Printer status monitor not being run at startup

perkinw · 16 Nov 2020

I have two Epson printers. Both normally have icons in the notifications area of the taskbar. After a reboot, I normally see the two printer icons, but occasionally (maybe once ever two months), both icons are missing. When I check the Startup tab of Task Manger, I can see that the Epson Status Monitor is not running. I can get it to run by (1) turning on the printer (2) accessing the Printing Preferences from "Printers and Scanners" and checking a box that says "Register the shortcut icon to the taskbar." I have to do this for each printer. Then the icons are restored.

My question: What causes this, and how do I avoid it?

Windows Version 10.0.18362.1171

sygnus21 · 16 Nov 2020

Hi, I've a couple of Epson Printers (XP-960, and Stylus Pro 3880).

Anyway I usually turn my printer monitoring off for the notification area, but leave low ink warning ticked. With that I hadn't noticed them disappearing once they were enabled; never disappeared on me

At any seeing you already know how to get it back I'll remove my instructions to do so.

Again, no idea why they doing what you say they do. Sorry.

BTW, unless we search for it, most aren't going to know what "Windows Version 10.0.18362.1171" is? It would be more helpful to say "Windows 10 Pro, x64, version 20H2". That tells us you're running the latest version of Windows 10.

Thanks.

perkinw · 17 Nov 2020

sygnus21 said:

Hi, I've a couple of Epson Printers (XP-960, and Stylus Pro 3880).

Anyway I usually turn my printer monitoring off for the notification area.

BTW, unless we search for it, most aren't going to know what "Windows Version 10.0.18362.1171" is? It would be more helpful to say "Windows 10 Pro, x64, version 20H2". That tells us you're running the latest version of Windows 10.

Thanks.

I run daily nozzle checks from the icons in the notification area, which makes them handy to have around.

I wasn't sure about how to give the Windows version, so thanks for showing me the right way.

sygnus21 · 17 Nov 2020

perkinw said:

I run daily nozzle checks from the icons in the notification area, which makes them handy to have around.

You are aware nozzle checks also wastes ink, right?

Of the many printers I've had (strictly Epson), I've yet to do any "daily" nozzle checks. The only time I do a nozzle check is if I've not run the printer in some time. Example my 3880, which is my photo printer, and thus isn't used everyday and can go moths without printing.

On my XP-960, which does see a lot of use since it's my general purpose documents printer, there's no need to do a nozzle check (unless an issue occurs) because I use it all the time.

Ideally the only time you'd perform a nozzle check is if you're getting streaks or faded colors in your prints. Additionally, when you first turn on the printer it will run through a quick nozzle check anyway to insure no nozzles get/stay clogged.

perkinw said:

I wasn't sure about how to give the Windows version, so thanks for showing me the right way.

It's just easier for people to quickly know what OS version you're running.

Peace

perkinw · 17 Nov 2020

sygnus21 said:

You are aware nozzle checks also wastes ink, right?

Peace

I actually don't run nozzle checks daily. I only run them before I print, which I do 2-3 times a week. I'm printing digital negatives with third-party cartridges containing six shades of gray ink. I waste a ton of ink on head cleanings as well as nozzle checks. Probably 50% of my ink goes to waste. My second Epson uses standard Epson Ultrachrome inks. I have owned it for over a year and print frequently. It has only needed one head cleaning.

sygnus21 · 17 Nov 2020

perkinw said:

I actually don't run nozzle checks daily. I only run them before I print, which I do 2-3 times a week.

But....

perkinw said:

I run daily nozzle checks from the icons in the notification area, which makes them handy to have around.

I also print as well and my prints go up to 17 x 22 inches on my 3880. At any rate I don't nozzle check every time I print as I found its not needed, and as noted, can waste ink.

Again, I only nozzle check if I've not used the printer for some time. At $65 dollars a cart (9 in total) for my 3880, I can ill afford to waste 50% of my ink on a task not required. That's me.

If you're wasting 50 percent of your ink you might want to rethink your process. My opinion.

Good luck.