Computer can't recognize my Epson 3880

[Alan Baily]

I haven't printed in a while (9 months?). My printer turned on OK but my computer won't recognize my printer. I believe this is the first time using the printer with this relative new computer (less than a year old). I am trying to print an excel document. I downloaded the latest drivers. I went through all the steps that Windows suggested. I talked with someone at Epson and went through all those steps. I have yet to see anything in Device Manager. I tried different ports, different cables. So far nothing. Somehow, I think, the drivers aren't getting to the place where the computer can recognize them. Just a guess. Anybody have any other ideas?

 

[thebestcpu]

Hi @Alan Baily
You did not mention the connection type: USB, Ethernet, or Wireless
The following is a list of steps (you may have already completed some). I cannot confirm this list, as I use a Mac, but I thought this might be of some help. Take all such lists with a grain of salt when not confirmed.
John Wheeler

Epson Stylus Pro 3880 - Windows USB Recognition and Driver Fix Steps
=================================================================
baseline info:

The Epson 3880 uses a USB 2.0 interface and a legacy printer driver that’s not natively included in Windows 10/11 anymore.
When you plug it in:

You should see some sign of connection (e.g., “Unknown USB device”) in Device Manager.

If you see nothing at all → Windows isn’t detecting any signal on USB — driver installation can’t proceed.

That means it’s one of:

Faulty USB cable or port (most common)

Faulty printer USB interface board (some 3880s develop this after long storage)

Windows not loading the driver INF correctly because of driver signature or permissions issues

1. Confirm Hardware and Cables
------------------------------
- Use a short, shielded USB 2.0 cable directly to a USB-A port.
- Avoid USB hubs or long cables.
- If your computer only has USB-C ports, use a known-good powered USB-C → USB-A adapter.
- Turn the printer ON.
- Open Device Manager → View → Show hidden devices.
- Expand "Printers", "USB controllers", and "Other devices".
- If you see “Unknown Device” or “USB Composite Device”, uninstall it and reconnect the printer.
- If nothing appears or disappears when plugging/unplugging, try:
- Different cable
- Different USB port
- Different computer
- If no computer reacts, USB board may be defective.

2. Clean Old Driver Entries
---------------------------
1. Disconnect the printer.
2. Uninstall all Epson software via Control Panel → Programs and Features.
3. Run “printmanagement.msc” → All Drivers → delete any Epson Stylus Pro 3880 entries.
4. Reboot the computer.

3. Download and Install the Correct Driver
------------------------------------------
1. Visit Epson’s official support page:
https://epson.com/Support/Printers/Pro-Imaging-Pro-Series/Epson-Stylus-Pro-3880/s/SPT_C11CA16201
2. Download the “Drivers and Utilities Combo Package” for your Windows version.
3. Right-click the installer → Run as administrator.
4. Only connect the printer when prompted.
5. After installation, open Control Panel → Devices and Printers → confirm Epson Stylus Pro 3880 appears.

4. Handle Driver Signature Blocking (Windows 10/11)
---------------------------------------------------
If the driver won’t install:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Device Security → Core Isolation Details.
- Turn “Memory Integrity” OFF.
- Reboot and reinstall the driver.
- You can turn it back ON after successful installation.

5. Manual INF Driver Installation (if Needed)
---------------------------------------------
If the installer fails:
1. Unzip the downloaded driver package.
2. Locate the file “epson3880.inf”.
3. In Device Manager → right-click the Unknown Device → Update Driver → Browse my computer → Let me pick → Have Disk.
4. Browse to the folder with epson3880.inf.
5. Select “Epson Stylus Pro 3880” and complete installation.

6. Test Network Printing (Optional)
-----------------------------------
If the USB interface fails but printer powers up normally:
1. Connect printer via Ethernet to your router.
2. On printer: Menu → Network Settings → TCP/IP → find its IP address.
3. On Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add Device → Add Manually → TCP/IP printer.
4. Enter the IP address and choose the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 driver.

7. If USB Hardware Is Defective
-------------------------------
- The 3880’s USB interface may fail after long storage.
- Replace the “Main Board Assembly” (available used online).
- Or continue using Ethernet network printing.

Summary Table
--------------
| Step | Action | Goal |
|------|---------|------|
| 1 | Verify cable/port/computer | Confirm USB detection |
| 2 | Remove old drivers | Avoid driver conflicts |
| 3 | Install Epson driver | Register correct driver |
| 4 | Disable Memory Integrity | Allow legacy driver |
| 5 | Install manually if needed | Force INF recognition |
| 6 | Try network port | Verify printer hardware |
| 7 | Replace board if needed | Restore USB functionality |

 

[Alan Baily]

Thanks for the quick thorough response. It is a USB connection. It might take a few days work through all of this.

 

[The Hat]

Thanks for the quick thorough response. It is a USB connection.

It might simply be your O/S not accepting the driver for such an old machine..

 

[Alan Baily]

Good news and bad news. I got the computer to recognize the printer. I fiddled some more but think that I tried Windows 10 drivers that made the difference. Not quite sure. Bad news. I can't get the Excel file to print. It's been awhile since I've printed with the 3880. Am I missing certain steps to go through? I went through the Windows Printing Preferences and revised. Did I miss something?

 

[thebestcpu]

Good news and bad news. I got the computer to recognize the printer. I fiddled some more but think that I tried Windows 10 drivers that made the difference. Not quite sure. Bad news. I can't get the Excel file to print. It's been awhile since I've printed with the 3880. Am I missing certain steps to go through? I went through the Windows Printing Preferences and revised. Did I miss something?

Have you printed anything to that printer yet as it was not clear from your post? If you have not printed anything yet, use this "print test page" approach to verify the system can print to the printer.
If it does print to the printer, then this could be something from within Excel instead of your system/printer.

Here is a link to how to print a test page: https://help.nextar.com/tutorial/how-to-test-print-on-windows

 

[Alan Baily]

Have you printed anything to that printer yet as it was not clear from your post? If you have not printed anything yet, use this "print test page" approach to verify the system can print to the printer.
If it does print to the printer, then this could be something from within Excel instead of your system/printer.

Here is a link to how to print a test page: https://help.nextar.com/tutorial/how-to-test-print-on-win

Thanks for the info. I was able to make a test print. Is the info on the test print important or should I, as suggested, just go back to Excel and see what the issue might be? One more thing. In Windows, the printer properties dialog box does not show the ink levels in color, just in grey. Does that mean anything?