I have Windows XP (domestic version) on a Lenovo ThinkCentre. To it is attached an Epson C88+ printer. Fairly regularly, for a year or more, when I change an ink cartridge, the printer runs very slowly, with long pauses. There comes up an error message on the PC monitor “Communications Error”, with instructions to check all connections and, if that doesn’t work, consult the printer manual. The connections appear to be in order, and the manual gives no relevant help.
The solution I have developed is, using the Start button, to switch the computer off (not to restart it: that doesn’t work) for several minutes (letting it cool down? surely not), and the printer too, then to switch them both back on.
The error does not seem to affect any other part of the computer, e.g. modem, monitor, loudspeakers.
What is really happening here? How can I prevent it happening? What hitherto unnoticed side-effects can I expect to rear their ugly heads in the future? And what should I do about it?