering information.

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Contents
WELCOME! 1
About Your Software 1
Your Bonus Software Applications 2
About Your Documentation 3
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips 3
Windows System Requirements 4
Macintosh System Requirements 5
ENERGY STAR Compliance 6
Year 2000 Ready 6
Printer Parts 6
Important Safety Instructions 7
Ink Cartridge Safety Instructions 8
EPSON DIGITAL PHOTOLAB PRO 9
Navigating Through EPSON Digital PhotoLab Pro 10
VIEWING YOUR ELECTRONIC PRINTER MANUAL 11
Opening Your Electronic Manual 11
Navigating an Electronic Manual 12
PRINTING FROM START TO FINISH 13
Printing with Windows 13
Printing with a Macintosh 16

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Using EPSON Special Papers 18
Photo Paper (4 × 6-inch) 18
Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper 19
Photo Quality Glossy Film 19
Envelopes 19
Photo Paper (13 in × 32.8 ft roll) 20
Choosing the Right Settings for EPSON Papers 21
Printing with Custom Settings 22
Using Custom Project Types 22
Customizing Print Settings 24
Preserving Photos on EPSON Photo Paper 26
MAINTAINING YOUR PRINTER 27
Cleaning the Print Head 27
Using the Head Cleaning Utility 28
Using the Control Panel 29
Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern 30
Replacing an Ink Cartridge 30
Removing and Installing Ink Cartridges 31
Replacing an Outdated Ink Cartridge 33
Aligning the Print Head 35
Cleaning the Printer 35
Transporting the Printer 36
PROBLEM SOLVING 37
Diagnosing Printer Problems 37
Checking the Control Panel Lights 37
Running a Printer Operation Check 39

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Problems and Solutions 40
Problems Setting Up the Printer or Installing Its Software 40
Problems Getting Good Print Quality 42
Uninstalling Printer Software 45
Where To Get Help 46
EPSON Technical Support 46
Bonus Software Technical Support 48
USING PRINTER SOFTWARE DISKETTES 49
Ordering Printer Software Diskettes 49
Installing Printer Software from Diskettes 50
Installing Windows Software 50
Installing Macintosh Software 51
CONFIGURING FOR A WINDOWS NETWORK 53
Setting Up the Host System 53
Setting Up Client Systems 54
INDEX 55

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1
Welcome!
Your EPSON Stylus®Photo 1200 printer is the ideal large format output device for
digital photographs, full-color graphics, layout proofs, and more. You can print
anything from reports and resumes to panoramic photos and banners with fabulous
results. The printer gives you optimum photo quality using these features:
■EPSON’s advanced Micro Piezo™print head and variable dot technology
produce small (6 picoliter), consistent dots and place ink precisely for superior
image quality
■Six-color printing for PRQ®(photo reproduction quality) color and subtle
gradations in photographs, as well as laser sharp black text
■Resolutions up to 1440 × 720 dpi, even on plain paper
■PhotoEnhance3 setting for clear, true photos by correcting for overall under- or
over-exposure and automatically adjusting contrast, saturation, and brightness
■Fast drying times for all your photos, courtesy of EPSON’s quick-drying inks
About Your Software
The printer software CD-ROM includes all the software you need for printing:
■Your printer driver runs your printer and lets you control how your documents
look. You can’t use your printer without it.
■Quick Guide to Printing (Windows®only) gives an on-screen demonstration on
using your printer software and EPSON papers to get the best quality output.
■The EPSON Digital PhotoLab™Pro and bonus software applications help you
create a myriad of printing projects to get the most out of your printer.
■Your electronic EPSON Stylus Photo 1200 Manual gives you complete online
information about your printer, anytime you need it.

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If you haven’t yet installed the printer software from your CD-ROM, see the Start
Here card for instructions.
Your Bonus Software Applications
Your printer software CD-ROM contains these bonus
software applications that you can install from EPSON
Digital PhotoLab Pro:
*Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE Registration
You’ll need to input your personal registration number for Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE when you
install or run the program for the first time. The registration number is printed on a small sticker
on the CD-ROM jacket affixed to the front of your printer’s
Start Here card. You’ll also find the
number on the Photoshop registration card included with your documentation. Once you locate
the registration number, enter it when Photoshop prompts you for it.
Adobe®Photoshop®5.0 LE, a world-standard image editing
program that lets you create, retouch, and enhance digital
images for virtually any medium—from the printer to the
World Wide Web. Quickly create your own original artwork,
photo collages, and montages, and edit and retouch digital
images with the creative tool the designers use.*
Altamira Group Genuine Fractals™2.0 Trial Version, an
award-winning Photoshop plug-in for producing
high-resolution digital images for enlargement, no matter
what your original image resolution was. This 60-day trial
version lets you try out its powerful, professional-quality
results on your favorite scanned or digital camera photos.
Vivid Details Test Strip®2.0, an award-winning Photoshop
plug-in for color-correcting, proofing, and color-calibrating
your digital images. You can remove unwanted color casts,
alter brightness, contrast, and saturation levels, preview
before-and-after images, and then view accurate test proofs on
any device to get the results you want.

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About Your Documentation
To set up your printer and install its software, see the Start Here card. This book
contains instructions on:
■Using the EPSON Digital PhotoLab Pro
■Viewing your electronic manual
■Printing with Windows or Macintosh
■Maintaining the printer
■Solving basic problems
■Installing printer software from diskettes, if necessary
■Configuring your printer for use on a Windows network
For more details about your printer, see the electronic EPSON Stylus Photo 1200
Manual. For instructions on viewing it, see page 11.
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips
You’ll find this information throughout your manuals:
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 great printing.

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Windows System Requirements
To use your printer and its software with a PC, your system should have:
■An IBM®compatible PC with at least a 486/25 MHz (for Windows 95 or
Windows NT®4.0), or 486/66 MHz (for Windows 98) processor (Pentium®
100 MHz or faster recommended)
■Microsoft®Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0
■At least 16MB of RAM (32MB for Windows 95 or 98 or 64MB for
Windows NT 4.0 recommended)
■At least 50MB of free hard disk space (100MB recommended)
■VGA, Super VGA, or better display adapter and monitor
■Quad-speed (4x) or faster CD-ROM drive for installing the printer software
■For parallel connection, a high-speed, bidirectional, IEEE-1284 compliant
parallel cable (6 to 10 feet long); the cable must have a D-SUB, 25-pin, male
connector for your computer and a 36-pin, Centronics®compatible connector for
the printer.
For USB connection to a computer running Windows 98 with a Windows 98
compliant USB port, a shielded USB “AB” interface cable, from Series A
(computer) to Series B (printer), up to 6.5 ft. (2 meters) long.
Using an improperly shielded USB cable—especially a cable
more than 6.5 ft. (2 meters) long—may cause the printer to
malfunction.

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Macintosh System Requirements
To use your printer and its software with a Macintosh, your system should have:
■One of the following Macintosh models:
LC475, LC575, LC630
Quadra series
Centris series
PowerBook®series (190, 520, 540, 550, or later)
PowerBook Duo 280, 2300c/100
Performa®475, 575, 588, 630, 5210 or later
Power Macintosh®series
iMac™series (for USB connection only)
Power Macintosh G3 (for USB connection only)
■For serial connection: System 7.1 or later (7.6 or later recommended)
For USB connection: iMac with System 8.1 or later
Power Macintosh G3 with System 8.5.1 or later
■At least 16MB of available RAM
■At least 50MB of free hard disk space (100MB recommended)
■RGB display or better
■Quad-speed (4x) or faster CD-ROM drive for installing the printer software
■For serial connection, an ImageWriter®II serial cable or equivalent (8-pin mini
DIN male/male, Belkin brand recommended; EPSON part number: F2V024-06)
For USB connection to an iMac or Power Macintosh G3 computer, a shielded
USB “AB” interface cable, from Series A (computer) to Series B (printer), up to
6.5 ft. (2 meters) long.
Using an improperly shielded USB cable—especially a cable
more than 6.5 ft. (2 meters) long—may cause the printer to
malfunction.

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ENERGY STAR Compliance
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has determined that
this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy
efficiency. The EPA ENERGY STAR Office Equipment
program is a voluntary partnership with the computer and
office equipment industry to promote the introduction of
energy-efficient personal computers, monitors, printers, fax
machines, and copiers in an effort to reduce air pollution
caused by power generation.
Year 2000 Ready
Your EPSON printer is Year 2000 Ready. However, be sure the other parts of your
computer system are also ready for the year 2000.
Printer Parts
paper support
printer cover
output tray
output tray extensions
edge
guides
sheet feeder control panelink cartridge holders
paper thickness
lever

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Important Safety Instructions
Before using your printer, read the following safety instructions to make sure you use
the printer safely and effectively:
■Turn off and unplug the printer before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only.
Do not spill liquid on the printer.
Always turn the printer off using the Ppower button. Don’t
switch off the power strip or unplug the printer until the
Ppower light is off.
■Do not place the printer on an unstable surface or near a radiator or heating vent.
■Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s case or insert objects through
the slots.
■Use only the type of power source indicated on the printer’s label.
■Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. Avoid using outlets
on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on
and off.
■Place the printer near a wall outlet where the plug can be easily unplugged.
Placez l’imprimante près d’une prise de contacte où la fiche peut être débranchée
facilement.
■Do not let the power cord become damaged or frayed.
■If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the total ampere rating of
the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere
rating. Also, make sure the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
■Except as specifically explained in this manual, do not attempt to service the
printer yourself.

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■Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the printer; if the
printer has been dropped or the case damaged; if the printer does not operate
normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance. Adjust only those controls
that are covered by the operating instructions.
Ink Cartridge Safety Instructions
■Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the cartridge during printing.
■Under normal circumstances, ink will not come out of the cartridge. If it does get
on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. If it gets in your eyes, flush them
immediately with water.
■Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children.
■Do not dismantle the ink cartridges or try to refill them. This could result in
damage to the print head.
■Once you install an ink cartridge, do not open the clamp or remove the cartridge
except to replace it with a new one. The cartridge may become unusable
otherwise.
■Install the ink cartridge immediately after you remove it from its foil package.
Leaving the cartridge unpacked for a long time before use may result in reduced
print quality.
■Do not use an ink cartridge beyond the date printed on the cartridge package. For
best results, use up the ink cartridges within six months of installing them.
■Do not shake an ink cartridge; this can cause leakage.
■Always turn the printer off using the Ppower button. When you press this
button, the Ppower light flashes briefly then goes out. Do not unplug the printer
or turn off the power to the printer until the Ppower light is off.
■Before transporting the printer, make sure the print head is positioned all the way
to the right (capped) and the ink cartridges are in place.

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EPSON Digital PhotoLab Pro
We’ve packed lots of fun and informative software with your
printer. EPSON Digital PhotoLab Pro contains a collection of
photo-editing, enlargement, and color correcting software.
Install any one or all of them, depending on your preferences
and the space available on your computer.
We’ve also included a variety of terrific project ideas for your photos, such as T-shirts,
banners, greeting cards, and other items you might never have thought of! Plus, you
get helpful information on EPSON products and supplies.
Be sure to insert the EPSON CD-ROM and run EPSON Digital PhotoLab Pro right
away to install your bonus software applications and check out the great projects.
Here’s how . . .
■In Windows, double-click the EPSON Digital PhotoLab Pro icon on the
desktop or select Start, Programs, EPSON, and double-click EPSON Digital
PhotoLab Pro.
■On a Macintosh, double-click the EPSON Digital PhotoLab Pro alias on your
desktop.
After a moment, the EPSON Digital PhotoLab Pro main menu appears:
Not available on
Macintosh

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Navigating Through EPSON Digital
PhotoLab Pro
In the main menu, you can select from the following:
■INSTALL BONUS SOFTWARE contains a collection of award-winning creative
software; see the list on page 2. Follow the instructions on screen to install the
programs. For more information, see the program’s online help utility or
electronic manual.
■PHOTO WORKSHOP offers cool project ideas and fun photo products.
■PHOTOS ON THE NET gives you information on the PhotoLoft web site and
other photo-savvy web sites.
■OTHER EPSON PRODUCTS gives you information on EPSON digital cameras,
scanners, and the wide variety of EPSON media.
■ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTATION lets you run the Quick Guide to Printing
demonstration (Windows only) and view your electronic printer manual using
Adobe Acrobat®Reader.
■REINSTALL PRINTER SOFTWARE (Windows with parallel connection only)
installs your printer driver and utilities again, if you ever need to (be sure to
uninstall your old software first, as described on page 45).
Many of the submenus have tabbed sections. Select a section by clicking its tab. Click
DONE to return to the submenu screen.
Click to open
a section
Click to return to
the submenu

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Viewing Your Electronic Printer
Manual
Here are some quick guidelines for viewing your electronic printer manual using
Adobe Acrobat Reader. Your bonus software may also include electronic manuals;
check their program folders or Help menu options to locate these manuals.
If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0, you can install
the program from the CD-ROM when you install your printer
software, as described on the Start Here card (Windows only).
With a Macintosh, select the Acrobat Reader 3.01 Installer
icon in the Acrobat Reader folder inside your EPSON Folder on
your hard disk to install Reader on your system.
Opening Your Electronic Manual
There a several ways to open your electronic EPSON Stylus Photo 1200 Manual
automatically in Acrobat Reader:
■From Digital PhotoLab Pro:
Select ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTATION from the main menu. Windows users
then select VIEW PRINTER MANUAL on the submenu that appears.
■From the Windows desktop:
Double-click the View EPSON Stylus Photo 1200 Manual shortcut on your
Windows desktop, or
Click Start, point to Programs, EPSON, and click View EPSON Stylus Photo
1200 Manual.
■From the Macintosh desktop:
Double-click the EPSON Stylus Photo 1200 Manual alias on the desktop, or
Open the Epson Folder on your hard disk and double-click EPSON Stylus
Photo 1200 Manual.

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Navigating an Electronic Manual
When you open an electronic manual, you’ll see this toolbar at the top:
There are several ways to navigate through electronic manuals:
■Click on hot topics, which are usually underlined or displayed in a different color.
To find out if a topic is hot, move your cursor over it. If the cursor turns into a
pointing hand, the topic is hot—you can jump to it by clicking once.
■If the manual has bookmarks, use the bookmark section on the left side of the
screen to move quickly to the topic of your choice. Click the show bookmarks
icon on the toolbar to see the bookmark section. (Some manuals may only have a
table of contents that you can use to navigate the manual, if the topics are hot.)
■Use the arrow buttons in the toolbar or the vertical scroll bar on the right side of
the document to move through a manual. (The box to the left of the scroll bar
displays the current page number.)
If you need more information, open Acrobat Reader’s Help menu and select the
online guide.
next page
last page
previous page
show bookmarks first page

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Printing from Start to Finish
Here’s what you do to print a basic document—such as a memo, newsletter, or
photograph—from loading the paper to selecting print settings to controlling print
jobs. Follow the step-by-step instructions for your operating system in these sections:
■“Printing with Windows” below
■“Printing with a Macintosh” on page 16
For guidelines on loading special papers and envelopes, and for selecting the correct
Media Type setting for them, see “Using EPSON Special Papers” on page 18.
For instructions on customizing your settings to fine-tune your printouts, see
“Printing with Custom Settings” on page 22.
For guidelines on preserving photos on EPSON Photo Paper, see page 26.
Printing with Windows
1. Make sure your printer and computer are turned on.
2. Load a stack of plain paper and place it against the right edge guide. Then slide
the left edge guide against the paper’s left edge, making sure the stack is lower
than the arrow on the guide.
Slide paper against the
right edge guide
Load paper only
up to this arrow

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3. Open a Windows application program and select a document to print.
4. Open the File menu and click Print. You see a Print dialog box, such as this:
5. Make sure EPSON Stylus Photo 1200 is selected.
6. If your application’s Print dialog box contains a Properties button, click
Properties and go to step 7.
If you see a Setup, Printer, or Options button, click it. Then click the Properties
button on the next screen.
7. Now you see the printer settings dialog box. If necessary, click the Main tab to
display the settings shown below.
If you see a Properties
button, click it
If you see Setup, Printer,
or Options, click that
button instead; then click
Properties on the next
screen
Make sure your printer
is selected here
Quality/Speed slider
Main tab
Media Type setting
Automatic
mode setting
Ink setting