Cannot Delete Printer Driver

[Brit]

I have been trying to uninstall my Epson Workforce 500 printer. When I think I have done that, I get a message "can't uninstall Driver". I googled instructions on how to uninstall the printer and followed them to the letter, but cannot get rid of the driver. Please help!

 

[Yard Dog]

Hello, look in Device Manager and see if it is located in the Tree under other devices < if so, then try to uninstall it from there. If that does not help you, then try free of RevoUninstaller , free version.

 

[Brit]

Thank you, Yard Dog. I could not find any driver listed in the Divice Manager or as a sub-list under any other item. I will download the application you suggested and let you know if it works.

 

[Brit]

I downloaded RevoUninstaller, ran it and the message still says "cannot delete driver".
I started to reinstall my printer software and it said to disable my virus protection. I have McAfee Plus and cannot find anywhere to disable it. Called a support tech from internet and he tells me I have all kinds of viruses on my computer and along with removing the viruses, they will put my computer in tiptop shape for $219. Don't know if it is a scam or not. I did not accept their offer.

 

[Yard Dog]

Sounds like a scam, to make sure , run free of these two programs after you update the data base of each , using the latest version of : SuperAntiSpyware : SUPERAntiSpyware.com | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware! and Malwarebytes Antimalware : Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware for free - Fileforum
Post results of those scans please.

 

[Brit]

Downloaded and ran SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Antimalware. Had 20 cookies and one Trojan.Agent showup in the SuperAntiSpyware and 2 items in Malwarebytes: (1) Hijacker application - registry value - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Micro - Value bak Appl - No action taken.
(2) Hijacker application - registry data - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Micro - Bad (http://www... - No action taken.
I fixed the problems. So it MUST HAVE BEEN a scam the tech was running. Since he had remote control of my computer, and I do online banking, I checked my accounts and changed passwords and security questions.
I reinstalled my Epson Workforce 500 printer and now it says "Cannot recognize ink cartridges." I will have to buy new cartridges to see if I am out - don't believe all 4 cartridges would be out at same time.

 

[Yard Dog]

Good on you for changing passwords , those are 2 excellent programs for being free. So, if your ink cartridges will function, you will be fixed up ?

 

[Brit]

Yes, IF they are the problem. I believe I am finally getting everything in order and I really do appreciate your help. It is such a relief to have someone to come to for answers to my questions. It will be a day or so before I can get the ink, so should I stop this thread now or wait until I see if the printer works?

 

[Yard Dog]

Just trying to make sure i am helping with the problem posted, which was a issue of deleting / uninstalling a driver. You seem to be working on getting the printer to work. I am concerned about the issues found by Malwarebytes and Superantispyware, and hope they were not a root kit. Why not run another free program to check for root kits ? How to remove malware belonging to the family Rootkit.Win32.TDSS (aka Tidserv, TDSServ, Alureon)?
Just to be sure. If it finds nothing. then more than likely you are clean, and would want to Create a new restore point , as the older ones are probably corrupted and hence are not good to have around. Just a thought.

 

[Brit]

Okay, I ran the TDSS scan and it found no threats. Now how do I create a "restore point"?

 

[richc46]

These excellent tutorials should be able to help
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76332-system-restore-point-create.html

 

[Yard Dog]

Great, glad that was clean, Go to control panel, and in System. on the left hand side, you will see system protection . open that up . and where it says Create, push that, and type anything , and then okay, it will create and date a new restore point for you.

 

[Brit]

Hi again, Yard Dog, I went back to my printer problem and it does not say "out of ink" but "cannot recognize ink cartridges." Can you help (again). Thanks.

 

[Yard Dog]

Hello, have you looked at Printers in the Control Panel and seen whether it appears to be configured properly ?

 

[Brit]

Yes, I have checked out all the settings. One time the printer message says "cannot recognize ink cartridges" then next time it ways "Replace ink cartridges". I live 25 miles away from where I can purchase ink, so it will take a couple of days before I make the trip. It is hard to believe that ALL four cartridges ran out at the same time, but who knows, I have a grandson 18 years old, who was here after I went to bed, so he COULD HAVE printed something he did not want me to see. I checked the waste cans and there was no printer trash in them.
Will let you know when I get the ink. The ink will cost about as much as a basic laser printer, and I am considering that option.

 

[Yard Dog]

Yeah, i hear that, reason i have no printer hooked up, out of ink, can buy new printer which has ink for the price of buying more ink.. go figure

 

[Brit]

Okay, I must confess, I goofed! I didn't realize that the printer was telling me which cartridge was out of ink. Sorry, I am OLD and getting forgetful - that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I bought ink today and installed the magenta color that was out. When I printed a test sheet, I only get part of what I am printing. It prints 2 1/2 lines and skips two and 1/2 lines. I get a sheet with lots of white spaces where there should be print. I tried it several times just in case it needed warming up or something. I really thought I was fixed up. Any suggestions?

 

[Yard Dog]

Does you printer have a guide/tutorial on how to clean the ink jets ?

 

[Brit]

Okay, I had to go through the Nozzle Check and Clean Head processes several times, BUT - IT WORKED! I know this is probably the longest thread you've had to deal with, but you have done a wonderful job guiding me through all these steps. I could never have done it without you. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. I will click on the icon to say you've done a good job, but you went over and above your job and with patience.

My computer is working again and my printer is working. Thanks again, Yard Dog.

Where's the "Good Job" Icon?

 

[Brit]

Guess you could tell this was my first experience on Vista Forums. It was a life saver and so were you. I added to your reputation on your last post. Should I do that on each post?