Strange printing problems

[Mule]

I've got an odd printing problem that I can't figure out. When Word (2010) prints text it comes out blurred, it looks like it's using too much ink like when the ink runs in to the surrounding fibres on the paper but it does the same on labels I print which are quite glossy so I don't think it can be that.

The odd thing is that it works fine when I use firefox to print, with the text coming out clear, I've even tried using the same font. Both programs use the same basic print settings, set through the control panel.

I'm pretty sure there's a couple of blocked nozzles on the black inks head which I don't think I can easily clear but I can't understand why Word can't print properly when Firefox does. I should also mention that printing in colour comes out fine.

Any suggestions as to what could cause this discrepancy?

[ant3b]

Maybe a setting within word. I think there is settings where you can change it to draft and back etc.. maybe it is on the draft setting

[Mule]

Set to Text & Image through global settings.

[Bald Bouncer]

Have you tried doing a test print? most printers it's on the printer.

[Mule]

There's only head align and nozzle check, nozzle check does lead me to believe there's a couple of blocked nozzles (which head cleaning won't fix) but still, why should it be okay from firefox but not Word?

Printer is an Epson SX515W BTW.