If you own an Epson M100 printer, chances are you picked it for one main reason: it’s reliable, affordable to run, and perfect for black-and-white printing. Whether you use it in your home office, shop, or small business, the M100 is like a loyal workhorse.
But let’s be honest—no printer runs forever without a hiccup. One day, you might notice the printer suddenly refusing to print, flashing blinking lights, or throwing up an error on your computer that says: “Service required” or “Waste ink pad full.”
When this happens, many people panic, thinking the printer is broken. In reality, it just means your Epson M100 needs a reset.
This guide will explain everything about resetting the Epson M100—why it happens, how to do it, what tools you’ll need, and the precautions you should take. By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to fix the issue at home and save yourself a trip to the service center.
Why Does the Epson M100 Need a Reset?
Epson printers, including the M100, are designed with something called a waste ink pad. This pad is like a sponge inside the machine that collects extra ink whenever you clean the nozzles or during certain printing cycles.
To protect the printer from overflowing with ink, Epson uses a counter system. Once the counter thinks the pad is “full,” the printer automatically stops working and flashes an error.
In simple words:
- The printer is not broken.
- The waste ink pad may not even be completely full yet.
- The error is just a precaution to stop potential damage.
Resetting simply tells the printer: “Okay, I’ve handled the waste ink pad, you can continue working now.”
Signs That Your Epson M100 Needs a Reset
You don’t have to be a tech expert to spot the signs. Your M100 might need a reset if:
- Both red/orange lights keep blinking.
- You see an error message on your PC like “Service required” or “Ink pad is full.”
- The printer won’t print, even though it has ink and paper loaded.
If you’ve faced any of these, then yes—resetting is the solution.
Two Ways to Reset Epson M100
Now, let’s talk about the practical part. There are mainly two ways to reset the Epson M100 printer:
- Resetting Manually (With Buttons)This is the fundamental method for fixing small bugs. You can try that first, but it won’t work for the waste ink pad error.Actions to take:
- Switch off the Epson M100.
- Hold down both the Power and Resume/Reset buttons simultaneously.
- Hold them for five to ten seconds.
- Turn the printer back on after releasing both buttons.This should resolve the problem if it was merely a transient error. If not, proceed to the following technique.
- Software Reset (Reset Tool/Adjustment Program)To fix the “waste ink pad full” issue, you must use Epson’s Adjustment Program, also known as the resetter tool.Here’s how to accomplish it:
- Get the Epson M100 resetter by searching from reputable websites.
- After extracting the files, launch the application.
- Turn on the computer and connect your printer via USB.
- Choose your Epson M100 model in the software.
- Select the option for the Waste Ink Pad Counter.
- To allow the application to reset the counter, click Initialize.
- When the procedure is finished, restart your printer.Your printer should now function normally. The “service required” error is removed, as are the flickering lights.
Why Resetting Helps
There are several advantages to reset the Epson M100:
- Saves money: You don’t have to buy a new printer or run to a service center.
- Life extension: You can continue to use the same printer for many years.
- Fast fix: Resetting often only takes a few minutes.
- Convenience: It requires little work and may be done at home.
Important Things to Remember Before Resetting
While resetting is simple, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Reset doesn’t clean the pad – it only resets the counter. If the pad is really full, ink can leak.
- Always download the reset tool from trusted websites. Avoid shady downloads that may contain viruses.
- If you print heavily, consider replacing or cleaning the waste ink pad after 2–3 resets.
- For heavy use, attaching an external waste ink tank is a smart trick to avoid ink mess inside.
Troubleshooting After Reset
Sometimes, problems don’t vanish even after you reset. Here’s what you can do:
- Lights still blinking: Repeat the reset process and double-check that you selected the correct model and USB port.
- Reset tool not opening: Run the program as Administrator. If using Windows 10/11, disable antivirus temporarily.
- Ink leakage: This means the waste ink pad is actually full. Replace it or use an external tank.
- Frequent errors: If you keep resetting too often, it’s a sign your printer needs proper servicing.
Adding an External Waste Ink Tank (Optional Tip)
If you’re a heavy user, this tip can save you a lot of headaches. Instead of letting waste ink collect in the internal pad, you can redirect it to an external tank.
How to do it:
- Get a small sealed container (like a plastic bottle).
- Attach a small tube from your printer’s waste ink outlet to the container.
- Put a sponge or cotton inside the container to absorb ink.
- Close it tightly to prevent spills.
This way, the waste ink won’t fill the internal pad quickly, and you’ll avoid leakage.
Real-Life Example: Resetting Saved a Business Day
A friend of mine runs a cyber café. One morning, his Epson M100 stopped in the middle of printing dozens of forms. The lights kept blinking, and he thought he had to buy a new printer.
Instead of panicking, I showed him how to use the resetter tool. In under 10 minutes, his printer was back in action. He finished all the work and avoided losing money that day.
That’s how powerful a simple reset can be!
FAQs About Epson M100 Reset
- What does the Epson M100’s “Service required” message mean?
It indicates that the waste ink pad counter on the printer has run out of space. Until you reset it, the printer stops working. - Does the Epson M100 need software to be reset?
Only for small mistakes. You need the resetter tool to fix the waste ink pad problem. - Will my printer be harmed by a reset?
No. It’s safe, but keep in mind that a reset doesn’t take the place of a real pad. Replace the pad if it’s soaked. - Is the reset irreversible?
No, it’s only temporary. Thousands of prints will require another reset. - Is the resetter tool available for free download?
There are, in fact, free versions. There may be a minor cost for some sophisticated tools. - Can I use the reset tool on Mac?
Mostly no. It’s designed for Windows. On Mac, you’d need a virtual Windows setup. - How often should I reset my Epson M100?
Light users may reset once every couple of years. Heavy users might need it every 6–12 months. - What if the reset doesn’t work?
Check your USB cable, run as Administrator, or re-download the correct version. - Do I need to replace the waste ink pad?
Yes, after a couple of resets, it’s safer to replace or attach an external tank. - Why does Epson use waste ink pad counters?
It’s a safety feature to prevent ink from overflowing inside the printer.
Final Thoughts
The Epson M100 is a fantastic monochrome printer for daily use, but like all machines, it needs a little care. When you face blinking lights or the dreaded “service required” message, don’t panic. In most cases, the solution is as simple as a reset.
With either the button method or the adjustment program, you can get your printer back on track in minutes. Combine that with regular maintenance—like cleaning or replacing waste pads—and your Epson M100 will serve you reliably for years.
So, next time your printer stops mid-job, don’t rush to the service center. Just reset, refresh, and bring your M100 back to life!
