Epson Stylus Pro 9700 User Manual

							181
Solving Problems|181
PAPER SIZE ERROR
LOAD CORRECT PAPER SIZEThe loaded paper size does not 
match the size of the image.Make sure the paper size matches the size 
of the image.
PAPER SKEW
LOAD PAPER PROPERLYPaper is not loaded straight. Press the   button and make sure the 
paper is loaded straight.
PRINTER ERROR
RESTART THE PRINTERYou tried to print while an error 
condition was present.Press the Ppower button to turn off the 
printer, then turn it back on.
REPLACE MAINTENANCE 
TANK SOONThe maintenance tank is 
nearing the end of its service 
life.Replace the maintenance tank with a new 
one as soon as possible.
SOME NOZZLES ARE 
CLOGGEDHead cleaning has been 
performed but did not clear the 
nozzles.Print the nozzle check pattern and, if there 
are missing dots, perform head cleaning.
WRONG MAIN. TANK RIGHT 
SIDE MAINT. TANK WRONG 
TYPE
INSERT CORRECT TANKA non-genuine maintenance 
tank is installed.Replace the maintenance tank with a 
genuine Epson maintenance tank.
WRONG MAIN. TANK LEFT 
SIDE MAINT. TANK WRONG 
TYPE
INSERT CORRECT TANKA non-genuine maintenance 
tank is installed.Replace the maintenance tank with a 
genuine Epson maintenance tank.
Message ExplanationResponse
 
						

							182
182|Solving Problems
Auto Take-Up Reel Error Messages
If you have the optional Automatic Take-Up Reel System, check the 
following list for error messages that might appear:
Improving Print Quality
You can often improve print quality by doing the following:
Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle. See page 152 for instructions.
Align the print head. See page 156 for instructions.
When you send a print job, make sure your print options are set 
correctly. For more information, see page 85 (Windows) or page 111 
(Macintosh).
Message ExplanationResponse
TAKE-UP DISCONNECTED
SET AUTO TAKE-UP REEL 
SYSTEM IN PRINTER AND 
RESTART THE PRINTERThe Auto Take-up Reel is not 
installed correctly.Turn the printer off, then install the Auto 
Take-up Reel correctly. See page 203.
TAKE-UP DISCONNECTED
AUTO TAKE-UP REEL UNIT 
IS DISCONNECTED
DO YOU CONTINUE?
NO
YESThe Auto Take-up Reel is not 
installed correctly.Select YES to continue printing without 
using the Auto Take Up Reel. Or, select NO, 
turn the printer off, then connect the Auto 
Take-up Reel (see page 203) and restart the 
printer. 
TAKE-UP ERROR
CHECK THE STATUS OF 
AUTO TAKE-UP REEL UNIT 
AND RESTART THE 
PRINTERPaper is not loaded on the reel 
correctly.Press the   button and load the paper 
correctly; see page 204.
TAKE-UP ERROR
IS ANYTHING 
OBSTRUCTING THE 
TAKE-UP REEL SENSOR 
SYSTEM?
LOAD PAPER AGAINThe Auto Take-up Reel is not 
winding paper.Make sure nothing is obstructing the 
sensor. Press the   button and load the 
paper correctly; see page 204.
 
						

							183
Solving Problems|183
If none of these suggestions help, try the solutions in the following table.
ProblemSolution 
Your print has horizontal 
banding.◗Check the ink indicators and light to see if you are low on ink. (If you replace 
ink cartridges with the printer turned off, the ink indicators will not be 
accurate.) Replace ink cartridges if necessary, as described on page 157.
◗Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle. See page 152 for instructions. 
◗Turn off the High Speed setting. See page 108 for instructions.
◗Make sure the Media Type setting in the printer software is correct.
◗If you’re using cut sheet media, make sure the printable side is face up.
◗Choose a higher resolution.
◗If you’re using a third-party RIP and non-Epson media, see if the RIP provides 
a method for adjusting the paper feed.
Try adjusting your advanced media control settings (page 119 for Mac OS X 
10.6 & 10.5) or paper configuration settings (page 100 for Windows or page 133 
for Mac OS X 10.4.11). Check these settings:
◗Make sure the Paper Thickness setting is correct for your paper.
◗Use the Paper Feed Adjustment to tune out banding. Reduce the value for 
white lines, and increase it for overlapping dark lines.
◗If you’ve created a custom paper configuration, be sure to return the setting 
to standard (STD) when you’re done using it. See page 82.
Your print has vertical 
banding.◗Turn off the High Speed setting. See page 108 for instructions.
◗Align the print head; see page 156.
 
						

							184
184|Solving Problems
Your print is grainy, or has 
misregistration or ghosting.◗Check the ink indicators and light to see if you are low on ink. (If you replace 
ink cartridges with the printer turned off, the ink indicators will not be 
accurate.) Replace ink cartridges if necessary, as described on page 157.
◗Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle. See page 152 for instructions. 
◗Align the print head, as described on page 156.
◗Make sure the Media Type setting in the printer software is correct. 
◗If you’re using cut sheet media, make sure the printable side is face-up.
◗Choose a higher resolution, such as SuperFine - 1440 dpi.
◗Turn off the High Speed setting. See page 108 for instructions.
You may need to adjust your advanced media control settings (page 119 for 
Mac OS X 10.6 & 10.5) or paper configuration settings (page 133 for Mac OS X 
10.4.11or page 100 for Windows). Check these settings:
◗Make sure Paper Thickness setting is correct for your paper.
◗If you’ve created a custom paper configuration, be sure to return the setting 
to standard (STD) when you’re done using it. See page 82.
Colors are incorrect or 
missing.◗Make sure the Media Type setting in the printer software is correct.
◗Adjust the Color Density setting in the Paper Configuration utility.
◗If you’re using a third-party RIP or non-Epson media, custom color profiles 
will give you the best color reproduction.
◗If you’re using cut sheet media, make sure the printable side is face-up.
◗Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle; see page 152.
◗Check the expiration date printed on each of the ink cartridges. If the 
cartridge is too old, replace it as described on page 157. 
◗Check the ink indicators and light, and replace ink cartridges if your ink 
supply is low, as described on page 157. (If you replace ink cartridges with 
the printer turned off, the ink indicators will not be accurate.)
◗Make sure color settings in your application or printer software are correct.
ProblemSolution 
 
						

							185
Solving Problems|185
Your print has gaps or 
appears faint.◗Check the expiration date printed on each of the ink cartridges. If the 
cartridge is too old, replace it as described on page 157. 
◗Make sure the Media Type setting in the printer software is correct.
◗Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle (see page 152). 
◗Check the ink indicators and light and replace ink cartridges if your ink supply 
is low, as described on page 157. (If you replace ink cartridges with the 
printer turned off, the ink indicators will not be accurate.)
◗The paper thickness setting is not correct for your paper. Use your printer 
software (page 119 for Mac OS X 10.6 & 10.5 or page 133 for Mac OS X 
10.4.11 or page 101 for Windows) to choose the correct setting. When 
you’re done printing with a custom paper configuration, be sure to return the 
setting to standard (STD). 
◗The PLATEN GAP setting is too wide. Use the menu system to change the 
setting to STANDARD, or to NARROW if printing on very thin paper. See 
page 76 for instructions.
Your print appears blurry or 
smeared.◗Make sure the Media Type setting in the printer software is correct.
◗If you’re printing on non-Epson media, you may need to adjust the paper 
thickness setting, drying time, or color density. Use your printer software 
(page 119 for Mac OS X 10.6 & 10.5 or page 133 for Mac OS X 10.4.11or 
page 101 for Windows) to choose the correct setting. When you’re done 
printing with a custom paper configuration, be sure to return the setting to 
standard (STD). 
◗Your paper doesn’t meet the required specifications or wasn’t stored in a 
dry, humidity-free environment. Load new paper.
◗If you’re using cut sheet media, make sure the printable side is face-up.
◗Ink has leaked into the paper path. Wipe the paper path area of the printer 
with a soft, clean cloth. See page 168 for cleaning instructions.
◗Turn off the High Speed setting. See page 108 for instructions.
◗The PLATEN GAP setting is too narrow. Use the control panel to change the 
setting to WIDE or WIDER. See page 76 for instructions.
◗Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle (see page 152).
◗You may need to uninstall and reinstall the printer driver (see page 193).
◗If ink is smeared on the back of your print, make sure PAPER SIZE CHECK is 
ON in the control panel menu. This prevents printing beyond the edge of the 
paper and soiling the inside of the printer.
ProblemSolution 
 
						

							186
186|Solving Problems
Solving Operational Problems
If you can’t turn the printer on, if it stops printing unexpectedly, or if 
nothing prints, check the following: 
Paper is loaded correctly. 
The printer is plugged securely into a working electrical outlet that’s not 
controlled by a switch or timer.
The interface cable is securely connected to the printer and your system.
The voltage supplied by the electrical outlet matches the voltage on the 
printer’s rating label. If not, turn off the power and unplug the power 
cord immediately. Contact your service provider for assistance; see 
page 13 for details.
If none of these suggestions help, try the solutions below.
The bottom edge of your 
print is smeared.◗The paper is curled toward the printable side. Flatten the paper or curl it 
toward the other side. 
◗Make sure the Media Type setting in your printer software is correct.
◗If you’re printing on non-Epson media, you may need to adjust the paper 
thickness setting or drying time. Use your printer software (page 119 for 
Mac OS X 10.6 & 10.5 or page 133 for Mac OS X 10.4.11 or page 101 for 
Windows) to choose the correct setting. When you’re done printing with a 
custom paper configuration, be sure to return the setting to standard (STD). 
◗If printing on thick paper, the PLATEN GAP setting may be incorrect. Use the 
control panel to change the setting to WIDE or WIDER; see page 76.
ProblemSolution 
ProblemSolution
The printer stops printing 
unexpectedly.◗If the  light is flashing, the printer is performing a maintenance 
procedure or waiting for ink to dry. Check the display message and lights on 
the control panel. Wait until the light stops flashing.
◗Check the display message and lights on the control panel to see if an error 
has occurred. Follow the instructions for the messages beginning on 
page 176.
The printer sounds as if it’s 
printing, but nothing prints.◗Follow the instructions beginning on page 152 to clean the print head.
◗Communication between the computer and printer may have been 
momentarily interrupted. Try restarting the computer and printing again.
 
						

							187
Solving Problems|187
Solving Miscellaneous Printing Problems
If your printouts are not what you expected, try the suggestions below:
Nothing prints. ◗Turn off the printer and computer. Make sure the interface cable is securely 
plugged in. Then restart the printer and computer.
◗Make sure the interface cable meets the requirements; see page 13 or 13.
◗The printer port setting doesn’t match the printer connection port 
(Windows).
Windows 7 & Windows Vista: Click   > Control Panel > Hardware and 
Sound > Devices and Printers. Right-click the icon for your printer, then 
select Properties. Click the Ports tab and make sure your printer port is 
selected.
Windows XP: Click Start > Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware 
> Printers and Faxes. Right-click the icon for your printer, then select 
Properties. Click the Ports tab and make sure your printer port is selected.
◗Download and install the latest driver for Macintosh or Windows from the 
Epson website at www.proimaging.epson.com.
ProblemSolution
ProblemSolution
Your print has incorrect or 
garbled characters.◗Make sure your software is installed correctly and the printer is selected. 
◗Clear any stalled print jobs. 
◗Turn off the printer and computer. Make sure the interface cable is securely 
plugged in at both ends.
Your print has incorrect 
margins.◗Check the page size or paper size settings in your application. Make sure 
they are within the printer’s printable area.
◗Make sure the Paper Size and Borderless settings in your printer software 
are correct for the paper you’re using.
◗Paper is loaded incorrectly. Follow the instructions beginning on page 57 to 
reload the paper. Make sure PAPER SKEW CHECK is ON in the control panel 
menu.
◗The ROLL PAPER MARGIN setting on the PRINTER SETUP menu is 
incorrect. See page 217 for more information.
Your image is inverted.◗Turn off the Flip Horizontal or Mirror Image setting in your printer software. 
See page 118 (Mac OS X 10.6 & 10.5) or page 131 for (Mac OS X 10.4.11) or 
page 99 (Windows) for instructions. 
 
						

							188
188|Solving Problems
Blank paper is printed.◗Make sure your software is installed correctly and the printer is selected.
◗Make sure the Paper Size setting in your printer software is correct for the 
paper you’re using.
◗Make sure the Paper Source setting in your printer software is correct.
A ruled line on your print 
appears to shift.◗Align the print head as described on page 156.
◗Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle; see page 152.
Color images print in black 
only.◗Make sure the Color setting is correct in your printer software.
The printer continues to feed 
paper after you have 
cancelled a job.◗Press the  Pause/reset button on the printer to clear any print job data 
in the printer’s buffer and reset the printer.
◗Make sure the paper source is set correctly.
Roll paper cannot be cut.◗The paper cutter may be dull. Follow the instructions on page 162 to replace 
the cutter.
◗Make sure   appears on the LCD display. If not, press the 
lPaper 
Source button to select this setting. Also check the Auto Cut settings in your 
printer software.
Printing is too slow.◗Turn on the High Speed setting. See page 108 for instructions.
◗Choose a lower resolution in your printer software for faster printing.
◗Clear space on your hard drive or run a defragmentation utility.
◗Don’t run too many applications at the same time.
◗Turn off virtual memory.
◗Add RAM to your system.
◗Try printing when there is less traffic on the network, or move the printer to a 
different network segment.
ProblemSolution
 
						

							189
Solving Problems|189
Solving Paper Problems
If paper feed or paper jam problems occur frequently, try one or more of the 
following solutions:
For roll paper, try adjusting the Paper Suction setting. See page 82 for 
more information. You can also adjust this setting through your printer 
driver.
For heavy or thick media, follow the instructions on page 75 to load the 
media correctly.
Make sure the paper is not folded, wrinkled, or damp.
Make sure the printer’s environment falls within the required 
temperature and humidity range.
Make sure the paper is not too thick or too thin. See page 57, page 196, 
and page 198 for paper specifications.
Make sure no foreign objects are inside the paper path.
Make sure the printer isn’t located in a brightly lit area. The paper 
sensors may not operate correctly.
Make sure the Media Type and Source settings in the printer software 
are correct.
Make sure the PLATEN GAP setting is correct for the paper or media 
you’re printing on. See page 76 for more information.
If you’re not using Epson media, use a paper configuration to adjust for 
the paper’s thickness and drying time; see page 82.
 
						

							190
190|Solving Problems
Fixing Paper Eject Problems
If the paper is curled too tightly to eject properly, make sure the paper guides 
are attached to the printer. There are two paper guides for the Epson Stylus 
Pro 7700 and five for the Pro 9700.
Attach the guides to the bottom of the printer as shown:
Do one of the following:
If you are feeding paper in front of the printer, 
move the guides to the forward position.
If you are feeding paper backward (under the 
printer), gently squeeze the paper guides and 
push them to the backward position, as shown 
below:
Epson Stylus Pro 7700 Epson Stylus Pro 9700
Note: If banding appears 
on your print, leave the 
paper guides in the 
forward position.