Convert Epson printer port to a TCP/IP port

Owned by Jacob Miller
Last updated: Jun 26, 2019 by Brian Cummings (Unlicensed)
3 min read

This procedure can alleviate issues involving Epson TM-88 and U220 printers where they stop printing and go to a "not available" status when viewing the printer on the server.

The procedure entails editing the printer properties on the Order Entry server and changing it from the default (installed) Epson-managed port to a standard TCP/IP port and the necessary configuration adjustments to support this change. 


1. Open Devices and Printers on the server and edit the Printer properties

2. Click the Ports tab on the Properties window. Scroll the list of ports to find the one associated with the printer with the issue. It will be associated with an Epson printer port: ESDPRTXXX. 

Click Add Port...

3. On the Printer Ports window, click Standard TCP/IP Port then click New Port...

4. Click Next on the wizard. On the following screen, input the printer IP on the Printer Name or IP Address field. It will auto-fill the address on the Port Name line below; leave this as is. Click Next.

5. If the printer is online and can be reached on the network, the wizard will recognize it and complete adding the port. Click Finish.

Close the printer ports window by clicking the X. 


6. The newly created TCP/IP will appear in the port list. Click Configure Port...

7. Ensure the Protocol is set to "Raw" and un-check "SNMP Status Enabled." Click OK.

8. Uncheck "Enable Biodirectional Support." Click Apply and then Close.

The printer is now configured to use a TCP/IP port.


9. Once you have set the printer up, go to Services and Stop and Start Print Spooler.

10. Confirm that the status of the printer is online and you can see 0 document(s) in queue.