[Matsuto77]

Hello. I've been having issues with the installation software and drivers for my Epson Stylus C88 printer.

Recently, I was forced to reinstall Windows because of a relatively minor error that occurred. Before that, my printer worked just fine. However, after what I believe was a repair reinstall - I was not the one who performed it - my computer was suddenly unable to detect my printer.

When I tried to reinstall the printer software and drivers, a Windows error message popped up in the middle of the installation process that said "EPSON Printer Driver Setup has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience." The installation then continues, but my computer still refuses to detect my printer. It says that I don't even have one installed, which is techincally untrue.

Calls and e-mails to both Epson and Microsoft did not solve the problem, and ultimately proved how useless their customer service was (Microsoft wanted to charge me $59 for their help, and all they did was e-mail me a link to a bunch of useless information). If it helps, my printer is connected to my computer's LPT1 port in the back. And I don't think the issue is with the spooler, for as far as I know, that might be working normally.

Is there anyone here who might have a solution to this problem? If so, I would greatly like to hear about it.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and consideration .

Edited by Matsuto77, 09 September 2011 - 10:56 PM.

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If it helps, my printer is connected to my computer's LPT1 port in the back.

First what Windows are you using?
Second is this a laptop or desktop?
Brand name or custom built?
If name brand what brand, make and model?
If custom build what brand, make and model is the motherboard?

Lastly please do the following.

Please Go to

1: START and the click on RUN
2: Type in devmgmt.msc
3: Click Enter


To do a screenshot please have click on your Print Screen on your keyboard. It is normally the key above your number pad between the F12 key and the Scroll Lock key
Now go to Start and then to All Programs
Scroll to Accessories and then click on Paint
In the Empty White Area click and hold the CTRL key and then click the V
Go to the File option at the top and click on Save as
Save as file type JPEG and save it to your Desktop


Attach it to your next reply

[rshaffer61]

If it helps, my printer is connected to my computer's LPT1 port in the back.

First what Windows are you using?
Second is this a laptop or desktop?
Brand name or custom built?
If name brand what brand, make and model?
If custom build what brand, make and model is the motherboard?

Lastly please do the following.

Please Go to

1: START and the click on RUN
2: Type in devmgmt.msc
3: Click Enter


To do a screenshot please have click on your Print Screen on your keyboard. It is normally the key above your number pad between the F12 key and the Scroll Lock key
Now go to Start and then to All Programs
Scroll to Accessories and then click on Paint
In the Empty White Area click and hold the CTRL key and then click the V
Go to the File option at the top and click on Save as
Save as file type JPEG and save it to your Desktop


Attach it to your next reply

[Matsuto77]

Hello, and thanks for your reply. To answer your questions...

1. I'm using Windows XP Service Pack 3 (32-bit, if that helps).
2. My computer is a desktop.
3. It's a Dell, and it's not custom built.
4. The model name / number is Dell Optiplex 170L.

And now, here is the screenshot.

[rshaffer61]

Ok in the Device Manager can you expand the Ports line and let me know if it shows LPT1?

Also have you tried to connect the printer to another system and see if it installs the software correctly?

[Matsuto77]

Yes, LPT1 appears under the Ports line.
Also, at this point, it is not possible to try installing the printer on another computer.

[rshaffer61]

OK how about a different cable from the printer to the computer.
It would appear the LPT port is functional at this time so the issue has to be from the printer to the system.

[Matsuto77]

I will have to check and see if I have an extra cable somewhere. If I find one, I will connect it and try it out.
Regardless of what happens, I will post the result(s) here.

[rshaffer61]

Yes please do post the results and we can continue from there.

[Matsuto77]

Hello again. Unfortunately, there are no results to post for now, as I do not have a spare LPT cable at home. However, if you have any other suggestions, I'm willing to try them out.

As it turns out, I may actually be able to connect the printer to another computer. If that doesn't work, I may be forced to scrap the thing, as right now, it's little more than a five pound paperweight.

I'll post the results of that experiment here, provided that it works.

Edited by Matsuto77, 11 September 2011 - 10:41 PM.

[rshaffer61]

That would have been my next suggestion also so you are on the right track.

[Matsuto77]

Hello, rshaffer61. I managed to connect the printer to one of my alternate computers. I was able to successfully install it and print a test page without any problems at all. So I guess that means that the issue is with my computer. Please let me know how to proceed from here. Thanks !

Edited by Matsuto77, 12 September 2011 - 10:41 AM.

[rshaffer61]

That being the case I would then suspect the LPT port on your motherboard as the culprit.
I found this on your printer and the red highlighted is what I am going to refer to.

Q:

Which computer interfaces does the Epson Stylus C88 support?
A:

The printer comes with a built-in IEEE-1284 parallel port and USB port.

Now since it is USB capable do you have a USB cable that came with the printer?
This in reality will make the printer faster in responding when you want to print something.

[Matsuto77]

When I got the printer - it used to belong to my grandmother - I wasn't given the USB connection cable. Would you happen to know where I could find one?

[rshaffer61]

Amazon has it HERE
Best Buy has one HERE

[Matsuto77]

That sounds pretty good. I like the cheap price too . I know of a Best Buy store not far from where I am, so I'll see if I can find it there.
I'll buy it, plug it in, and I'll give you the result(s) here.