Printing off pics..I need help - PLEASE!!!!

[madmollie]

Oh dear, I need help bigtime please!.... I have recently invested in some gorgeous vintage pics on cd ...I am soooooooooooooooo excited about turning them into cards etc etc...Now then, when I come to print 'em (I have, what I think is a decent printer..Epsom CX3200), the colour of the pics is vile...the black isn't really black, it's navy. all the the reds are pink,- it's just a total shambles. I have tried altering the colour thingy as best I can (me of simple mind..)but to no avail. Should I really go and buy the "proper" Epsom cartridges do you think?? I have just gone and bought some gorgeous fabric backed papers and stuff to do printing on, but I can't print until I have this problem solved!! (By the way girls....if you don't already know it, go to craftycomputerpaper.co.uk for some really unusual computer papers/ideas/projects etc) - Any suggestions welcome as I feel so frustrated. I felt I couldn't ask on UK Scrappers thingy, as there is always someone who has been and done that and created a masterpiece, which makes me want to give up - and I don't want to, not after all this expense on stash!! Thanks in advance

Um.... don't suppose the ink cartridge is low on one of the colours is it?

Thankx SD - no it's not - replaced it as the weekend. We bought the cartridge from our computer supplier/chappy. I thought it would be ok - it cost £6.50 - just not sure whether to whip it out (the cartridge!) and replace with the real mcoy, or what? thanks for replying to quickly

Does it print funny colours with other pics or just the ones on your CD ?
If it does it with everything - try cleaning the print heads before resorting to a swap. There is usually an auto way of doing it via print manager or the like

Thanks Wz - no, it's with everything. Normally we just print of business letters, so don;t often use the colour to be honest.- Not until just recently with my SBA (scrapbooking addiction). Thought it would save me zillions in buying 12x12's. Now I am not so sure.. The pics I have bought are of really good standard, so I don' feel it can be them. It must be the printer/cartridge. Maybe I shall accost the computer man when he next pops up to visit! PS - Have you checked out these comp papers from this site by the way??? - Linen/silk etc etc....it is heaven!! - and loads of FREE downloads!!! - take a peep!! x

link here

Hmm looks quite useful - all sorts of stuff!

Maybe run the print utility thing for your printer that checks the colours/nozzles/print quality. It could be the cartridge I guess if it's doing it with everything.

Might not be such good quality inks. in the brandless cartridge. Do you have an Epson one to try?

Thanks again all - Wz - I know! - What a find eh!! - Just a bit different from the usual scapbooking stuff too. - SD - will check these "bits" again..we di do a clean the other night, but to no avail.. I WILL conquer this!! - By the way, have you tried the quick "Sepia" lesson on www.ukscrapbookers.co.uk ??- This tech looks interesting, but whether it will work or not... - Will give the nozz's another clean, and report back tmrw!! - PS....another FAB FAB FAB site to get some freebies/info/ and gorgeous vintage ideas is www.missmary.com - VV unusual! - Thanks to everyone so far - v kind.

Wz! just noticed..a link! that's clever! - and, SD, haven't got an Epsom Cartridge - yet...but think that's where we are heading. I find it so frustrating!! Pink Santas?!! - am trying to do my xmas cards for next yr

we had that problem with our cartridge after we bought a recycled one the colours were awful and def not right but its fine after we took it back and replaced with the real mc coy..

Thanks Bambi - this is what I was wondering...how does one k ow if it is recycled?? - Purchased it at our local computer shop in town - would it say so on the box???

Does it say "remanufactured" or "refilled" on the packaging?

...and another thing....I have heard about "toners" - can someone enlighten me please??! - is this something I should be putting in...or is that for laser thingys?? - I've always cleansed, toned and ,moist..every morn and night... didn't know the comp needed it...

Must say, I only every buy genuine HP ones for my printer after a poor experience with a non-branded one. I get them from Ebay.

I thought toner was the black powder you tip in a laserjet printer (and get in a god-awful mess IIRC!) or the cartridge you put in a photocopier

The box is green.. says, "Colour" ink cartridge 43 mls.IS09001 quality guaranteed. Compatible for Epsom 3200 ....no address where made/etc - hmmm, methinks maybe this maybe zeee problem..?

I think we are heading for the real McCoy...SD - toner...seems a bit of a mystery this one...where/what do we do with it?!!! Maybe I should give this one a miss, and stick to me face eh!

It says "quality guarnateed" so take it back with an example of what it prints like.

Good point SD!! MUST go and cook a meal now -but thanks so much for everyones; input - I really appreciate it...will be back later