Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "scrber" 
<stephen.bate@m...> wrote:
> I would try it the other way around.
> If, after your PC crash, you lost the 1290 software.
> Re-install your printers as normal, with the 1290 software.
> 
> THEN, when all is running OK, add the 1280 driver from the US site.
> Then you can switch between it and the 1290 version for either 
> printer.
> 
> Hope it runs OK...


Dear Colin,

If you are still not up and running, I have some experience in 
running multiple Epsons. I don't think you should have any problems 
doing what you want to do. 

I work for Epson selling printers in a "Big Box" computer store as 
well as merchandising a group of office stores. In the computer 
store, they have a demo setup that consists 27 Epsons, HPs and Canons 
all hooked to one computer through a maze of USB cables and hubs. 
The computer is available to the general public so the opportunities 
for operator error and/or malicious actions are substantial. In 
addition, the cables are run through the inventory storage space, so 
accidental disconnections are common. The result is a regular loss of 
printer communications and drivers. 

The system runs WinXP pro, which is quite similar to Win2000. If the 
mess described above works, your running 2 printers should be simple. 
You could use the Parallel port for one of them, but I find USB to be 
both faster and more consistent at finding specific hardware. Each 
machine has a unique identifier to help the USB/drivers system locate 
it so I think it unlikely either would be mistaken for the other.

First, If your OS crash was so bad that it took out OS related 
functions like printer drivers, you might want to consider how far 
the damage extended and perhaps renew the whole system instead just 
dealing with the printer drivers.

Assuming you don't reload, I would start by removing all printer 
drivers from the computer using the add/remove programs function. I 
would also physically delete all the files in the printer directories 
to make sure you get a clean install. If, and ONLY IF you are 
comfortable navigating the registry, I would also delete all 
references to Epson from the Registry. Obviously if you have Epson 
scanners, etc. you will either have to be careful here, or reinstall 
their drivers as well.

As far as which to install first, not knowing the details of the 
custom driver or how aggressive it is, I am not sure which to do 
first. If the custom driver is an add-on to the factory driver, 
clearly the factory driver must be loaded first. In that case, I 
would install that machine first, then connect the second one and 
reinstall the facory drivers for that one.

If they are independent, I would install the one I most wanted to use 
last, so if it wrote over both installations, I could still get what 
I want right away. Alternatively, I would install the factory drivers 
last because they are generally good about respecting previous 
installations of the same type of printer.

For example, if some one sells a demo printer that has been 
installed, its drivers will not drive an identical replacement 
because the serial number is not the same. Therefore you have to 
reinstall the driver software.  I have seen as many as 8 
installations of the same type of printer. Deleting the unused ones 
does not change the functional one. Usually the last one is the one 
to keep. 

Other issues involve the OS "losing" the printers. This is a USB 
issue generally caused by disconnecting and reconnectiong the cables. 
A reboot usually fixes that. Swapping cables can cause problems, 
especially if done while powered. Powering up the computer with only 
one of the printers attached can cause problems for the printer 
driver finding the printer. Check the port assignments and correct as 
needed.

I hope this is useful. It applies to those of you running multiple 
printers of all kinds, mixed or not. 

Most of this has been learned on the spot, not through official Epson 
technical information, so there may be considerations I have missed. 
However, I have been maintaining the system for over a year and most 
of the time, all the printers are capable of providing a 
demonstration.

It has been a tremendous amount of fun having part of my job consist 
of making the most beautiful prints I can from every printer in the 
line using supplied ink and paper.  Unfortunately, I am stuck with 
the black options of the standard printers, though a stock R800 and 
Stylus2200 are not too bad in that department.



bmaytum