Printer connection error

[Tbag]

I have a old Epson 480 printer but I keep getting this message in the status monitor
'A communication error has occurred.
Click OK and then check the interface cable type, all cable connections and make sure that all devices are on. If the error persists, unplug the printer then plug it in again.'

I used to use the printer years ago with my old Windows Me computer and I just connected it to a Windows XP laptop after installing the XP driver for it and still keep getting that message after Ive tried re-connecting it but I rememberd I stopped using it all those years ago because of this same issue but I have loads of cartridges for it and none left in my current lexmark one

Im using my Lexmarks USB cable because I cant find the old one so it cant be a cable problem and when I first connected the USB cable it picked up the printer and a window came up asking to install and asked if I had the disk or wanted to find drivers automatically but that failed so I used the XP driver I downloaded instead but I not getting any connection.

any ideas?

[aedipuss]

did you install the correct driver? 5.2as from the epson site? if so then it's probably just a dead printer.

[Tbag]

Yes the driver was correct and from the epson site.

I've never heard of a dead printer, is there anything else i could try or is that it?

[Nelson37]

First you said you connected the printer AFTER you installed the driver, then you stated you connected the printer BEFORE installing the driver.

I'm guessing it was the second.

Delete the printer and all associated files. Reboot. Install the drivers, and wait for the prompt to connect the cable. Hopefully not following correct procedure won't require more drastic measures.

[hunter99]

"but I rememberd I stopped using it all those years ago because of this same issue"

do you think its the same issue?

"but I have loads of cartridges for it and none left in my current lexmark one "

Cartridges (dried up) from years ago and/or printhead (clogged) are most likely NG

[Tbag]

First you said you connected the printer AFTER you installed the driver, then you stated you connected the printer BEFORE installing the driver.

I'm guessing it was the second.

Delete the printer and all associated files. Reboot. Install the drivers, and wait for the prompt to connect the cable. Hopefully not following correct procedure won't require more drastic measures.

Sorry for the confusion, i connected it before installing the driver.

I will try what you said when i get home.

[Tbag]

"but I rememberd I stopped using it all those years ago because of this same issue"

do you think its the same issue?

I got the same connection error message back then so im assuming its the same problem.
It stopped working out of nowhere.