These error messages are usually caused by using an incorrect or damaged printer cable.
First check to make sure that you are using a peripheral-8 cable (serial cable), and not a LocalTalk or PhoneNet cable with the StyleWriter printer. LocalTalk cables and PhoneNet cables, use small boxes along with specialized cable to connect devices. PhoneNet cables resemble telephone cable. You can only use LocalTalk and PhoneNet cables with certain StyleWriter models containing the optional LocalTalk Adapters.
The correct cabling for most StyleWriter printers is peripheral-8 (serial) cable. The serial cable is a direction connection between the computer and the printer. You should not have any type of splitting or adapter devices between the computer and the printer. In addition, the serial cable should have eight (8) straight and intact pins on both ends of the cable.
If you are using a peripheral-8 cable and still experience problems, try connecting the printer to another computer, or try another peripheral-8 cable.