Even if you are just printing 'black' its still going to use some color ink
to make the black look blacker.
You can try setting it to 'grayscale' but I'm sure it will reset itself
back.
If you need to print just black documents, the way to go is to purchase a
laser printer for this work, even if it's a used one from eBay. The toner
cartridge lasts for ages and they are much more economical in the long run.
I managed to get a Lexmark Optra S at the grand sum of $14.50 with $50
shipping, got it a new toner cartridge and use it every day. That was three
years ago. It's still on the same toner cartridge. Sure it's big and
heavy, but its a workhorse. I use my inkjets for photos and when I
absolutely have to print documents with color.
--
Cari (MS-MVP) Printing & Imaging
www.coribright.com/windows
"Perky" <alperk47@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:C0C356CB-4CE2-4401-AA04-017BE23E5A61@microsoft.com...
>I am running windows xp pro fully updated. I have an epson stylus colour
>880
> and i wish to set it to print black text by default. I can choose black in
> printing preferences but the 'apply' button is greyed out. how can i set
> it
> to print black by default instead of going into preferences each time
> --
> thanks a bunch