Fixing Numbers and Words Not Printing Correctly After an Epson Printer Update
Updating your Epson printer’s firmware or software is generally a positive step, ensuring that your device has the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. However, sometimes updates can lead to unexpected issues, such as problems with text printing. If your Epson printer is printing numbers and words incorrectly after an update, there are several potential causes and solutions to explore. This guide will walk you through diagnosing and fixing these issues, step by step.
1. Understanding the Issue
After an update, it’s possible for your printer to exhibit new problems that weren’t present before. The most common issues related to text printing after an Epson update include:
- Garbled Text: Letters and numbers are jumbled, appearing in the wrong order or as random characters.
- Misaligned Text: Words or numbers print in the wrong position, overlapping, or with irregular spacing.
- Missing Characters: Some letters or numbers don’t print at all, leading to incomplete text.
- Incorrect Fonts: The printer may use the wrong font, leading to readability issues.
Understanding the specific nature of the problem will help you apply the most appropriate solution.
2. Check Printer Drivers
The first step in addressing printing issues is to check the printer drivers. Sometimes, an update might not properly align with your existing driver version, causing compatibility issues.
Step-by-Step:
- Check Current Driver Version: On your computer, go to the ‘Devices and Printers’ section (on Windows) or ‘Printers & Scanners’ (on macOS). Right-click on your Epson printer and select ‘Properties.’ Under the ‘Driver’ tab, check the current driver version.
- Update or Reinstall the Driver: Visit the Epson support website and download the latest driver for your printer model. If a new driver is available, download and install it. If you already have the latest version, try reinstalling the driver to ensure it’s correctly integrated with the update.
- Test Printing: After updating or reinstalling the driver, print a test document to see if the text issues have been resolved.
3. Verify Font Settings
Font-related problems are common after a software update, particularly if the update altered how fonts are handled.
Step-by-Step:
- Check Document Settings: Open the document you’re trying to print and ensure that the fonts used are supported by both your operating system and your printer. Sometimes, using non-standard or corrupted fonts can cause printing issues.
- Try a Different Font: Change the font in your document to a commonly used one, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and attempt to print again. If the issue is resolved, the problem may lie with the specific font originally used.
- Check for Font Corruption: Corrupt fonts can cause garbled text. Use your operating system’s font manager to identify and remove any problematic fonts, then reinstall them if necessary.
4. Adjust Printer Settings
Incorrect printer settings can lead to a variety of text printing issues. Adjusting these settings can often fix the problem.
Step-by-Step:
- Access Printer Preferences: Go to the ‘Devices and Printers’ section, right-click your Epson printer, and select ‘Printing Preferences.’
- Check Print Quality Settings: Set the print quality to ‘Standard’ or ‘High’ to ensure that text prints clearly. Lower quality settings might cause text to appear garbled or misaligned.
- Enable or Disable Bidirectional Printing: Bidirectional printing can sometimes cause misalignment. Try turning it off in the printer settings to see if this resolves the issue. Conversely, if it’s already off, try turning it on.
- Check Paper Size and Type: Ensure that the paper size and type selected in the printer settings match the actual paper loaded in the printer. Mismatches can cause printing errors.
5. Clear Print Queue and Restart Printer
If text issues persist, your printer’s memory or print queue might be causing the problem.
Step-by-Step:
- Clear the Print Queue: On your computer, go to the printer settings and clear the print queue. This removes any stuck or corrupted print jobs that might be causing issues.
- Restart the Printer: Power off your printer, wait about 30 seconds, and then turn it back on. This clears the printer’s memory and often resolves minor software glitches.
- Test Printing Again: After clearing the queue and restarting, try printing your document again to check if the problem is fixed.
6. Check for Firmware Issues
Sometimes, a recent firmware update can introduce new bugs, especially if the update wasn’t installed correctly.
Step-by-Step:
- Verify Firmware Version: Check the firmware version on your printer’s display or through the printer settings menu. Compare this with the latest version available on the Epson website.
- Reinstall Firmware: If the firmware version is correct but problems persist, consider reinstalling the firmware. Follow the instructions on the Epson website carefully, as improper installation can cause more issues.
- Rollback Firmware (If Necessary): If the firmware update seems to be the root cause and no fix is available, you might need to roll back to an earlier firmware version. Epson’s support team can guide you through this process if necessary.
7. Software Conflicts
Sometimes, conflicts with other software on your computer can cause printing issues.
Step-by-Step:
- Check for Software Conflicts: Identify any recently installed software that might interfere with printing, such as antivirus programs, new operating system updates, or third-party printing applications.
- Test in Safe Mode: Restart your computer in Safe Mode and try printing again. If the issue is resolved in Safe Mode, a software conflict is likely the cause.
- Resolve Conflicts: Uninstall or disable the conflicting software and check if the problem is resolved. If necessary, reinstall the software after the issue is fixed to see if it was just a temporary glitch.
8. Reset Printer to Factory Settings
If all else fails, resetting your printer to its factory settings can help resolve persistent issues by clearing all custom settings and returning the printer to its original configuration.
Step-by-Step:
- Locate the Reset Option: On your printer’s control panel, navigate to the ‘Settings’ or ‘Maintenance’ menu and look for an option to ‘Reset to Factory Settings.’
- Confirm Reset: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the reset. Be aware that this will erase all custom settings, including Wi-Fi configurations.
- Reconfigure Printer: After resetting, you’ll need to reconfigure your printer, including reconnecting it to your Wi-Fi network and reinstalling drivers if necessary.
- Test Print: Once the printer is reset and reconfigured, print a test document to check if the text printing issue has been resolved.
9. Contact Epson Support
If you’ve tried all the above steps and the problem persists, it may be time to contact Epson’s customer support for further assistance. There may be an underlying issue with the printer’s hardware or software that requires professional attention.
Step-by-Step:
- Gather Information: Before contacting support, gather important information such as your printer model, firmware version, driver version, and a description of the issue.
- Reach Out to Epson Support: Contact Epson through their official support channels. Provide them with the gathered information to help them diagnose the problem more quickly.
- Follow Their Guidance: Epson support may offer additional troubleshooting steps, suggest sending in the printer for repair, or provide a replacement if the issue is under warranty.
Conclusion
Problems with numbers and words not printing correctly after an Epson printer update can be frustrating, but with systematic troubleshooting, most issues can be resolved. Start by checking the basics, like drivers and settings, before moving on to more advanced solutions like firmware reinstallation or a factory reset. Regular maintenance and prompt updates are essential to keep your printer running smoothly. If the problem persists despite all efforts, professional support from Epson can provide the necessary resolution.
FAQ: Numbers and Words Not Printing Correctly After an Epson Printer Update
1. Why are numbers and words printing incorrectly after an Epson printer update?
This issue can arise due to several factors, including incompatible printer drivers, incorrect font settings, or problems introduced by the firmware update. Software conflicts or printer settings might also be the cause.
2. How can I fix garbled or jumbled text after an update?
Start by checking and updating your printer drivers. Ensure that your document’s fonts are supported and not corrupted. You may also need to adjust the printer’s settings, such as print quality and bidirectional printing.
3. Why is my printer using the wrong fonts after the update?
The update may have altered how fonts are processed. Check your document to ensure it’s using standard fonts, and try printing with a different font to see if the issue persists. Updating or reinstalling the printer driver may also help.
4. What should I do if some characters or numbers are missing in printouts?
Verify that the correct fonts are being used and that they are not corrupted. Clear the print queue, restart the printer, and ensure the print quality settings are correct. If the problem continues, consider reinstalling the printer firmware.
5. Could this issue be caused by a software conflict on my computer?
Yes, conflicts with newly installed software, antivirus programs, or even operating system updates can affect printing. Try printing in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists, and resolve any identified software conflicts.
6. How can I check if the printer firmware is causing the issue?
Compare your printer’s firmware version with the latest one available on the Epson website. If issues began after a firmware update, try reinstalling the firmware or contacting Epson support for guidance on rolling back to a previous version.
7. Is it safe to reset my printer to factory settings to fix the problem?
Resetting your printer to factory settings can resolve persistent issues by clearing all custom configurations. However, this will erase your settings, including Wi-Fi connections, so be prepared to reconfigure the printer afterward.
8. Can a corrupted font cause text printing issues?
Yes, a corrupted font can cause garbled or missing text. Use your operating system’s font manager to identify and replace any corrupted fonts, then try printing again.
9. Why does my printer show correct text on-screen but prints incorrectly?
This discrepancy could be due to outdated or incompatible drivers, software conflicts, or incorrect print settings. Updating drivers, adjusting settings, and checking for conflicts can often resolve this issue.
10. When should I contact Epson support for this issue?
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps, including updating drivers, adjusting settings, reinstalling firmware, and resetting the printer, and the problem persists, it’s time to contact Epson support for professional assistance. They may provide additional solutions or recommend repair or replacement.