I know I probably shouldnt be posting this here but this is the only good computer BBS I know of. The problem is that my printer wont print black ink. It prints color fine. It has a new ink cartridge so its not out of ink. The new cartridge is installed properly because I printed black ink with it before it stopped. I have tried cleaning the heads but that didnt help. What can I do? Thanks. Aaron K.

I think the first thing is to list the make and model of the printer then let us have a go at it.

Its an Epson Stylus color 800

Suggest you go to the technical site of Epson. It has excellent information as well as technical support you can email to that will respond within 48 hrs. Below I found some info on your problem from their site. Q: My printouts are missing color and/or black print. How can I resolve this issue? A: If the printer is printing blank pages, make sure you are using the correct printer driver and make sure the paper size is correctly selected in the driver. If the printer is printing black only, the Ink option in the printer driver may be set to Black instead of Color or a setting in the software may be set to print black only. Also, the print head nozzles may be clogged. From the Utility section found in the EPSON printer driver, clean the print heads by performing a head cleaning followed by printing a nozzle check pattern. A head cleaning and nozzle check must be performed as a cycle. After printing a nozzle check, examine the printed dot pattern. Each staggered horizontal and straight vertical line should be complete, with no gaps in the dot pattern. If there are gaps in the dot pattern, continue with another cycle. Perform up to 6 cycles if necessary. If the nozzle check is not printing completely, and if the head cleanings do not help the nozzle check pattern to print completely, try replacing the ink cartridge. If you continue to experience this situation, please contact the EPSON Connection for further assistance.. Also, make sure you are using a genuine EPSON ink cartridge which has a white label on top of it. If the white label has been removed from the ink cartridge, do not install the cartridge. Using an ink cartridge which does not have the white label on it may damage the printer. If you have already installed a cartridge which is missing the white label, or if a previously installed ink cartridge was missing its white label at the time it was installed, and now head cleanings do not help the nozzle check pattern to print completely, your printer may require service and you should contact the EPSON Connection for further assistance.

I always have to do about three cleaning cycles on my Epson when I change a cartridge. The problem is that the nozzles are in the print head rather than the cartridge, and the ink dries up pretty quickly when you remove the cartridge. If you're really stuck, there's an outfit in the UK that sells a cleaning cartridge (can't remember their name though).

If it is still in warranty call them and they will replace the printer. My daughter has had two replaced by Epson. Virtually the same thing. These printers are bad about this. I just gave one away to goodwill. Just out of warranty. duh. They print excellent when working but.....