My Epson worked perfectly until I replaced the Colour Cartridge (with a Think Compatible) and the machine froze with the red and green lights blinking alternately., and a message appeared saying "Maintenance is required". Does anyone have any idea what went wrong and how to rectify? There is only minimal movement in the carriage before this happens.

Herbert Wilson, July 2005

It is to do with the software built in to the printer and you can get a program to free your printer again (can get it of ebay for about £3 or if your patient enough google it you will find it sscserve.exe is the program i believe) you also need to open up your printer and clean the waste ink pads out dont just reset the printer or you will end up with ink leaking out of the bottom of your printer. Hope this helps.

Richard Smith, March 2006

aj The printer is just over one year old and was a replacement for a C42 which did not tell me anything when it went more or less the same way. It was not overused, but
I have been using compatible ink carts and maybe this has sometrhing to do with the fault
I would be grateful if you could give me some inkling ? of what repair would be involved. Herbert.

Herbert, August 2005

How old is the printer, Epson bulid software into their printers to tell the user that "maintenance is required" but you can do this yourself with a little know how and save yourself some money.

aj, August 2005