My Lexmark x3550 isn't using the photo cartridge.

These printers monitor the cartridges and dont like you using aftermarket ie non Lexmark, or not made by lexmark cartridges. So Im wondering If you have tried 2 x brand spanking new OEM Lexmark cartridges, or if you are trying to use cheaper from net remanufactured or "for use in lexmark" cartridges. If this is the case then this is your problem and also very common.

Are you using a photo cartridge and a normal color one?

These I beleive can not be mixed in different slots.
- Photo cartridges you will only need one installed on the left side.
- Normal ink you will need two installed (Black on left and color on right) .



Also Lexmark themselves have a couple of documents on this issue, here and Here

But these efforts will all be useless unless you are using Brand New Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) Cartridges. This I see day in and day out, I get a lot of people tell me they are using original when they are not in fact, You will know by the price and lexmark carts do not state "for use in"

I dont think it is a problem with the printer, if you are using both brand new OEM cartridges then the firmware fix from lexmark should solve or you are trying to mix Photo type and normal type carts.

But these days ink jet printers are non repairable (well too costly and uneconomical to repair) throw away items, the expense is in the inks and manufactures vertually give away the printers so you will buy their inks, and lexmarks are designed not to like refill and aftermarket inks as are most modern inkjets.

Hope this helps, please let me know if you are using real ink and have tried the firmware fix and still are having issues, but all i probally end up telling you is buy another and welcome to our disposable way of life;)

Regards
Steve

The printer will not print because the empty cartridge is stopping it. The printer doesn't know what you are printing ...

If you have refilled the cartridges you got along with the printer, you can't reset them. 23 and 24 are not meant to be refilled. They are what Lexmark call "return program cartridges"- they can't be refilled, you can send them back to Lexmark ( that's why they are called "return cartridges"). You need to buy either 23A and 24A or 34 and 35, those cartridges are refillable.
Here is a link to Lexmark, with a list of cartridge compatibility for your printer:
http://lexmark-cartridges.com/cfv2/printer.php?lang=uk&partner=&productName=x3550

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Are you installing where the colour cartridge goes?
It could be faulty ,return it or let them test it.

yes its definitely faulty or then the cartridges are, get it serviced or complain about the cartridges, the other one is faulty.

my hp printer and its cartridges print out 100's of pages... I don't have a lexmark but I know its not supposed to print only 20..

yes you have to have both of them then everything should be fine.if you have the color cartridge that is empty put it in for now and see if it will work it will let u know that it is empty but at least you will be able to print in black

I have put in genuine Lexmark ink catridges but an error states incorrect cartridge can anyone help.

Changing print cartridges Changing print cartridges Removing a used print cartridge

1. Make sure the printer is on.
   
2. Lift the scanner unit.
   The print cartridge carrier moves and stops at the loading position, unless the printer is busy.
   
3. Press down on the cartridge carrier lever to raise the cartridge carrier lid.
   
4. Remove the used print cartridge.
   

Note: If you are removing both cartridges, repeat step 3 and step 4 for the second cartridge. Installing print cartridges

1. If you are installing new print cartridges, remove the sticker and tape from the back and bottom of the cartridges.
   Warning: Do not touch the gold contact area on the back or the metal nozzles on the bottom of the cartridges.
2. Press down on the cartridge carrier levers to raise the cartridge carrier lids.
   
3. Insert the black cartridge or the photo cartridge in the left carrier. Insert the color cartridge in the right carrier.
   
4. Close the lids.
   
5. Close the scanner unit, making sure to keep your hands out from underneath the scanner unit.
   The control panel display will prompt you to load paper and press to print an alignment page.
   Note: The scanner unit must be closed to start a new scan, print, copy, or fax job.

printers often use a mix of the two cartridges to print various types of pictures. You may just need to put in a full "normal color cartridge" to satisfy the printers requirements.

The issue which u r facing is" Communication issue"
Make sure u have installed the lexmark printer software...or else download it from the lexmark website(lexmark.com)..choose the s\w for ur operation system( Xp or vista(32bit or 64bit))...
----------------------------------
If s\w is installed...

Check the USB cable..try different port...
Clear all the docs in the printer folder...
Remove the power adaptor and replung..restart computer..

When u unplug and replung the usb cable doesn ur computer give a pop up "found New hardware" ?

U can also try...
Uninstalling the s\w....disconnect the USB cable..reinstal the s\w and connect the cable when it prompts to...