Need help with Epson printer ink level indicator not working.

I'm not sure is this is the correct place to post so please move it elsewhere if necessary.

I've had this issue for awhile but recently got burnt with a bad print because cyan was low on my Epson Artisan 710 printer. I've attached a capture of the properties window that shows printer ink level indicator not working.

So far, I've reinstalled Epson software & contacted Epson. Epson did respond & said this was caused by either my PC's firewall or virus protection. I have tried disabling both Microsoft Essentials & Windows Firewall temperately but still no change. I do use my LAN network to connect to the 710 but cannot find how to set Microsoft Essentials or the firewall to ignore the printer.

Any ideas?

linnemeyerhere said:

Have you tried the maint. features as many have a head clean feature and could help. Also remove all ink cartridges and wipe the contacts with a alcohol dipped q-tip and allow to dry then re-install ink.

The printer has an LCD screen & ink levels work correctly on the printer itself.

matts6887 said:

when you reinstalled the epson printer software; did you completely uninstall it first then reinstall it or did you just try installing over it?

I don't recall. I'll try complete uninstall, reinstall. I do use my network, not USB, to connect to the printer. This is why Epson Support said it has something to do with firewall or virus protection. I should try USB & see if it works with that connection, too. I'm not seeing any block list with either of these & as I said, I did shut off but it didn't fix the issue.

Well, this is strange. I uninstalled everything Epson, then downloaded Epson 64-bit software for the Artisan 710 & installed. Everything is working now! The only thing I can think of is Windows sometimes drops connection with the 710 (maybe because it's LAN connected ???). Once found, Windows says it has the "proper" driver for it ready to install. Maybe this was the wrong driver or not the 64-bit version. In any case I'm glad it's working again.

Thanks for the help! :)

matts6887 said:

So it sounds like the uninstalling and reinstalling of the printer software worked for you?

It sure did.

As I stated in my post, Windows - for whatever reason - occasionally drops connection with my printer. I don't know if it's because it's on a LAN connection or I don't print all that often - don't know, it just does. Anyway, when adding the printer Windows asks to install the recommended driver already installed or another driver. I have accepted the recommended driver each time assuming it's the previously installed Epson driver. Maybe that driver wasn't up to date?? In any case doing a complete uninstall / reinstall with drivers downloaded from Epson, as you suggested, took care of the issue. I gave you a Rep for you well deserved suggestion. Thanks again! :)