[Flach]

Ever since the update to 10.3.4 the connection to my Firewire Epson R800 printer seems very sketchy. I cannot get anything to print, however I CAN get the computer to not only recognize the printer, but also to run the ink level utility (which requires communication between printer and computer). Sometimes when trying to run the ink level utility it does tell me there is a communication error, however all I have to do is hit retry once or twice and it's fixed. Any help is greatly appreciated, I need to print out demo CD's very badly!

[wataru]

I don't know anything specifically about your printer, but it seems as though your options are as follows:
1. Install an updated driver from Epson
2. Revert to 10.3.3.

If you're really lucky it might be a configuration issue. Try deleting the printer from Print Center and re-adding it. Also try seeing if you can print from a new user account. If these don't work you might be stuck.

[Big Mac]

The newest driver for that printer is from February, and it lists 10.2-10.3.2 compatibility. If you have an older version you can download the file from Epson's support page

[Flach]

Thank you for all of the help! Still not up and running but I checked out Epson's site and sent them an e-mail with the problem, hopefully everything can be cleared up in the next few days. Once I figure out the answer I'll be sure to post it on here so no one else has to try and troubleshoot this problem.

[jamesa]

I wouldn't rely on Epson tech support. In fact, really, I wouldn't rely on any company's tech support.

here's what I'd do:
http://www.fixamac.net

delete the epson device drivers and all the prefs/caches/etc

Reinstall your specific epson printer driver

cross your fingers

-- james

[Flach]

Thought I'd post an update of what's going on. Believe it or not, Epson's tech support was very helpful, I was pleasantly surprised. They basically told me to do the exact same thing (deleting old drivers and installing new downloaded drivers.) I did this and was still getting the same problem, so they suggested trying my printer connection with USB instead of Firewire. Luckily I work at a computer store so buying a USB printer cable wasn't a huge pinch on my wallet, and after hooking up my printer via USB and again reinstalling the drivers, the printer now works perfectly fine in 10.3.4.

I don't know if this is an error on Epson/Apples part and they need to release a new driver for enhanced firewire support through 10.3.4 or if the firewire port on my printer and/or computer is deteriorating. Either way, just wanted to post the heads up.