Q: it is an Epson 640 but the 400/600 range are almost identical it didn't print any color so I changed the color cartridge for a new one but still only black. I have run the "clean print head" cycle a few times. can I get in there with a cotton bud or what? it printed a little bit of a yellow box, that's all. So it is set for color but must be blocked somehow
A: ink jet printers have a finite lifetime and yours has lasted way longer than most. eventually the heads gets clogged with coagulated ink. taking it apart to clean the heads is not an easy task. even if this worked, it won't last too much longer because there is a tank beneath the printer to collect the excess ink which gets wasted and when that tank is filled, it's an expensive job to deal with it. you're probably best off replacing the printer. That said, here's some advice: I recommend Epson cx series scanner/copier/printer (cx7400/cx8400) because of the print quality and the warranty. For a year Epson will express-ship a replacement and pick up the old one. Ink cartridges are expensive, but you can get cheap replacements for $5 which work well here http://ccs-digital.com/ink.asp You can find the printers at buy.com, usually in the $60-$70 range BEFORE rebate, if any.