Epson Stylus Color 900 Manual

Safety Instructions . . . . .3
Setting Up Your Printer . . . . .7
System Requirements . . . . . 7
Printer Parts and Control Panel Functions . . . . 10
Attaching the Paper Support . . . . 12
Plugging in the Printer . . . . 12
Installing the Ink Cartridges . . . . 13
Connecting the Printer to Your PC . . . . 19
Installing the Printer Software in Your PC . . . . 20
Connecting the Printer to Your Macintosh . . . . 24
Installing the Printer Software in Your Macintosh . . . . 25
Selecting Your Printer in the Chooser . . . . 29
Loading Paper . . . . 32
Printing Your First Page Using Windows . . . . 33
Printing Your First Page Using a Macintosh . . . . 35
Loading Special Paper . . . .38
Replacing Ink Cartridges . . . .41
Maintenance . . . .47
Checking the Print Head Nozzles . . . . 47
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . 50
Aligning the Print Head . . . . 53
Troubleshooting . . . .54
Error Indicators . . . . 54
Typical Problems and Solutions . . . . 56
Cancelling Printing . . . . 58
Where to Get Help . . . . 60
Options and Consumable Products . . . .66
4009813
xxx-00
Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/

Where to Find Information
This Setup & Daily Use guide
Read this manual first to set up and begin using your printer. This
manual includes the following information.
❏Setup Contains information on setting up your printer
and installing the printer software.
❏Daily Use Provides information on daily operation. Also
contains troubleshooting tips and customer
support contact information if you need
assistance.
USB User's Guide
❏Read this guide if using a USB cable to connect your printer
to a computer.
DOS User's Guide
❏Read this guide if you are using DOS.
Online Guides included on the CD-ROM
The guides on this CD-ROM will help you learn more about your
printer and color printing. To view these guides, you must have
a Web browser installed on your computer.For more information
on using this CD-ROM, see the included CD-ROM Booklet.
❏Reference Guide Provides further information about printer
software settings, printing on special paper,
maintenance, and problem solving.
❏Color Guide Includes sample images, explanations and
troubleshooting information that will help
answer your questions about color printing.
Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of 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.
Neither SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of
this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser
or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized
modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly
comply with SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION's operating and maintenance instructions.
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from
the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original
EPSON Products or EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from
electromagnetic interference that occurs from the use of any interface cables other than
EPSON Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
EPSON is a registered trademark and EPSON ESC/P 2 and EPSON Stylus are trademarks of
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
Copyright © 1999 by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Nagano, Japan.
Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/

Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/

3
Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions before using your printer. Also be
sure to follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
printer.
❏Do not block or cover the openings in the printer’s cabinet.
❏Do not insert objects through the slots. Take care not to spill
liquid on the printer.
❏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.
❏Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches or
automatic timers.
❏Keep the entire computer system awayfrom potential sources
of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the
base units of cordless telephones.
❏Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
❏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.
❏Do not attempt to service the printer yourself.
Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/

4
❏Unplug the printer and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
The power cord or plug is damaged; liquid has entered the
printer; the printer has been dropped or the cabinet damaged;
the printer does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct
change in performance.
❏If you use the printer in Germany, observe the following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-
current protection for this printer, the building installation
must be protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker.
Bei Anschluß des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muß
sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation mit einem
16 A-Überstromschalter abgesichert ist.
A Few Precautions
When using the printer
❏Do not put your hand inside the printer or touch the ink
cartridges during printing.
❏Do not move the print head by hand; otherwise you may
damage the printer.
❏Always turn the printer off using the Ppower button. When
this button is pressed, the Ppower light flashes briefly then
goes off. Do not unplug the printer or turn off the power to
the outlet until the Ppower light stops flashing.
❏Before transporting the printer, make sure the print head is in
the home (far right) position and the ink cartridges are in
place.
Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/

5
When handling the ink cartridges
❏Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children. Do not allow
children to drink or otherwise handle the cartridges.
❏If ink gets on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. If it
gets in your eyes, flush them immediately with water.
❏Do not shake an ink cartridge; this can cause leakage.
❏Install the ink cartridge immediately after you remove it from
its package. Leaving the cartridge unpacked for a long time
before use may result in reduced print quality.
❏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.
❏Do not use an ink cartridge beyond the date printed on the
cartridge carton. For best results, use up the ink cartridges
within six months of installing them.
❏Do not dismantle the ink cartridges or try to refill them. This
could damage the print head.
When choosing a place for the printer
❏Place the printer on a flat, stable surface that is larger than the
printer. The printer will not operate properly if it is tilted or
at an angle.
❏Avoid places subject to rapid changes in temperature and
humidity. Also keep the printer away from direct sunlight,
strong light, or heat sources.
❏Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
❏Leave enough room around the printer to allow for sufficient
ventilation.
Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/

6
❏Place the printer near a wall outlet where the plug can be
easily unplugged.
Note for French-speaking users:
Placez l’imprimante près d’une prise de contacte où la fiche peut être
débranchée facilement.
E
NERGY
S
TAR Compliance
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, EPSON has
determined that this product meets the ENERGY
STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
The International 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.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
wWarnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
cCautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation
of your printer.
Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/

7
Setting Up Your Printer
System Requirements
For PCs
To use your printer, you need Microsoft®Windows®3.1,
Windows®95, Windows®98, Windows®NT 4.0, or DOS; and a
shielded, twisted-pair parallel cable. If you want to connect your
printer to a USB port, you need a Windows 98 pre-installed PC
equipped with a USB port; and a shielded USB cable.
Your computer should also meet the following system
requirements.
Your computer dealer can help you update your system if it does
not meet these requirements.
Minimum System Requirements Recommended System
i386/25 MHz processor for Windows 3.1
i486/25 MHz for Windows 95 and NT 4.0
i486/66 MHz for Windows 98
Pentium or higher processor
16 MB RAM 32 MB RAM or more for
Windows 3.1, 95 and 98
64 MB or more for Windows
NT 4.0
10 MB hard disk space for Windows 3.1,
95, and 98
20 MB for Windows NT 4.0
5 0 M B o r m o r e f r e e d i s k s p a c e
for Windows 3.1, 95, and 98
100 MB or more for Windows
NT 4.0
VGA monitor VGA or better monitor
Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/

8
For Macintosh computers
You can use this printer with the following Apple®Macintosh®
computers. You also need a standard Apple System Peripheral-8
cable (8-pin mini-circular connector) or equivalent.
Applicable computer models (as of September 1, 1998)
Macintosh LC475, LC575, LC630
Macintosh Quadra Series
Macintosh Centris Series
Macintosh PowerBook™ Series (PowerBook 190, 520, 540, 550
or later)
Macintosh PowerBook Duo 280, 2300c/100
Macintosh Performa 475, 575, 588, 630, 5210 or later
Power Macintosh Series
iMac Series (for USB)
If you want to connect your printer to a USB port, you need
an iMac computer with a USB port, and a shielded USB cable.
Your Macintosh must also meet the following system
requirements.
Minimum System Requirements Recommended System
System 7.5.1 System 7.6 or later
5 MB of available memory
12 MB of available memory when
background printing is turned on.
14 MB or more of available
memory
23 MB of available memory when
background printing is turned on.
Downloaded from: http://www.usersmanualguide.com/