Ink Levels

[codswallop]

I have an Epson Stylus Photo RX 425 printer,when ONE of my cartridges runs out the printer stops.The trouble is,it also stops me from checking the ink levels so that I can replace the cartridge.Is there any way I can overcome this other than a constant check when things are ok? But like most things sometimes you use the printer frequently and sometimes not.Then it's too late. Thanks !!

[Buenchico]

Have you tried checking the ink levels via the printer maintenance utility? With the printer switched on, go to Start > Devices & Printers. (In some versions of Windows yo might need to go through the Control Panel to get there). Right-click on the icon for your printer and select 'Printer properties'. Click on the 'Maintenance' tab and look for an option to 'Check ink levels' or 'Check printer status'. (I'm forced to be rather vague here because I've not got an Epson printer). Hopefully that should identify the empty cartridge.

[codswallop]

When a cartridge is empty if you click on "ink levels"it just shows all colours as blanks as if no current is there,and no printer working.So until another one runs out I won't be able to try your suggestion BC,although it looks like the same method i've been using. Thanks.

[alavahalf]

I have a similar problem with an Epson printer. The ink level monitor used to show the amount of ink available in each cartridge, up until I upgraded to windows 7.... Ever since then the level monitor shows each cartridge as being empty even though there is plenty ink and the printer works fine.
The problem is that the drivers for the slightly aging printer are not totally compatible with Windows 7.
I would try uninstalling the printer in ad remove programmes and then re-installing it along with the latest drivers. Failing that you may just have to put up with it.

[Buenchico]

Thank you, Alavahalf, for pointing out how old that printer is.

According to the Epson UK website, there are no drivers for the RX245 printer after Windows XP. (i.e. Windows Vista, 7 and 8 aren't supported). The XP driver was issued in 2004.

So if you're attempting to use the printer with anything after Windows XP it's unsurprising that you're experiencing problems. As your printer must be about 10 years old, it might well be time to look for a new printer. If you do, ensure that you look for one with separate ink cartridges for the different colours, as it will save you a fortune in the long run. Canon printers are the best rated in many surveys and this is superb (with cheap compatible ink cartridges easily available)
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/printers-ink/printers-scanners/all-in-one-printers/canon-pixma-mg5550-all-in-one-wireless-inkjet-printer-21732484-pdt.html#cat-0

[codswallop]

Thank you both for all the info.It seems a shame to have to get rid of the printer,because other than this "blip"it works fine.I'll just have to keep an eye on the ink levels while there is ink in the cartridges.

[alavahalf]

The thing is ... if you do start to print and then suddenly your cartridge runs out. There shouldn't be an issue in doing a re-print due to the ink cost.
Ink for your printer is disgustingly cheap.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-INK-FOR-EPSON-STYLUS-R240-R245-RX420-RX425-RX520-/350566472005?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_Printing_PrinterInkCatridges_JN&hash=item519f63d945.

My printer is of a similar age to yours and after initially using the genuine ink cartridges I went onto compatibles ... never looked back.
When genuine replacement cartridges cost more than a new printer I stick with compatibles.

[codswallop]

You're right I've used compatibles for ages with no problems,it's just a matter of keeping check on which ones are low,because if one runs out I have ,now,no way of deciding which. Thanks.

[SeaJayPea]

Memory tells me that, at some stage during the replacement procedure I get told which number cartridge needs replacing. Just after moving the heads to the points where I can get at them. (I've just tried to see if it would, but I don't need to replace anything, so I'm not getting the message.)

[alavahalf]

If you want to know which colour has run out ... simple ... in printer maintenance print out a test print. You should get 4 diagonal lines printed on the test page. Whichever colour is missing/broken is the one you have run out of !

[SeaJayPea]

Can you print even a test page when one cartridge is out? Don't think my Epson will let me do that.

[codswallop]

Sorry alavahalf,but CJP is right I can't do any printing whatsoever.Thanks anyway.

[codswallop]

I've had a look CJP,but I can't see anywhere that might give an indication as to which colour has run out.

[alavahalf]

Having initially posted saying that it may be the drivers. I have found myself in the same predicament. Having recently moved onto Windows 7,
I didn't realise my printer management tools weren't present. It was only yesterday that my printer came to a halt and I couldn't find out which ink cartridge was empty. Even if you changed all the cartridges you still can't purge the ink without the tools.
So here I am with a printer that had been working fine, and now with one that I cant use. What's more annoying was I purchased 20 new ink cartridges last week.
Not wanting to be beaten I set about deleting and re-installing everything, but nothing would put life back into the printer. Most of the afternoon was spent reading faults and problems with drivers on various sites. Then I stumbled on the answer.... if you are still having problems try deleting all the software to do with your printer. Then go onto the Epson site and find the drivers for your printer. When you are asked what operating system you are using... select Vista and then download and install the drivers.
Restart the computer ... problem solved, all the printer tools are present along with the ink monitor.
It seems that the Vista drivers work fine on Windows 7 ... I wonder how many perfectly good printers get chucked out over a compatibility issue ?

[codswallop]

Thanks to one and all.