Computer Help and Support

flamin lib

(14,559 posts) Thu Jan 12, 2017, 03:09 PM Jan 2017

USB 2 device USB 3 error message

I have an expensive photo quality printer (epson r 1800). It is a USB 2 device. Worked great for years. Windows 10 updated and now get trouble shooter message 'older usb 2 device might not work with usb 3'. It is plugged into a usb 2 port using a usb 2 cable.

I have uninstalled the printer and re-installed with newest driver.

I've been on the phone with epson--tried everything they suggested. Tech finally said usb 3 is fully backward compatible with usb 2, your printer is broken.

I have tried other windows 10 computers with the same result.

I disabled usb 3 drivers. They apparently enable themselves again.

Microsoft feedback is utterly useless and a waste of time.

Can anyone offer a suggestion? A replacement is too expensive, the printer is too big for a paper weight and too light for a boat anchor.

A POX ON THE HOUSE OF GATES! But only a smallpox . . .

6 replies

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USB 2 device USB 3 error message (Original Post) flamin lib Jan 2017 OP

Have you tried canetoad Jan 2017 #1

I am not optimistic for you. earthshine Jan 2017 #2

Replacement seems the beat option. I'll try to find a suitable canon. nt flamin lib Jan 2017 #4

You were right re Canon. flamin lib Jan 2017 #5

I'm not familiar with that model, but it looks a lot like mine. earthshine Jan 2017 #6

Is the printer plugged directly into the computer or through a hub? csziggy Jan 2017 #3

canetoad

(18,102 posts)

1. Have you tried

Reply to flamin lib (Original post)

Thu Jan 12, 2017, 03:23 PM

Jan 2017

Just ignoring the warning message and trying to print anyway?

I often get an erroneous message about usb port compatibility; seems to make no difference to functionality.

earthshine

(1,642 posts)

2. I am not optimistic for you.

Reply to flamin lib (Original post)

Thu Jan 12, 2017, 05:18 PM

Jan 2017

I have several Epson printers and scanners. I rue the days I bought them. I've never seen a company so not concerned about driver compatibility.

For example, there's so much equipment for which they never made x64 drivers. And now Win 10, eh?

I was running W10 for a while. Then the Anniversary update slowed my system to sludge. I went back to 8.1 and I am much happier.

I owned that r1800 printer for a while. I actually thought it was good, until I replaced it with a Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II. I immediately stopped thinking the Epson was any good at all. No more clogged printheads. Better/sharper/more accurate colors. Vastly faster output.

I bought the Canon used a few years ago for $125.

A big FU to Epson. Never again.

Good luck.

flamin lib

(14,559 posts)

4. Replacement seems the beat option. I'll try to find a suitable canon. nt

Reply to earthshine (Reply #2)

Thu Jan 12, 2017, 10:50 PM

Jan 2017

flamin lib

(14,559 posts)

5. You were right re Canon.

Reply to earthshine (Reply #2)

Tue Jan 17, 2017, 04:15 PM

Jan 2017

Got a PIXMA Pro-100 for $240. Compared 11x14 prints from Epson to Canon. Black is a more pure black and more detail in the highlights/near pure white. Much faster and wireless.

Thanks for the advice.

earthshine

(1,642 posts)

6. I'm not familiar with that model, but it looks a lot like mine.

Reply to flamin lib (Reply #5)

Tue Jan 17, 2017, 05:19 PM

Jan 2017

One of the things I really like is that, at least for mine, I can get generic ink from Amazon.

You can save a lot of money with gen ink. But, some "brands" can be low quality. (Always read the reviews.)

The Canon ink will always be better.

Same for paper. Cheaper photo papers can be good enough for most purposes.

Wow! I made a dif in someone's life. That's what it's all about.

Peace.

csziggy

(34,189 posts)

3. Is the printer plugged directly into the computer or through a hub?

Reply to flamin lib (Original post)

Thu Jan 12, 2017, 07:34 PM

Jan 2017

I recently ran into a problem with USB3 and my printers and scanners going through a hub on my Windows 7 computer. I forget the exact message but I kept being told the USB was out of limits or something like that.

I had to buy longer USB cables so I could connect my laser printer, scanner, and all in one ink jet directly to the computer without going through a hub. Since then, no problem.

The next problem is getting my external drives and memory card reader hooked up directly. The front USB ports on the computer are apparently USB 2 so when I temporarily hook up any data source the computer complains that the connection is too slow.

On the other hand - that printer was released in 2005 so it's had a good long life.

I've been buying refurbished printers directly from the manufacturers - I've got an Epson WF-7520 that will print the same size as the R1800. I paid $160 including shipping for it and not only can I print wide format, I can scan it too. If you want a dedicated printer and want to got back to Epson, they also have an Artisan 1430 that seems similar to your printer for $199. (https://epson.ca/Clearance-Centre/Inkjet-Printers/Epson-Artisan-1430-Inkjet-Printer---Refurbished/p/C11CB53201-N).

Good luck!

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