Printer Ink » Epson Printer Ink » Epson Reset Software
How To Use Epson Reset Software To Reset Your Cartridge For Refilling
Refilling your inkjet cartridges is the least expensive way to replace your ink. If you have an Epson printer, it's a little more complicated than most other brands though. You'll need Epson reset software or a resetting device before the refill will work.
Epson cartridges have a chip on them that will register when the ink is empty. So even if you refill the cartridge with more ink, it still won't work because the chip "knows" there is not supposed to be any ink in the cartridge.
The only way to make the refill work properly is by resetting this chip. The chip is basically a small memory chip that is gradually filled up as you print. By zeroing out this memory the chip gets reset and will let you add more ink.
There are a couple of ways to reset the chips. The first is with a chip resetting device. This resetter is widely available on the internet and usually sells for around $20.
The second way to do it is with software called the SSC Service Utility. This software is free so doing it this way won't cost you anything. The only catch is that it's a little more complicated than using a resetter device (or just buying a new cartridge).
The SSC Service Utility will run on any version of Windows from 95 through XP. Certain things aren't compatible with all versions of Windows, though.
On Windows 2000 or XP you can only reset chips in printers that connect through USB. Most Epson printers in the last few years use USB but if you have an older parallel port model it can only be reset by using Windows 95, 98 or ME.
This program actually does more than just reset the chip. It give you a much more powerful cleaning mode, lets you swap ink cartridges when they aren't empty and a bunch of other things.
The software is available from http://www.ssclg.com/epsone.shtml at no charge. There are some websites that are selling this same software - don't get taken in by them, the free version does everything you need.
** NOTE: We have nothing to do with this software and are not responsible for any problems you may have as a result of using it. Be sure to read all the instructions and be sure you are comfortable with how it works before using it!
Read the next article about specialized types of ink for Epson printers: Alternative Ink For Epson Printers.
