Configuring Epson Stylus Color 500 to work with Plug-n-Scan Scanners

Description:

Scanning works correctly, but user is unable to print from any program when the printer is attached through the scanners pass-through parallel port.

Solutions:

Option 1: Use a Bi-Directional A-B Switch Box.

Customers who wish to purchase manual A-B switch boxes to switch back and forth between scanner and printer should be sure to purchase bi-directional switch boxes. Purchasing a low-cost unit which doesn't support bi-directional switching will not allow the printer or scanner to work correctly.

Option 2: Only Plug the Scanner in when Scanning.

Customers who are not going to be scanning often also can switch the cable by hand to select either the Mustek scanner or Epson Printer.

Option 3: Install A Non Bi-Directional Epson Printer Driver In Lieu Of The Stylus Color 500 Driver.

The best solution for using an Epson Stylus Color 500 Printer with a Mustek Plug-n-Scan Scanner is to replace the Stylus Color 500 driver with the Stylus Color ESC/P 2 driver. The printer utility which informs you when ink cartridges are empty will no longer operate. However, these are easy to determine by looking at the printout. Note: Substituting the Stylus Color ESC/P 2 driver does not affect print speed or print quality.

Steps to Substitute the Stylus Color ESC/P 2 driver

1. Select Start and choose Settings.
2. Click on Printers.
3. Double-click Add Printer.
4. When the Add Printer Wizard appears, choose Next.
5. If you are prompted to choose Local Printer or Network Printer, choose Local and click Next. (This only happens if your computer is on a network.)
6. From the Manufacturers list, choose Epson.
7. From the Printers list, choose Epson Stylus ESC/P 2 then click next.
8. From the list, choose the port your printer is connected to (normally LPT1) then click Next.
9. When asked if you wish to use this printer as the default, select Yes and click Next.
10. Choose whether to print a test page or not and click Finish.

Your Epson printer will print fine now, though you will no longer be using the Epson Print Spooler.