46 Windows System Requirements. 46 Macintosh System Requirements. 47 Specifications. 48 WHERE TO PURCHASE EPSON INK AND PAPER. INDEX. 50 51
REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS.

Welcome!

Printing with your EPSON Stylus C42 printer is easy, friendly, and fast. Simple enough for even the most inexperienced user, the Stylus C42 prints everything from school reports to family photos with great results. For added value, it supports a wide range of EPSON special media, including Glossy Photo Greeting Cards, Photo Stickers, and special photo papers in a variety of sizes and finishes. Youll find a list of available papers at the end of this manual.
Its a good idea to check EPSONs support web site periodically for free updates to your printer software. Visit http://support.epson.com. Download instructions are posted for your convenience.

About Your Documentation

To set up your printer and install its software, see the Start Here sheet. This book contains information about:

I I I I

Printing with Windows or on a Macintosh Maintaining the printer Solving basic problems System requirements and printer specifications
For system requirements, safety instructions, specifications and other important information, see the EPSON Stylus C42 Series Notices and Warranty booklet.
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips
Please follow these guidelines: Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes contain important information about your printer.
Tips contain additional hints for better printing.
Printing From Start to Finish
Before you start, make sure your printer software is installed as described on the Start Here sheet. No matter what you print, you need to remember two things:
Use the right paper. For the best-looking photos, most vivid colors, and sharpest text, always use EPSON ink jet papers. Choose the right Paper Type setting (Media Type setting on the Macintosh). Your printer automatically adjusts itself for each type of paper. Thats why this setting is important. It tells your printer what kind of paper youre using. So remember to check your Paper Type setting every time you print. If youre not sure which setting to use with your paper, see page 22.

Printing on a Macintosh

This section explains how to use your EPSON Stylus C42 to print from a Macintosh running either OS X or OS 8.5.1 to 9.x.

Macintosh OS X

Heres how to print a basic document, such as a newsletter or school project, if your Macintosh is running OS X. Make sure you have paper in the printer, as described on page 8. After you create your document, follow these steps to print.
If youre using an application thats compatible only with Macintosh Classic mode, follow the steps on page 17 to print your document.
1. From the File menu, select Page Setup. You see a screen like this:
Select your printer from the Format for pop-up menu
2. Select your printer from the Format for menu. 3. Select the Paper Size, Orientation, and any other settings you want to use and click OK. 4. Select Print from the File menu. You see a screen like this:
Click here and select Print Settings
5. Select Print Settings from the pull-down menu. You see a group of settings like this:
Select the type of paper you loaded
Select the ink color Select Automatic mode Select higher quality or faster printing, or an in-between setting (if available)

Click Print

6. Select the following settings:
Load the right paper for your document in the printer. If you loaded special paper, choose the correct paper type in the Media Type list. If youre not sure which setting to choose, see page 22. Set the Ink option to Color to print a color document. To print a black text document, click Black. Set the Mode option to Automatic. Its the easiest way to get good printing results for most projects. Set the slider to Quality or Speed to select high-quality printing, faster printing, or an in-between setting (if available). (The slider may not be available for some paper types.)
For more information about settings, click Help.
7. To select a specific print quality setting, click Advanced Settings and chose a setting from the Print Quality menu:
I I I I I Economy Normal, Fine,
or Economy Plus, for printing drafts. Saves ink. (Economy Plus is only available if you select Black.) for everyday printing needs

2. Make sure C42 Series is selected. If not, you need to select your printer in the Chooser. 3. Select the correct Paper Size, Orientation, and other settings. Then click OK.
For more information about printer settings, click the ? button.
4. From the File menu, select Print. You see a window like the following:
Select the type of paper you loaded Select the Ink color

Select Automatic mode

Select higher quality or faster printing
5. Make the following settings:
Choose the paper youre printing on (click the arrow to scroll through the Media Type list). If youre not sure which setting to select, see page 22. Set the Ink option to Color to print a color document. To print a black text document, click Black. Set the Mode option to Automatic. Its the easiest way to get good printing results on all types of paper. Set the slider in the Mode box to Quality or Speed to select high-quality printing, faster printing, or an in-between setting.
6. You can also do the following:
Click to reduce or enlarge your image, print multiple layouts, or add a watermark. Click to turn on background printing.
Click to change the Print button to Preview. You can then click it to preview your printout. Click to check your ink levels. If the red b error light is on or flashing, check to see if one of your ink cartridges is low or empty. Click PhotoEnhance to improve the appearance of low-resolution and improperly exposed photos. Only works when Color ink is selected. Click Custom, and then select ColorSync in the Custom Settings menu to match the colors in your printout as closely as possible to those you see using ColorSync-compatible devices and applications.
Click Custom, and then click the Advanced button that appears to select a higher resolution or to change color management settings.
Print Quality settings include Economy and Economy Plus for draft printing, Normal for everyday printing needs, Fine when you want a higher resolution for text or text and graphics, Photo when youre printing photographs, and Photo RPM when you want the highest resolution for your photographs and dont mind the longer print time. 7. Click Print to start printing. If you turned on background printing, you can select EPSON Monitor3 from the Macintosh Application menu to see this dialog box:

Cleaning the Printer

To keep your printer working at its best, you should clean it several times a year. 1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the USB cable and power cord. 2. Remove all paper, then use a soft brush to clean any dust or dirt from the sheet feeder. 3. Clean the exterior of the printer with a soft, damp cloth.
Never use a hard or abrasive brush, or alcohol or thinner for cleaning; they can damage the printer components and case. Dont get water on the printer components and dont spray lubricants or oils inside the printer. Dont use any cleaning sheets included with special paper; they may jam inside the printer.

Transporting the Printer

If you move your printer some distance, you need to prepare it for transportation in its original box or one of a similar size.
To avoid damage, always leave the ink cartridges installed when transporting the printer. Be sure to remove the tape used in step 4 after installing the printer in its new location.
1. Turn on the printer, wait until the print head (ink cartridge holders) locks in the far right position, then turn off the printer. 2. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Then disconnect both the printer cable and the power cord from the printer. 3. Remove any paper from the printer and remove the paper support. 4. Open the printer cover. Secure the print head to the printer with tape as shown, then close the printer cover. 5. Push in the output tray. 6. Repack the printer and its attachments in the original box using the protective materials that came with them. Keep the printer level as you transport it. After transporting the printer, remove the tape securing the print head and test your printer. If you notice a decline in print quality, clean the print head (see page 23); if output is misaligned, align the print head (see page 29).
Tape the print head to the printer case

Solving Problems

This section gives you the basics for diagnosing and solving printer problems. First see Diagnosing Printer Problems on page 34 to help determine what the cause of the problem may be. Refer to the pictures on page 33 if you need help identifying parts of the printer.

Make sure your printer is turned on and the USB cable is securely connected at both ends. Then carefully follow the installation instructions on the Start Here sheet. Also make sure your system meets the requirements on page 46 or page 47. Close your other programs, including any screen savers and virus protection software, and install again. If youre running Macintosh OS 8.5.1 to 9.x and your printer icon (C42 Series) doesnt appear in the Macintosh Chooser, you may have too many items in the Chooser. Delete any unused items and check the Chooser again. For Windows 2000, if you see an error message or your software doesnt install correctly, you may not have software installation privileges. Contact your System Administrator.
Turn off the printer, then make sure the ink cartridge clamps are locked down completely and no packing material remains in the printer. Wait a moment, then turn the printer back on to clear the error.
In Windows 2000 or XP, dont select Block under Control
Panel > System > Hardware > Driver Signing; select Ignore or Warn instead.

Printer Problems

Only the green P power light is on, but nothing prints.
Make sure your Windows system was not upgraded from Windows 95. The USB Printer Device Driver may not install correctly if you upgraded from Windows 95. Make sure the USB Controller is working properly in Device Manager. See your Windows help system for details. If its not working, contact your computer manufacturer.
Make sure the USB cable is connected securely and that the cable meets the system requirements on page 46 or page 47. Run a printer check as described on page 35. If the check page prints, make sure your software is installed correctly.
The printer sounds as though it is printing, but nothing prints.
Make sure the print head nozzles are not clogged. To clean the print head, see page 23. The printer wont operate properly if its tilted or at an angle. Place it on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the printer base in all directions.

Your printer makes noise when you turn it on or after it has been sitting for a while. Your printer is performing routine maintenance. Printing is too slow. Make sure your system meets the requirements listed on page 46 or page 47. If youre printing a high-resolution image, you need more than the minimum requirements listed. You may also need to:

Print Quality Problems

You see banding (light lines).
Clear space on your hard drive or run a defragmentation utility. Close programs that youre not using. Increase your systems memory.
The print head nozzles may need cleaning; see page 23 for instructions. Make sure the Paper Type setting (Media Type setting for Macintosh) matches the paper you loaded; see page 22 for guidelines. Make sure the printable side of the paper is face up. Its usually whiter or shinier. The ink cartridges may need replacing. To replace an ink cartridge, see page 25. If you have a Macintosh, try using Automatic mode. See page 14 (Macintosh OS X) or page 18 (Macintosh OS 8.5.1 to 9.x) for instructions.
For the fastest printing, try these tips:
Choose black ink in your printer software if your document doesnt include color. For Windows, choose Draft for Quality Type. For Macintosh, set the Quality/Speed slider to Speed. If your printer is connected to a hub, disconnect unused USB devices.
Run the Print Head Alignment utility; see page 29 for instructions.
Your printout is faint or has gaps.
Your printout is blurry or smeared.
The print head nozzles may need cleaning; see page 23 for instructions. The ink cartridges may be old or low on ink. To replace an ink cartridge, see page 25. Make sure the Paper Type setting (Media Type setting for Macintosh) matches the paper you loaded. See page 22 for guidelines. Make sure your paper isnt damaged, old, dirty, or loaded face down. If it is, reload a new stack of paper with the printable side up; it is usually whiter or shinier than the other side.
Make sure your paper isnt damp or curled, or loaded face down (the printable side should be face up). Use a support sheet with special paper, or try loading your paper one sheet at a time. Use EPSON papers to ensure proper saturation and absorption of genuine EPSON inks. Run the Print Head Alignment utility. See page 29 for instructions.
You see wrong or missing colors.

Your printout is grainy.

Make sure your printer software is not set to use black ink only. The print head nozzles may need cleaning; see page 23 for instructions. The ink cartridges may be old or low on ink. To replace an ink cartridge, see page 25. Try turning off PhotoEnhance. For Macintosh, try using Automatic mode. For Macintosh, try changing the Gamma setting; see page 19 for instructions on accessing the Advanced window (Macintosh OS 8.5.1 to 9.x), or page 15 to access the Color Management window (Macintosh OS X). Your printed colors can never exactly match your on-screen colors. However, you can use a color management system to get as close as possible. Try using the ICM (Windows) or ColorSync (Macintosh) setting.

Try using a higher quality paper. Select Photo RPM(Windows); for Macintosh, choose a higher Print Quality (resolution) setting. Remember that this setting increases print time. Run the Print Head Alignment utility. See page 29 for instructions. You may need to increase the image resolution or print it in a smaller size; see your software documentation.

Paper Feeding Problems

Paper doesnt eject fully or is wrinkled.
If the paper doesnt eject fully, you may have set the wrong paper size. Press the b maintenance button to eject the paper, and then select the correct paper size. If its wrinkled when it ejects, the paper may be damp or too thin.
If paper jams, press the b maintenance button for several seconds to clear the jam. If that doesnt work, open the cover and pull the paper out from the front, including small pieces that may have torn off. Reload the paper and press the b maintenance button.
If your paper loads incorrectly or jams frequently:
Use new, smooth, high-quality paper, loaded printable side up. Fan the edges of the stack of paper to separate the sheets. Dont load paper above the arrow mark inside the left edge guide. Place the paper against the right edge behind the tab. Slide the left edge guide against it, but not too tightly.
Paper doesnt feed correctly or jams in the printer.
If paper doesnt feed, remove it from the sheet feeder. Reload it against the right edge, behind the tabs, then slide the left edge guide against the paper. If multiple pages feed at once, remove the paper from the sheet feeder, fan the edges to separate the sheets, then reload it.
Miscellaneous Printout Problems
The image is inverted, as if viewed in a mirror.
The margins are incorrect.
Turn off the mirror setting in your application program. For Macintosh, turn off Flip Horizontal in the Advanced window of your printer driver (Macintosh OS 8.5.1 to 9.x) or Print Settings window (Macintosh OS X).
Make sure the paper settings are correct for your paper size. For instructions, see page 10 (Windows), page 13 (Macintosh OS X), or page 17 (Macintosh 8.5.1 to 9.x). Use the Print Preview option in your printer software to check your margins before you print. Make sure your paper is positioned next to the right side of the feeder.
The printer prints blank pages.
You see incorrect characters.
Make sure your printer is selected in Windows. For Macintosh OS X, open the Print Center and make sure your printer is selected in the Printer List. For Macintosh OS 9.x or earlier, make sure your printer is selected in the Chooser. The print head nozzles may need cleaning. See page 23.

Make sure the USB cable is securely connected and meets the system requirements on page 46. Then try printing again. Make sure your printer is selected in your software, or is set as the active printer in the Macintosh Chooser (OS 8.5.1 to 9.x) or Print Center (OS X). If youre using a switch box or USB hub with your printer, connect the printer directly to your computer.
Uninstalling and Reinstalling Printer Software
You may need to uninstall and then reinstall your printer driver and utilities. For example, this might be necessary when you upgrade your Windows operating system.

Windows

1. Click Start, and select Programs or All Programs. 2. Point to Epson or EPSON Printers, then select EPSON Printer Software Uninstall. 3. In the next window, make sure EPSON Stylus C42 Series is selected and click OK. Then follow the on-screen instructions. 4. Restart your computer when youre done, then follow the instructions on the Start Here sheet to reinstall your software.
1. Insert your printer software CD-ROM. 2. Double-click the EPSON icon (if necessary) and double-click the EPSON icon. Select English. The Main Menu appears. 3. Click Install Printer Driver. On the installer screen click the arrow in the Easy Install list at the top and select Uninstall. Then click the Uninstall button at the bottom and follow the instructions. 4. Restart your Macintosh, then follow the instructions on the Start Here sheet to reinstall your software.
You can reinstall your printer software over your currently installed printer software. Follow these steps: 1. Insert the EPSON CD-ROM in your drive. 2. Double-click the EPSON CD-ROM icon to open its window. Then double-click the C42Series.pkg file. 3. If you set up an administrator password when you installed OS X, you see this screen:

Lock icon

Click the lock icon, enter your administrator password, and click OK. At the next screen, click Continue. 4. Read the license agreement and click Continue. Then click Agree. 5. Select the OS X drive where you want to install your printer software, then click Continue. 6. Click Upgrade on the Easy Install screen, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer softtware and restart your Macintosh.

Where To Get Help

EPSON provides technical assistance 24 hours a day through the electronic support services and automated telephone services listed below:

Service World Wide Web Access From the Internet, you can reach EPSON Support at http://support.epson.com. At this site, you can download drivers and other files, look at product documentation, access troubleshooting information, and receive technical advice through e-mail. A variety of automated help services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To use these services, you must have a touch tone telephone and call (800) 922-8911. Your SoundAdviceSM Express Code is 70370. Use this code to quickly select the EPSON Stylus C42 in SoundAdvice.
Automated Telephone Services
Use EPSON paper and inks to get the best results from your EPSON printer! You can purchase ink cartridges, paper and accessories anywhere genuine EPSON consumables are sold. Please call (800) 463-7766 for dealer referral.
Requirements and Specifications
This chapter includes system requirements and printer specifications.
Windows System Requirements
To use your printer and its software, your system should have:
A Microsoft Windows compatible PC with at least a Pentium-equivalent processor (233 MHz or faster recommended) Microsoft Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP RAM of at least 32MB for Windows 98 and Me, 64MB for Windows 2000 and XP (128MB recommended) At least 100MB of free hard disk space (200MB recommended) VGA or better display adapter and monitor Double-speed (2x) CD-ROM or DVD drive for installing the printer software (quad-speed [4x] or faster recommended) A shielded USB AB cable up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) long
Macintosh System Requirements
An Apple iMac series, Power Macintosh, G3, or G4 with native USB port
Macintosh OS 8.5.1 through Mac OS X (Macintosh OS 9 or later recommended) At least 32MB of available RAM for OS 8.5.1 through OS 9.x (64MB recommended); 128MB RAM recommended for OS X At least 100MB of free hard disk space (200MB recommended) VGA or better display adapter and monitor Double-speed (2x) CD-ROM or DVD drive for installing the printer software (quad-speed [4x] or faster recommended) A shielded USB AB cable up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) long

Specifications

Printer specifications
Printing Printing method Nozzle configuration Print direction Print speed Input buffer Mechanical Paper feed method Paper path Sheet feeder capacity Dimensions Friction Sheet feeder, top entry 100 sheets of 65.8 g/m2 (17 lb) paper Storage Width: 42.4 cm (16.7 in) Depth: 22.9 cm (9.0 in) Height: 17.2 cm (6.8 in) Width: 42.4 cm (16.7 in) Depth: 46.0 cm (18.1 in) Height: 27.7 cm (10.9 in) On-demand ink jet Black Color 48 nozzles 45 nozzles (15 each: cyan, magenta, yellow)
Bidirectional with logic seeking 12 ppm 12KB

Printing

Weight Electrical Rated voltage (Universal Power Supply) Input voltage range* Rated frequency range Input frequency range Rated current Power consumption
2.48 kg (5.47 lb) without the ink cartridges
AC 100 - 240 V 90 to 264 V 50 to 60 Hz 49.5 to 60.5 Hz 0.4 - 0.2 A Approx. 19 W (ISO10561 Letter Pattern) Approx. 3.0 W Sleep mode Approx. 2.7 W Power Off Mode
Printer specifications (continued)
Environmental Temperature Operation Storage** Transit** Humidity (without condensation) Safety Approvals Safety standards EMC UL 1950, CSA C22.2 No. 950 FCC part 15 subpart B class B CSA C108.8 Class B Operation Storage** 10 to 35 C (50 to 95 F) 20 to 60 C (4 to 140 F) 1 month at 40 C (104 F) 20 to 60 C (4 to 140 F) 120 hours at 60 C (140 F) 20 to 80% RH 5 to 85% RH
* Check the label on the back of the printer for your printers voltage. ** Stored in shipping container
Ink cartridge specifications
Specification Color(s) Print capacity* Black cartridge (T036120) Black Color cartridge (T037020) Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
180 pages, 5% each CMY (total 15%) 330 pages using ISO Letter Pattern 10561, 220 pages at 5 % in calculation, except for initial ink in calculation, except for the initial cartridge ink cartridge 2 years from production date (if unopened) (within 6 months after opening package, at 25 C [77 F]) 20 to 40 C (4 to 104 F) 1 month at 40 C (104 F) 30 to 60 C (22 to 140 F) 1 month at 40 C (104 F); 120 hours at 60 C (140 F) 16 C (3.2 F) 1.98 5.27 3.85 cm 0.78 2.08 1.52 in 18 C (0.4 F) 4.29 5.27 3.85 cm 1.69 2.08 1.52 in
Cartridge life Storage temperature Transit temperature Freezing temperature** Dimensions (W D H)
* The figure given is based on continuous printing after ink replacement. The actual print capacity may vary. ** Ink thaws and is usable after approximately 3 hours at 25 C (77 F). To ensure good results, use genuine EPSON cartridges and do not refill them. Other products may cause damage to your printer not covered by EPSONs warranties. Dont use an ink cartridge if the date on the package has expired.
Where to Purchase EPSON Ink and Paper

ICM, 11, 40 Incorrect characters, 42 Incorrect colors, 40 Incorrect margins, 42 Ink cartridge cartridge life, 49 level of ink in, 11, 18, 25 to 26 ordering, 25 to 26, 50 print capacity, 49 replacing, 25 to 26 safety instructions, 26 specifications, 49 Ink Jet Transparencies, 22, 50 Ink level, checking Macintosh, 18, 25 Windows, 11, 25 Ink setting, 14, 18 Installation problems, 36 to 37 Inverted image, 42
Mirror images, 42 Monitoring ink level Macintosh, 18, 25 Windows, 11, 25 Moving printer, 31
Noise, printer, 38 Nozzle Check, 24 to 25
Page Setup, Macintosh, 13, 17 Paper EPSON, 22, 50 feeding problems, 41 loading, 8 ordering, 50 Paper Type setting, Windows, 10, 22 Photo Enhance setting, 11, 18, 40 Photo Paper, 22, 50 Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper, 22, 50 Photo setting, 10 Photo Stickers, 8, 22, 50 Preferences window, 10 Premium Bright White Paper, 22, 50 Preprinted paper, 8 Previewing printout, 11, 18, 21 Print dialog box, Macintosh, 13, 18 Print head aligning, 29 to 30 cleaning, 23 to 25 Print quality problems, 38 to 40 Print Settings dialog box, Macintosh, 14 Printer cable, 46, 47 check, 35 cleaning, 30 maintaining, 23 to 30 noise, 38 parts, 33 problems, 34, 37 to 38 transporting, 31 Index

Jams, paper, 41

Layout settings, Macintosh, 15, 18 Letterhead, 8 Lights, 33 to 34
Macintosh printing with OS 8.5.1 to 9.x, 17 to 19 printing with OS X, 12 to 16 reinstalling software, 43 to 44 system requirements, 47 Maintaining printer, 23 to 30 Margins, incorrect, 42 Matte Paper - Heavyweight, 22, 50 Media Type setting, Macintosh, 14, 18, 22
Printing controlling, 11, 16, 19 on envelopes, 20 to 21 slow, 38 with Macintosh, 12 to 19 with Windows, 9 to 12 Problems installing software, 36 to 37 miscellaneous, 42 paper feeding, 41 print quality, 38 to 40 printer, 37 to 38 Progress meter, 11, 16, 19 Properties window, 10
Text & Images setting, 10 Text setting, 10 Transparencies, 22, 50 Transporting printer, 31 Troubleshooting, 32 to 42
Uninstalling software, 43 to 44 USB problems, 37 requirements, 46, 47 Utilities Head Cleaning, 23 to 24 Nozzle Check, 25 Print Head Alignment, 29 to 30

Quality Type setting, 10 Quality/Speed setting, 14, 18
Reinstalling software, 43 to 44 Replacing ink cartridge, 25 to 26 Requirements, system, 46, 47 Reverse Order setting, 11
Windows default settings, 12 printing with, 9 to 12 Quality Type, 10 reinstalling software, 43 system requirements, 46 World Wide Web, 45
Safety approvals, 49 Self adhesive sheets, 8, 22 Slow printing, 38 Software problems, solving, 36 to 37 reinstalling, 43 to 44 SoundAdvice, 45 Specifications electrical, 48 ink cartridge, 49 printer, 48 to 49 System requirements, 46 to 47