1. If it is your first driver installation, follow the instructions to install the driver on your Mac. If it is not your first driver installation, remove and reinstall the driver in your Mac.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Download the latest version of the driver Mac.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. Make sure that your Hard Disk is not full. You need 10 MB of free hard disk space to install your printer software.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. Make sure that your printer is unplugged when you install the driver
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. If you have installed too many printer drivers in one computer, you may not be able to install any more. Remove one or more printer drivers that you are not using, and try installing the SC 680 printer driver again.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
DOS, Windows 95/98/3.1, Windows NT 4.0
1. If it is your first driver installation, follow the instructions to install the driver on your PC. If it is not your first driver installation, remove and reinstall the driver in your PC. (If you are a DOS user, please contact your software vendor)
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
2. Make sure that your Hard Disk is not full.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. Make sure that your printer is unplugged when you install the driver
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. Check if the parallel port (Bios) is set to SPP/ Standard or Normal. For the setting method, refer to your PC manual.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. If you have installed too many printer drivers in one computer, you may not be able to install any more. Remove one or more printer drivers that you are not using, and try installing the SC 680 printer driver again.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
6. If you cannot install or run the USB printer driver an a computer, make sure your computer is equipped with a USB cable or not upgraded from Windows 95 to Windows 98 or 2000. Make sure that your Computer is Windows 98 or Windows 2000 pre-installed model
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Uninstalling / Reinstalling the Printer Driver
For Windows 95/98 users:
1. When you are reinstalling the printer driver after deleting it, installing a printer driver for a second port, or installing the driver using plug and play, make sure to do the following:
Check all print jobs have finished printing before you begin installation.
Close all applications.
Select "Replace existing driver" if prompted by the installation program.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Windows NT user, go to Checkpoint 2.
Windows 2000 user, go to Checkpoint 3
For Windows NT4.0 users
1. When you are reinstalling the printer driver or installing a printer driver for a second port, make sure to do the following:
Check all print jobs have finished printing before you begin installation.
Close all applications. Run the "Epson Printer Utility Uninstall" program by the following steps:
Click on "Start".
Click on "Settings".
Select "Control Panel".
Double click the "Add/Remove Programs" icon.
Select the "Epson Printer Software" from the list and click "Add/Remove".
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
For Windows 2000 users
1.When you are reinstalling the printer driver or installing a printer driver for a second port, make sure to do the following:
Check all print jobs have finished printing before you begin installation.
Close all applications. Run the "Epson Printer Utility Uninstall" program by the following steps:
Click on "Start".
Click on "Settings".
Select "Control Panel".
Double click the "Add/Remove Programs" icon.
Select the "Epson Printer Software" from the list and click "Change/Remove".
Note: If you are unable to close the "Add/Remove Programs" window by clicking "Close", click the Close [X] button at the upper right corner of the window. This problem does not affect the printer driver uninstallation.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Cannot Monitor A Shared Printer
1. Make sure that the printer driver is installed on the computer that is hosting the Windows shared printer, that it is set to be shared, and "Allow monitoring of shared printers" is selected in the "Monitoring Preferences" of the printer driver.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
Windows NT4.0 user, go to Checkpoint 4
Windows 2000 user, go to Checkpoint 5
2. If you are using Windows95/98, open the "Network" icon in the control panel on the computer that is sharing the printer, and check that File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks component is installed.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. Open the "Network" icon in the control panel on the computer that is sharing the printer, check that IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol is NOT installed on either the client or server computers.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
4. Before you try the following, refer to your administrator for help.
When using a Windows NT4.0 shared printer in a non-updated Windows NT environment, if you check "Allow monitoring of shared printer", and then start Epson Status Monitor 3, the Application Error Notice Window appears and you cannot monitor NetWare shared printers. To avoid this problem, make sure you have installed Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 2 or later.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. Before you try the following, refer to your administrator for help.
When using a Windows NT4.0/2000 shared printer, if you check "Allow monitoring of shared printer", and then start Epson Status Monitor 3, you cannot monitor a NetWare shared printer. To avoid this problem, open "Services" from the control panel, stop the Epson Printer Status Agent service, and start Epson Status Monitor 3. After Epson Status Monitor 3 has started, restart the printer status service. You must do this each time you log into Windows NT/2000.
When connecting a Windows NT4.0/2000 shared printer on the server, be sure to do the following to all client PCs:
Clear the "Allow monitoring of shared printer" checkbox in the driver's Monitoring Preferences window.
Stop Epson Net Web Manager.
Note: You need Administrator's privileges to change these settings.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
1. No paper is loaded in the printer. Check Epson Status Monitor 3 or Epson Status Monitor. Load paper in the sheet feeder, then press the maintenance button. The printer resumes printing and the light goes out.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Paper has jammed in the printer. Check Epson Status Monitor 3 or Epson Status Monitor. Press the maintenance button to eject the jammed paper. If the error does not clear, open the printer cover and remove all of the paper inside, including any torn pieces. Then, reload the paper in the sheet feeder and press maintenance button to resume printing.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. The black or color ink cartridge is empty or not installed. Replace the black (T017) or color (T018) ink cartridge with a new one.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. The installed black or color ink cartridge cannot be used by this printer. Use the appropriate black (T017) or color (T018) ink cartridge.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. The printhead carriage is obstructed by jammed paper or other foreign material and cannot return to the home position. Turn off the printer. Open the printer cover and remove any paper from the paper path by hand. Then, turn the printer back on.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Contact your dealer.
Maintenance Light Is Blinking
1. The black or color ink cartridge is nearly empty. Obtain a replacement black (T017) or color (T018) ink cartridge. To see which cartridge is nearly empty, check the ink level using Status Monitor 3 or Epson Status Monitor.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Power light and Maintenance Light are Blinking
1. An unknown error has occurred. Turn off the printer and contact your dealer.
1. Make sure that the printer is powered on. Does it solve the problem? Can not power on the printer: Go to the "No power to printer section"
Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 2.
2. Turn your printer and computer off and make sure that the interface cable is securely plugged in both your printer and your computer.
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 3.
3. Clear any stalled print job from stool manager. After you send a print job, an Epson Stylus COLOR 680 button appears on the taskbar. Click this button to open the Epson Spool Manager, where you can view print status information about the print jobs that have been sent to the printer. Select all print jobs and click on cancel to erase them.
Does it solve the problem Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 4.
4. Make sure that you have installed the correct driver for your printer.
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Communication Error
1. Delete all print jobs and turn the printer off. Remove any foreign objects from inside the printer. After a few minutes, turn the printer back on.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Contact your dealer.
Incorrectly installed cartridge
1. Epson recommends the use of the following genuine ink cartridges. Replace the ink cartridges with the following cartridges. Black: T017 Color: T018
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Incorrectly installed cartridge
1. Epson recommends the use of genuine Epson ink cartridges. Replace the ink cartridges with the following cartridges. Black: T017 Color: T018
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Black and / or color ink cartridges are not correctly installed
1. Epson recommends the use of genuine Epson ink cartridges. Replace the ink cartridges with the following cartridges. Black: T017 Color: T018
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Installed Black and / or Color ink cartridges cannot be recognized
1. Replace the ink cartridges.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Paper Jam
1. Press the maintenance button on the printer or click the Eject button when it appears on the screen.
Remove any remaining jammed paper by hand. Reload the stack of paper.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to paper Jamming issues section.
Paper not loaded correctly
1. Reload the paper and press the maintenance button or click the Continue button when it appears on the screen. To cancel all print jobs, click the Cancel button.
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to paper feeding issues section.
Black ink low
1. You may continue printing until the ink runs out, or click the How to button to change the ink cartridge now.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Color ink low
1. You may continue printing until the ink runs out, or click the How to button to change the ink cartridge now.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Black and/or color ink out
1. Replace the empty ink cartridge(s) indicated below:
Black: T017
Color: T018
Click How to for instructions.
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Maintenance Call
Parts inside your printer require maintenance or replacement. Contact your dealer.
Different Device From Specified
1. You are attempting to connect a different device from that specified in the driver. Stop and check the driver and the device.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Unknown Error
1. Turn the printer off, and remove any jammed paper. After a few minutes, turn the printer back on.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Insufficient Memory
"Insufficient memory to print. Please consult the 'ReadMe' file for more information."
1. There is insufficient memory for printing. To resolve this problem try the following:
Expand the installed Memory.
Expand the size of the Virtual Memory.
Please refer to the PC manual for this method.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Insufficient Disk Space
"Insufficient disk space to print. Please consult the 'ReadMe' file for more information."
1. There is insufficient free hard disk space to carry out the print job. To resolve this problem, try expanding the amount of free space on your Hard Disk.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Fatal Error
"A Fatal Error has occurred. Unable to print. Please consult the ‘ReadMe’ file for more information."
1. The printer driver is not installed correctly. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver. Does this solve the problem?
1. If you have installed the ink cartridge recently or have printed less than 100 pages, repeat the install cartridge procedure work. (Note: The ink cartridge life is based on 5% coverage at 360dpi. If you have been printing at 1440dpi over an entire page, the cartridge life will drop proportionally.)
Perform the following procedure:
Press the ink cartridge replacement button until the print head has moved to the change cartridge position
Lift the lid that holds the cartridge (do NOT remove cartridge) and press down immediately. Then press the ink cartridge replacement button and allow the cartridge to charge the print head. Do NOT switch the printer off until the printer has finished charging.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. If you have printed between 100 and 300 pages, and it is your first ink cartridge, or it has been installed for at least 6 months, replace the ink cartridge.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. If you have printed more than 300 pages, and it is your first ink cartridge, or it has been installed for at least 6 months, replace the ink cartridge.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
1. If the paper is jammed in the paper path, take all the paper out of the sheet feeder, press the maintenance button, then reload the paper. Make sure of the following:
The paper is smooth, not curled or wrinkled
The paper is of high-quality, loaded with the printable side up
The paper stack was fanned before loading
The paper is not loaded above the arrow on the left edge guide
The left edge guide is adjusted to fit your paper
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. If the error light remains on, turn the printer off, open the printer cover and gently pull out any paper that may be jammed in the paper path.
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
Note: If you cannot remove the foreign object by yourself, do not use force and do not disassemble the printer. Call your dealer for assistance.
3. Is this the first time the paper is jammed?
Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. Make sure that the paper support is set in the printer.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. Make sure to load the paper within the loading capacity.
Plain Paper: Up to 100 sheets
Envelopes: Up to 10 envelopes
360dpi Ink Jet Paper and Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper: Up to the arrow mark on the left edge guide.
Photo Quality Ink Jet Cards, Ink Jet Note Cards, and Ink Jet Greeting Cards: Up to 30 cards.
Always place the included support sheet* under the cards.
Photo Quality Glossy Film: One sheet at a time for best results.
Always put a support sheet* or a sheet of plain paper under the glossy film.
Ink Jet Transparencies: One sheet at a time.
Always put a sheet of plain paper under the stack of transparencies.
Photo Quality Self Adhesive Sheets: One sheet at a time.
Photo Paper: Up to 20 sheets. Always put a support sheet* under the stack of Photo Paper. For 200 x 300 mm Photo Paper, you can only load one sheet at a time.
Premium Glossy Photo Paper: One sheet at a time. n Photo Stickers 16 and Photo Stickers 4: One sheet at a time.
Panoramic Photo Paper and Iron-On Cool Peel Transfer Paper: One sheet at a time.
Matte paper-Heavyweight: Up to 20 sheets. Always put a support sheet* under the stack of Matte Paper-Heavyweight.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Paper Not Feeding Correctly
1. Check if the paper feed guides are in the correct position. Adjust the guides against the stack of paper.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Try fanning the paper. Pick up and use your thumb to flick through the paper. This should separate any pieces of paper which maybe stuck together.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. If there is a piece of paper or other debris in the printer, clear the pathways.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4
4. Is the paper within the specification? The paper specifications for Stylus Color 680 are as follows:
Single sheets Size:
A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)
A5 (148 mm x 210 mm)
Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)
Half letter (139.7 mm x 215.9 mm)
Legal (216 mm x 356 mm)
Executive (184.2 mm x 266.7 mm)
Paper types:
Plain Bond Paper, special papers distributed by Epson
Thickness: (for plain bond paper) 0.08 mm to 0.11 mm (0.003 to 0.004 inch)
Weight: (for plain bond paper) 64 g/m2 (17 lb) to 90 g/m2 (24 lb)
Envelopes Size:
No. 10 (104.8 mm x 241 mm)
DL (110 mm x 220 mm)
C6 (114 mm x 162 mm)
Paper types: Plain Bond Paper, air mail
Thickness: 0.16 mm to 0.52 mm (0.006 to 0.02 inch)
Weight : 45 g/m2 (12 lb) to 75 g/m2 (20 lb)
Index Cards Size:
5 x 8" (127 mm x 203 mm)
8 x 10" (203 mm x 254 mm)
Paper types: Special papers distributed by Epson
Transparencies, Glossy Film, Glossy Paper Size:
A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)
Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)
A6 (105 mm x 148 mm) for glossy film
Paper types: Special papers distributed by Epson
Self Adhesive Sheets Size:
A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)
Paper types: Special paper distributed by Epson
Matte Paper-Heavyweight:
Size :
A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)
Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)
Paper types: Special papers distributed by Epson
Photo Paper Size:
A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)
Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)
100 mm x 150 mm
200 mm x 300 mm
113.6 mm x 175.4 mm
Paper types: Special papers distributed by Epson
Photo Paper Size:
A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)
Letter (216 mm x 279 mm)
100 mm x 150 mm
200 mm x 300 mm
113.6 mm x 175.4 mm
Paper types: Special papers distributed by Epson
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
No Feeding At All
1. Does the printer respond after you send the print job?
Yes: Link to "Printer Doesn't Print". No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Remove the stack of paper and make sure of the following:
The paper is not curled or creased.
The paper is not too old. See the instructions that came with the paper for more information.
The paper is not loaded above the arrow on the left edge guide.
Paper is not jammed inside. If it is, remove the jammed paper.
Black and/or color ink are out. Replace the appropriate cartridge.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
3. Load the paper again. Make sure that you follow any special loading instructions that came with your paper.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Multiple Pages Feed
1. Remove the stack of paper and make sure that the paper is not too thin. Fan the edges of the stack to separate the sheets, then reload the paper.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. If too many copies of a document are being printed, check the Copies setting in both the printer driver and in your application.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Paper Does Not Eject Fully or is Wrinkled
1. If the paper does not eject fully, press the maintenance button, then open the printer cover and remove the paper. Also check the Paper Size setting in your application or printer driver.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. If the paper is wrinkled when it comes out, it may be damp or too thin. Load a new stack.
Note: Store any unused paper in its original packaging in a dry area.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required
If you are having print quality problems, first perform a Test Printing of this page. Then, compare your test printing with the illustration, and choose the illustration that best resembles your printout.
To print a test page:
Click Print on the File menu of the browser you are currently using.
Make sure that your printer is selected as the default printer, and click OK or Print.
1. Make sure that your paper is dry and that the printable side is facing up. Also, make sure that you are using an acceptable paper type.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Select Automatic as the Mode setting on your printer driver's Main menu (Windows) or in the Print dialog box (Macintosh).
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. If the paper is curled toward the printable side, flatten it or curl it slightly toward the opposite side.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. Remove each sheet from the output tray as it is printed, especially if you are using transparencies.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 6.
5. If you are printing on glossy media or transparencies, place a support sheet (or a sheet of plain paper) beneath the stack. Or, load one sheet at a time.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 6.
6. Run the Head Cleaning utility. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.
For Windows users:
Make sure that your printer is ON and the error light is off.
Access the printer software.
Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the headcleaning and print the pattern again.
For Macintosh users:
Make sure that the printer is on, and the error light is off.
Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 7.
7. Run the Print Head Alignment utility. To run the Print Head Alignment utility, follow the instructions below.
For Windows Users:
Make sure that A4 or Letter size plain paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
Access the printer software
Click the Utility tab, then click the Print Head Alignment button
Follow the on-screen instructions and align the print head
For Macintosh Users:
Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder
Click the Utility icon button, then click the Print Head Alignment button
Follow the on-screen instructions to align the print head.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 8.
8. Ink may have leaked inside the printer; wipe the inside of the printer with a soft, clean cloth.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 9.
9. Clear the carriage return area by feeding blank pages through several times using the maintenance button. The amount of ink should decrease after several pages.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
1. Make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the sheet feeder.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.
For Windows users:
Make sure that your printer is ON and the error light is off.
Access the printer software.
Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.
For Macintosh users:
Make sure that the printer is on, and the error light is off.
Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. Select Automatic as the Mode setting on your printer driver's Main menu (Windows) or in the Print dialog box (Macintosh).
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. Check the error light. If the light is on and ink is out, replace the appropriate ink cartridge. To find out which ink cartridge is empty, check Epson Status Monitor 3 (for Windows 98,95,2000 and NT 4.0) or Epson Status Monitor (for Macintosh).
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. Make sure that Maximum is not selected as the Printable Area setting in your printer driver. When this setting is selected, banding may occur in the expanded area.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 6.
6. Make sure that the Media Type selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of media that is loaded in the printer.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
1. Make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the sheet feeder.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Run the Print Head Alignment utility. To run the Print Head Alignment utility, follow the instructions below.
For Windows Users:
Make sure that A4 or Letter size plain paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
Access the printer software
Click the Utility tab, then click the Print Head Alignment button
Follow the on-screen instructions and align the print head
For Macintosh Users:
Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder
Click the Utility icon button, then click the Print Head Alignment button
Follow the on-screen instructions to align the print head.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. Clear the High Speed check box in your printer driver. For instructions, see Using the Advanced settings for Windows. For Macintosh, see Making the Advanced settings.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved, No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.
For Windows users:
Make sure that your printer is ON and the error light is off.
Access the printer software.
Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.
For Macintosh users:
Make sure that the printer is on, and the error light is off.
Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need To repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. Make sure that the Media Type setting selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of media that is loaded in the printer.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
1. Make sure that your paper is not damaged, dirty, or too old. Also, make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the sheet feeder.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.
For Windows users:
Make sure that your printer is ON and the error light is off.
Access the printer software.
Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.
For Macintosh users:
Make sure that the printer is on, and the error light is off.
Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need To repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. Check the error light. If the error light is on and ink is out, replace the appropriate ink cartridge. To find out which ink cartridge is empty, check the Epson Status Monitor 3 (for Windows 98,95,2000 and NT 4.0) or Epson Status Monitor (for Macintosh).
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. Adjust the color settings in your application or your printer driver’s Advanced dialog box.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. Select Automatic as the Mode setting on your printer driver’s Main menu (Windows) or in the Print dialog box (Macintosh).
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 6.
6. Make sure that the Media Type setting selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of media that is loaded in the printer.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
1. Change the Ink setting in your printer driver to Color.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Adjust the color settings in your application or your printer driver's Advanced dialog box.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. Run the Head Cleaning utility. To run the Head Cleaning Utility, follow the instructions below.
For Windows users:
Make sure that your printer is ON and the error light is off.
Access the printer software.
Click the Utility tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.
For Macintosh users:
Make sure that the printer is on, and the error light is off.
Click the Utility icon button, then click the Head Cleaning button
Follow the on-screen instructions
When the power light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean. If you find that any segments are missing from the nozzle check pattern, you may need To repeat the head cleaning and print the pattern again.
Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. If colors are still incorrect or are missing, replace the color ink cartridge. If the problem persists, replace the black ink cartridge.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Yes: Go to Checkpoint 2. No: Install the driver following the supplied procedure.
2. Make sure that you have selected the appropriate printer in the Chooser.
Select the Chooser from the Apple menu. Then click your printer’s icon and the port that your printer is connected to.
Select the appropriate Background Printing radio button to turn background printing on or off. When background printing is on, you can use your Macintosh while it is preparing a document for printing. In order to use the Epson Monitor 3 utility to manage print jobs, background printing must be turned on.
Close the Chooser.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. Is there any error message displayed on the screen or error light is flashing or on?
Access Epson StatusMonitor following the steps below to check the current printer status.
Click Print or Page Setup on the File menu of your application. The Print dialog box appears.
Click the StatusMonitor icon button. Or, click the Utility icon button, then click the Epson StatusMonitor button in the Utility dialog box that appears. The StatusMonitor dialog box opens.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Link to "Error Message or Lights" category. No: Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. Print the operation check page.
To print a printer operation check page:
Make sure that both the printer and computer are turned off.
Disconnect the cable from the printer's interface connector.
Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
Hold down the maintenance button and press the power button to turn on the printer. Release only the power button first. When the nozzle check starts, release the maintenance button.
The printer prints an operation check page which includes the version of your printer's ROM, the ink counter code, and a nozzle check pattern.
Compare the quality of the printed check page with the sample below. If there are no print quality problems, the printer itself is all right and the problem probably lies in the printer software settings or the application settings, or with the interface cable or the computer itself.
If the check page does not print satisfactorily, there is a problem with the printer. For example, if any segment of the problem could be a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head. In such cases, run the Head Cleaning or the Print Head Alignment utility. To access the utility, click the Utility icon button in the Print or Page Setup dialog box, then click the button for the utility that you want to use.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. How are you connected?
USB: Go to Checkpoint 6. Network: Contact your Network Administrator.
6. If you are using iMac with Mac OS 8.1, make sure that you have updated your OS to 8.5 or later and run iMac Update.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 7.
7. Clear any stalled print jobs from the queue.
Select Epson Monitor3 from the Application menu at the right end of the menu bar, or open Epson Monitor3 by double-clicking the Epson Monitor3 icon in the Extensions folder.
In the Epson Monitor3 dialog box, select the Delete button.
Note: Make sure to turn on Background Printing in the Chooser or in the Background Printing dialog box to use Epson Monitor3.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 8.
8. Make sure that your Hard Disk is not full. To print, you need extra hard disk space amounting to about twice the size of the file you want to print.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Win 3.1, 95, 98, 2000, NT4.0
1. Have you installed the printer driver?
Yes: Go to Checkpoint 2. No: Install the driver following the supplied procedure.
2. Make sure that you have selected Stylus COLOR 680 as the printer you wish to use.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. Is there any error message displayed on the screen or error light is flashing or on?
For Windows 98, 95, 2000, and NT 4.0, check the current printer status using Epson Status Monitor 3.
To access the Status Monitor3,
Click Start, point to Settings, then click Printers.
For Windows 98 and 95, select your printer, then click Properties on the File menu. For Windows 2000, select your printer, then click Printing Preferences on the File menu. For Windows NT 4.0, select your printer, then click Document Defaults on the File menu. The printer driver opens.
Click the Utility tab in the printer driver, then click the icon button for the utility that you wish to use.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Link to "Error Message or Lights" category. No: Go to Checkpoint 6 / Win 3.1 Go to Checkpoint 4.
4. Make sure of the following:
Printer is on.
Turn off the printer and make sure that the power cord is securely plugged in.
Your outlet works and it is not controlled by a wall switch or a timer.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 5.
5. Check if the cable is securely plugged in. Make sure that you use the right cable for your printer.
Shielded Parallel Interface Cable from D-SUB 25-pin (computer) to 36-pin
Amphenol 57 Series (printer)
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 6.
6. Print the operation check page.
To print a printer operation check page,
Make sure that both the printer and computer are turned off.
Disconnect the cable from the printer's interface connector.
Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
Hold down the maintenance button and press the power button to turn on the printer. Release only the power button first. When the nozzle check starts, release the maintenance button.
The printer prints an operation check page which includes the version of your printer's ROM, the ink counter code, and a nozzle check pattern.
Compare the quality of the printed check page with the sample below. If there are no print quality problems, the printer itself is all right and the problem probably lies in the printer software settings or the application settings, or with the interface cable or the computer itself.
If the check page does not print satisfactorily, there is a problem with the printer. For example, if any segment of the problem could be a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head.
In such cases, run the Head Cleaning or the Print Head Alignment utility.
To use the utility,
From the File menu, click Print or Print Setup.
In the dialog box that appears, click Printer, Setup, Options, or Properties. (Depending on your application, you may need to click a combination of these buttons.)
Click the Utility tab in the printer driver, then click the icon button for the utility that you wish to use.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 7.
7. How are you connected?
Parallel Port: Go to Checkpoint 8
USB: Go to Checkpoint 13 Network: Contact your Network Administrator
8. Make sure that there is no scanner or other device connected between your PC and the printer. If there is, these devices can cause problems.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 9.
9. Clear any stalled print jobs from the Spool Manager.
After you send a print job, an Epson Stylus COLOR 680 button appears on the taskbar. Click this button to open the Epson Spool Manager, where you can view print status information about the print jobs that have been sent to the printer. You can also cancel, pause and resume, or restart a print job by selecting it in the list and clicking the appropriate button.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved, No: Go to Checkpoint 10.
10. If you are using Windows 2000 or NT4.0, try to uninstall the Epson Printer Port.
Click Start, point to Programs and Epson Printers, then click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 11.
11. Make sure that your Hard Disk is not full.
To check the free space of your Hard Disk,
For Windows 95, 98, 2000 and NT users
Double Click on My Computer.
Click on C Drive (or the drive where your OS is located).
Click on File menu and Properties. 4. You can see in the screen the free space of your Hard Disk.
For Windows 3.1 users:
Double Click on Main.
Double Click on File Manager.
Click on C Driver (or the drive where your OS is located).
On the bottom of the screen you can see the free space in the Hard Disk.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 12.
12. Try reinstalling the printer driver.
Does this solve the problem? Give instructions for reinstallation (Setup Guide).
Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
13. Make sure that computer is a Windows 98 or Windows 2000 pre-installed model. You may not be able to install or run the USB Printer Driver on a computer which is not equipped with a USB port or which is upgraded from Windows 95 to Windows 98 or 2000.
For details about your computer, contact your dealer.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 14.
14. Is the Epson USB Printer Devices shown in the Device Manager menu?
If you cancelled the plug-and-play driver installation before the procedure was completed, either the USB device driver or the printer driver may be installed incorrectly. Follow the steps below to check the installation.
Turn the printer on. Plug the USB cable into the printer and the computer.
Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop, then click Properties in the shortcut menu that appears.
Click the Device Manager tab. If your drivers are correctly installed, Epson USB Printer Devices should appear in the Device Manager menu.
Yes: Further help required. No: Go to Checkpoint 15.
15. If Epson USB Printer Device does not appear in the Device Manager menu, click the plus (+) sign beside Other Devices to view the installed devices.
If USB Printer appears under Other Devices, the USB printer device driver is not installed correctly. If Epson Stylus COLOR 680 appears, the printer driver is not installed correctly.
Follow the steps below to remove the device.
Under Other Devices, select USB Printer or Epson Stylus COLOR 680, then click Remove. Then click OK.
When the Confirm Device Removal dialog box appears, click OK. Then click OK again to close the Properties window.
Turn off both the printer and the PC. Then install the drives again, following the instructions in the Setup Guide.
If neither USB Printer nor Epson Stylus COLOR 680 appears under Other Devices, click Refresh or unplug the USB cable from the printer, then plug it into the printer again.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
When printer is connected via parallel port, printer does not respond to a print job. It keeps loading / ejecting the paper or printing garbage. What’s wrong?
Please perform the followings:
Check whether the parallel cable used is a Bi-directional parallel cable. If the cable is not a Bi-directional parallel cable, please get one.
Check your PC system CMOS / BIOS setting or parallel mode or LPT port. Please set to either ECP or Bi-directional mode.
Check whether your PC has Anti-Virus software called "PC-Cillin". If yes, please uninstall the software and then send to print again. You may have to uninstall the PC-Cillin software under Safe Mode setting in your PC. It means that when the PC boots up, you press F8 to go to Safe Mode setting and then go to "Add/Remove Programs" in Control Panel to remove the software.
1. If there are any print jobs in the Spool Manager, delete them. Then, power the printer off and on. If there are no print jobs in the Spool Manager, disconnect the printer from the PC, power off and then power on.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 2.
2. Check to see if the buttons on the printer are stuck. If it is stuck, try freeing the button.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to Checkpoint 3.
3. If the printer starts printing after it is reconnected, is the print recognizable or garbage?
Recognizable: Go to Checkpoint 4. Garbage: Go to Checkpoint 5.
4. If the printing is recognizable, there must be a print job being sent to the printer. Close all applications, then power the printer off and on.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
5. If the printing is garbage, check to see if your printer is connected directly to your PC, NOT connected via a scanner or some other device.
Does this solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
32 MB RAM or more when background printing is turned on
Yes: Go to checkpoint 2
No: The printer speed depends on the specifications of your MAC
2 Make sure your driver is set for the maximum speed and adequate paper type:
From Printer driver, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed.
Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct.
In the Print dialog box, select the Media Type setting that matches the paper that is loaded in the printer.
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 3.
3. Does disabling background printing solve the problem?
Background printing can be disabled as follows:
Click on the "Apple Menu" and highlight the "Chooser"
Select the Stylus Color in the Select Printer dialogue window.
In the Chooser's dialogue window: Click the radio button to OFF(Background Printing)
Close the Chooser
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.
4. If you are using virtual memory, disable virtual memory
From applemenu, control, memory. Virtual memory status is displayed
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Further help required.
Windows 95
1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?
Minimum System Requirements
486/25 MHz
16 MB RAM
20 MB hard disk space VGA monitor
Recommended System
Pentium or better processor
32 MB RAM or more
50 MB or more hard disk space
VGA monitor or better
Yes: Go to checkpoint 2
No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC
2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer? Scanner , Zip driver , Modem?
Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to checkpoint 4.
3. Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?
The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.
Yes: Go to checkpoint 4
No: The device is causing the slow down.
Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.
4. Make sure your Windows 95 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.
From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed
Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct
On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.
Windows 98
1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?
Minimum System Requirements
486/66 MHz
16 MB RAM
20 MB hard disk space
VGA monito
Recommended System
Pentium or better processor
32 MB RAM or more
50 MB or more hard disk space
VGA monitor or bette
Yes: Go to checkpoint 2
No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC
2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer? Scanner , Zip driver , Modem?
Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to checkpoint 4.
3. Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?
The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.
Yes: Go to checkpoint 4
No: The device is causing the slow down
Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.
4. Make sure your Windows 98 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.
From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed
Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct
On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.
Windows 2000
1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?
Minimum System Requirements
Pentium 133 MHz
32 MB RAM
40 MB hard disk space
VGA monitor
Recommended System
133 MHz or higher
64 MB RAM or more
100 MB or more hard disk space
VGA monitor or better
Yes: Go to checkpoint 2
No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC
2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer? Scanner , Zip driver , Modem
Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to checkpoint 4.
3. Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?
The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.
Yes: Go to checkpoint 4
No: The device is causing the slow down
Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.
4. Make sure your Windows 2000 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.
From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed
Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct
On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.
Windows NT4
1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?
Minimum System Requirements
486/25 MHz
16 MB RAM
40 MB hard disk space
VGA monitor
Recommended System
Pentium or better processor
64 MB RAM or more
100 MB or more or more hard disk space
VGA monitor or better.
Yes: Go to checkpoint 2
No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC
2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer?
Scanner , Zip driver , Modem?
Yes: Go to checkpoint 3
No: Go to checkpoint 4
3. Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?
The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.
Yes: Go to checkpoint 4
No: The device is causing the slow down
Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.
4. Make sure your Windows NT4 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.
From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed
Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct
On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.
Windows 3.1
1. Does your PC meet the minimum requirements?
Minimum System Requirements
386/25 MHz
16 MB RAM
20 MB hard disk space
VGA monitor
Recommended System
Pentium or better processor
32 MB RAM or more
50 MB or more hard disk space
VGA monitor or better.
Yes: Go to checkpoint 2
No: The printer speed depends on the specification of your PC
2. Are there other devices connected between the PC and the printer? Scanner , Zip driver , Modem?
Yes: Go to checkpoint 3. No: Go to checkpoint 4.
3. Do the print outs take as long if the printer is connected directly?
The device between the printer and the PC may cause a slow down of the data transfer.
Yes: Go to checkpoint 4
No: The device is causing the slow down
Contact the manufacturer of the device for advice on speeding up the data transfer.
4. Make sure your Windows 3.1 driver is set to the following options to optimize speed.
From printer properties, move the slide bar from Quality to Speed
Make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct.
On the Main menu, select the Media Type setting that matches the media that is loaded in the printer.
Note: if the Media Type that you wish to select does not appear in the list, make the Print Quality setting in the More Settings dialog box first. To access this dialog box, click Advanced on the Main menu, then click More Settings.
Does it solve the problem? Yes: Solved. No: Go to checkpoint 5.
