IT Queries: Computer problems answered

I mainly print black and white photos from my printer. No matter what I do, I cannot get pure B&W prints – the blacks are never dense black and there is a pale greenish tinge across all the grays. I get the same effect whether I print from the PC or direct from the printer. Selection of “Grayscale” at the printer Properties does not help.

My printer is an Epson Sylus Photo RX630.

My PC is a professionally supplied custom build using Gigabyte Technology motherboard S Series 945GMF-DS2 with Intel Core 2 Duo.

Hoping you can help – I would like to be able to make correct B&W prints

The problem is with your printer settings. Rather than using the black cartridge, the printer is mixing colours to create the “gray” tones.

This isn’t just irritating, it’s also a waste of ink.

To fix this, you’ll need to go into the advanced printer options where you should find an option to use the black only for grayscale. There should also be a setting to only print in black and white which will disable the colour cartridges.

Unfortunately the Epson website doesn’t explain how to do this, but a bit of exploration in the printer settings (click the Advanced buttons) should find it.

This sort of problem – poor software and bad documentation – is common with Epson printers which is a shame as the printers themselves are very good products. It’s worth considering this the next time you look at a printer purchase.

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