New for old

[devadiva]

I have an old Tiny computer using Windows 98 which my husband uses soely for email and photo storage from a digital camera. Attached to this pc is an Epson Stylus Color 400 printer. I have been using compatible cartridges on this for some time. Recently bought a new colour one and when fitted the yellow did not work.Under instruction I cleaned the blockage several times but it still did not print yellow so I then purchased for �27+ an original Epson cartridge and guess what - the yellow still does not work. I am now looking for a new printer but wonder if there are still any around which will work on this old computer. If I keep the lead and attach printer to computer will it still work?

[Hymie]

My original home PC was a �Time�, with an Epson 400 printer. I seem to recall it was connected via a parallel printer cable. Eventually the printer gave up and I replaced it with an Epson C62 (connected via USB). When that too gave up the ghost, I purchased an Epson D78 (You�d think I would have learnt by then). By then, I had upgraded my PC (a new one, running XP). The spec for the D78 did not list Windows 98, however it worked with my old Time PC running Win 98. But just because my old Time PC can print to the D78, does not mean yours will.

You will have to check the spec of any printer you might want to buy and see if it lists Windows 98. Most printers are now connected via USB cable rather than parallel cable.

Before you finally chuck your Epson printer & cartridges in the bin � remove the print cartridge and pour a few drops of petroleum spirit on the spike for the yellow cartridge within the cartridge carriage. Replace the cartridge and try a few head-cleaning cycles � this trick used to work for me with blocked print cartridges.
If you haven't got any petrol to hand - tape-head cleaning fluid (IPA) will do just as well.

[devadiva]

Thanks - I'll try that

[Hymie]

One other thing I forgot to mention is to check that the cartridge carriage spike, has pierced the seal on the print cartridge. I have known this failure on Epson printers/cartridges and given the cartridge a helping hand by puncturing the seal.