Hello
Newbie with first post, so apologies if this is wrong

We recently purchased an epson stylus c66 printer to replace our old one. Since day one we have had problems installing it; it worked fine initially but as soon as the pc shuts down it then doesnt work. The only way I could get it to work was to constantly unistall the printer, and also associated *epsubun* files ( whatever they are) and then reinstall it again. I had to do this every time the pc had shut down.

However now it is even refusing to do that - it isn't recognising the cable connection even though this has been checked and treble checked, nor is it conifiguring the same port as before.

Also my add/remove programs is completely screwed - the action is still there but there are no programs listed under it!

I could go on but dont wish to sound and more stupid than I am....

My operating system is windows me

Thanks to anyone who reads this and is able to help - what a great idea this forum is!

Welcome to BC doublediamond

You have given me some of the information needed to help your cause, but there is still a little more work needed. Be patient with me, and I will return the favor

When you install hardware, windows likes to already have the needed drivers, so it does not have to search for them. When it does not find them, an error is often shown to tell you that there is something wrong. You may not have done anything to cause this, it is just the way that Windows works.

The first step in correcting the problem is to completely erase all the drivers that is already there. You may not know, but some of these files are loaded when you turn your computer on. Some of the files that needs to be deleted may already be in memory, so we have to enter a special type of start up called Safe Mode. You may have heard of it before, and in case you would like to know how to get your computer in Safe Mode, the directions can be found here. Feel free to print that out, because while you are in Safe Mode, you might not have access to the internet. While in Safe Mode, use the Add/Remove programs to delete the Epson drivers. You might also want to right-click your printer from the Printer and Faxes, and select delete. The last step here in Safe Mode would be to erase your recycle bin, but it is really optional. Afer all this, you can restart the computer, but leave the printer unplugged from the computer.

This is quite a bit of information already, but that is ok. I promise that you are not on a timer. On with the next step.

I know that you have already installed it many times before, but lets try it with this specific order. When your computer comes back up, open the CD tray and insert the installation CDs. Wait until it finishes all of it, and then remove it from the drive. After it has closed, plug the printer back in, and let it go through the processes. Windows will say that it found some new hardware (well, new to windows ), and because you have already put in the drivers, it will know where to look and what to do with it.

When everything finishes up, restart your computer with the printer plugged back in.

Take your time, and post back if you have any questions.

Thank you SOOO much - i never thought of using safe mode to add and remove!! I told you i was a computer dummy
I shall try that and then post to let you know how i got on!

Thank you so much for your help already - I tried safe mode and I still have no programs listed under add/remove programs

I think i have already deleted all the 'hidden' files as I followed a detailed list obtained from the epson helpline but no joy

Thanks for the update.

How about you try a portion of it, and let me know the results.

Turn off the computer.
Unplug the printer from the computer.
Turn the computer back on normally.
Print a document~anything, but a one-page text document would be preferred.
When the screen shows an error saying you do not have printer plugged in, click cancel.
Plug the printer back in.
Reprint the same document as before.
Restart the computer with the printer plugged in.

Hello
So sorry it has taken me so long to reply - a family crisis prevented me from getting online

Thank you also for persevering with me!

I followed your recommendations, and got the same error message whether the printer was plugged in or not! I have checked and trebled checked the cable and connections and they seem to be ok.