How to Reset Epson Printer with using Adjustment Program for L1210, L3210, L3250, L3251, L3260, L5290
Are you seeing frustrating “waste ink pad full” errors on your Epson printer? Don’t throw it away just yet! This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to reset your Epson printer using the official Adjustment Program (AdjProg.exe) tool, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on repairs or replacement.
What is Adjustment Program (AdjProg) and Why You Need It to Reset Epson Printer?
The Epson Adjustment Program, is an official utility tool designed by Epson for service technicians. Think of it as the “master key” that can unlock and reset various internal counters and settings in your Epson printer.
Why Does This Matter to You?
Your Epson printer has built-in counters that track things like:
- How much ink has been used
- How many pages have been printed
- When maintenance is due
- Most importantly: When the waste ink pads are “full”
When these counters reach their limit, your printer essentially locks itself down with error messages, even if it’s physically capable of printing. That’s where Adjustment Program comes to the rescue!
Is Your Printer Showing These Error Messages?
If you’re seeing any of these messages, this guide can help:
❌ “A printer’s ink pad is at the end of its service life”
❌ “The printer’s ink pads are at the end of their service life”
❌ “Service Required”
❌ “Blinking LED lights in specific patterns“
❌ “Waste ink pad counter overflow”
❌ “Contact Epson Support”
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before we dive into the reset process, make sure you have:
Required Items:
- ✅ Windows computer (Mac users may need to use Boot Camp or a virtual machine)
- ✅ USB cable to connect your printer
- ✅ Administrator access on your computer
- ✅ Your specific printer model number (found on the printer label)
- ✅ 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted time
Recommended (But Optional):
- 📋 Pen and paper to note down current counter values
- 🔧 New waste ink pads if you plan to do physical maintenance
Step-by-Step Reset Process
✅ Step 1: Download the Right Adjustment Program (AdjProg) Version
This is crucial! Using the wrong version can damage your printer.
- Search online for “Adjustment Program(AdjProg) [your printer model]” (e.g., “AdjProg WF-3640”)
- For Epson printer models like L1210, L3210, L3250, L3251, L3260 and L5290 you can
download here. - Download only from reputable sources
- Extract all files to a dedicated folder on your desktop
✅ Step 2: Prepare Your Printer
- Turn on your printer and wait for it to be ready
- Connect via USB cable (not Wi-Fi for this process)
- Close all other printer software including Epson utilities
- Make sure your printer isn’t actively printing anything
✅ Step 3: Launch Adjustment Program (AdjProg.exe) as Administrator
- Right-click on the AdjProg.exe file
- Select “Run as administrator”
- Click “Yes” if Windows asks for permission
You should see the Epson Adjustment Program window open

✅ Step 4: Select Your Printer
- Choose your printer model from the dropdown menu
- If you don’t see your exact model, don’t proceed!
- Click “Accept” to agree to the terms
✅ Step 5: Enter Particular Adjustment Mode
- Click on “Particular adjustment mode”
- A new window will open with checkboxes
- Look for “Waste ink pad counter” (exact wording may vary)
- Check the box next to this option
- Click “OK”

✅ Step 6: Check Current Status (Recommended)
Before resetting, it’s smart to see what you’re working with:
- Click “Check” to view current counter levels
- Write down the numbers you see
- Counters near 100% definitely need resetting

✅ Step 7: Perform the Reset
Here’s the moment of truth:
- Click “Initialize” (some versions say “Reset”)
- Confirm when prompted
- Wait for the process to complete (usually 10-30 seconds)
- Look for a success message or counters showing 0%
✅ Step 8: Complete the Process
- Close the Adjustment program completely
- Turn off your printer using the power button
- Wait 15 seconds
- Turn your printer back on
🎉 Success! Your error messages should be gone and your printer should be working normally.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: “Can’t Detect Printer” or “Communication Error”
Solutions to try:
- Ensure USB cable is firmly connected
- Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0)
- Restart both your computer and printer
- Temporarily disable antivirus software
- Check if printer drivers are properly installed
Problem: Reset Doesn’t Work or Errors Return
Possible fixes:
- Run Adjustment Program (AdjProg.exe) multiple times
- Try restarting your computer after the reset
- Ensure printer was completely idle during reset
- Check if you need to hold specific buttons during startup
Problem: Wrong Adjustment Program Version Downloaded
Signs you have the wrong version:
- Your printer model isn’t listed
- Program crashes or freezes
- Strange error messages appear
Solution: Double-check your printer model and download the specific version for your model.
Problem: “Access Denied” or Permission Errors
Quick fixes:
- Always run as administrator
- Temporarily disable Windows UAC
- Check if your user account has admin rights
- Try running from a folder without spaces in the name
Compatible Epson Models
Adjustment Program works with hundreds of Epson models. Here are some popular series:
WorkForce Series
- WF-2630, WF-2650, WF-2660
- WF-3620, WF-3640, WF-3720
- WF-7720, WF-7820, WF-7840
Expression Home/Premium Series
- XP-340, XP-440, XP-540
- XP-640, XP-830, XP-960
EcoTank Series
- ET-2720, ET-2760, ET-3760
- ET-4760, ET-15000
SureColor Series
- P400, P600, P800
- T3170, T5170
Important Safety Warnings
⚠️ Warranty Considerations
- Using Adjustment Program may void your warranty
- If your printer is still under warranty, consider contacting Epson first
- Document everything in case you need to prove the printer was defective
⚠️ Technical Risks
- Wrong version can damage your printer permanently
- Always backup your settings if the option is available
- Don’t interrupt the reset process once started
⚠️ Physical Maintenance
- Resetting counters doesn’t actually clean waste ink pads
- Consider replacing waste ink pads if they’re genuinely saturated
- Continued use with full pads can cause ink leakage and damage
⚠️ Legal Considerations
- Adjustment Program is intended for authorized service technicians
- Use responsibly and at your own risk
- Some regions may have restrictions on circumventing device limitations
When to Consider Professional Help
Consider contacting a professional if:
- Your printer is expensive (over $300) and under warranty
- You’re not comfortable with technical procedures
- The reset doesn’t solve your problem
- You need physical waste pad replacement
- Multiple error codes are appearing
Alternative Solutions
If Adjustment Program doesn’t work for your model, try:
Software Alternatives
- SSC Service Utility: Free alternative for some models
- WIC Reset Utility: Paid solution with broader compatibility
- PrintHelp: Another commercial option
Hardware Solutions
- Professional waste pad replacement service
- DIY waste pad replacement (advanced users)
- External waste ink system installation
Official Options
- Epson customer support
- Authorized service centers
- Warranty replacement (if applicable)
Prevention Tips for the Future
Once you’ve successfully reset your printer:
Regular Maintenance
- Clean print heads monthly to prevent clogs
- Use your printer regularly (at least weekly)
- Keep it dust-free with a printer cover
- Use genuine Epson ink when possible
Monitor Usage
- Note when you reset counters for future reference
- Consider external waste systems for heavy users
- Replace waste pads proactively every 2-3 resets
Software Management
- Keep Adjustment Program files for future use
- Bookmark reliable download sources
- Update printer drivers regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using Adjustment Program legal?
Yes, but it may void your warranty. It’s designed for service use, but there are no laws against using it on your own printer.
How often can I reset the counters?
Technically unlimited times, but consider physical maintenance after 2-3 resets to prevent actual damage.
Will this work on Mac?
Adjustment Program is Windows-only, but you can use Boot Camp or a Windows virtual machine on Mac.
Can I use Wi-Fi instead of USB?
No, USB connection is required for the reset process to work properly.
What if my model isn’t supported?
Try the alternative tools mentioned above, or search for model-specific solutions in printer forums.
Conclusion
Resetting your Epson printer with Adjustment Program (AdjProg.exe) can breathe new life into a device that seemed destined for the trash heap. While the process requires some technical confidence, following this guide carefully should get your printer working again in under 30 minutes.
Remember the key points:
- ✅ Always use the correct Adjustment Program (AdjProg.exe) version for your model
- ✅ Run as administrator and use USB connection
- ✅ Consider physical maintenance alongside counter resets
- ✅ Understand the warranty implications
Have you successfully reset your Epson printer using this guide? Share your experience in the comments below – your story might help other readers facing similar issues!
Last updated: August 2025 | This guide is for educational purposes. Always proceed at your own risk and consider professional help for expensive equipment.
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