dye-based to pigment based ink

[herrpee]

Your problem is the new Win 11, because you don’t have an updated driver for your printer, yes I know it works on Wi-Fi, but that doesn’t use the same protocol as direct connection, and quality USB cable will work up to 5 metres..
.. But not without a new driver..

I have downloaded the latest Epson driver from their site, so that should be up-to-date /me guesses

 

[herrpee]

I am not a Windows user (I'm on a Mac) so this list is from online of items that you coud check into:

1. Confirm the USB Connection Basics​

• Use a known-good, shielded USB 2.0 cable no longer than ~6 ft. The ET-8550 is picky about signal quality over longer cables.
• Make sure the cable is connected directly to the PC — no hubs or docking stations in between.
• Try a different USB port that’s directly on the motherboard (often on the back of a desktop).

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2. Check Windows Device Manager​

• Press Win + X → Device Manager.
• Look under:
  • Printers
  • Universal Serial Bus controllers
  • Other devices (look for “Unknown device”)
• If you see the ET-8550 (or an unknown USB device), right-click → Uninstall device, then unplug/replug the printer.

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3. Clear Old Epson Entries​

Sometimes stale driver entries prevent proper recognition.

1. Disconnect the printer.
2. In Windows Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, remove all Epson ET-8550 entries.
3. In Device Manager, remove any “Epson” or “Unknown device” entries under USB controllers and Imaging devices.
4. Restart your PC.

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4. Install the Epson USB Driver First​

• Go to Epson’s official ET-8550 Support & Downloads page.
• Download the full driver package (not just Windows Update’s generic driver).
• Run the installer before plugging in the USB cable when prompted — many Epson installers prefer that order.

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5. Force Windows to Use the USB Port​

If Windows insists on Wi-Fi printing:

• Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printer.
• Select The printer that I want isn’t listed → Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings → choose a USBxxx port (created when the printer is connected).
• Pick Have Disk… and point it to the Epson driver you downloaded.

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6. Check for USB Power/Sleep Settings​

• In Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers, double-click each “USB Root Hub” → Power Management tab → uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
• This prevents Windows from dropping the connection.

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7. Test with Another PC or OS​

If possible:

• Plug the printer into another Windows or Mac computer.
• If USB works there, the problem is PC-side.
• If not, the ET-8550’s USB interface might be faulty — in which case Epson support should be contacted for repair or replacement.

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Extra note: The ET-8550 will still emit the USB “connect” sound even if only the printer’s internal memory reader is recognized, so you need to confirm that the printer itself (not just the card reader) appears in Device Manager.

Option 5 did the trick! Thank you very much. Was afraid when I start A3 prints the data transfer could be too slow. Not afraid any more

 

[PeterBJ]

The theoretical max length for a USB 2.0 cable is 5 meters. But at max length and a thin cable the connection becomes unreliable. That's why a max length of 2 meters and a good quality cable is often recommended.

I once had a thin USB 2.0 cable of 5 meters length. It worked with some printers but not with others. A Canon AIO could only print but not scan. I dumped that cable.

 

[palombian]

I have 2 printers and a scanner connected with a 5m USB 2.0 cable with an amplifier (with 3 connectors) at the end. Never had any problems. But it is old and rather slow technology.

My Maxify is connected via Wifi as a network printer. This way any PC, phone or tablet can print directly.
Suppose it is possible with the ET-8550 too (with some fiddling this works even on my PRO-10).