I need to reset my ink levels so my X3550 refilled cartridges

This model printer may only let you use genuine printer cartridges. If you try to refill these ink cartridges it will not work because the cartridges have an embedded chip in the cartridge that detects the empty cartridge even though it has been refilled.

Often they have a chip mounted on the cartridge which monitors usage and when it determines that there is no ink remaining, it will disable the printer. Some companies sell compatible cartridges and reset the chip counter. But unless you reset the chip, even tho the cartridge is full of ink, the chip still disables the printer.

I managed to successfully refill the black cartridge for the S305; I did it when the printer warned of 'very low black ink' (although it didn't print very well - i.e. grey - until the following day). It kept displaying 'low ink' but printed fine for a few months.
I think if you can catch it before the printer decides it needs an 'official' refill or replacement then it works (although when exactly this is is a mystery, as it always displays 'low' for black ink).
Yesterday, the printer decided it wouldn't print until the cartridge was changed.
Refilled; waited for half a day;replaced several times; turned the printer on and off 5 times with no cartridge in (to see if it would wipe the printer's memory of the cartridge); and spent about 4 hours online trying to find a solution.
If it starts working tomorrow, I'll let you know. I don't want to mess about with software that may reset the ink levels. (If anyone finds some that works, please post!)
It looks like Lexmark have ensured they can pile in the cash with their original cartridges.
I've heard about generic cartridges that are chipped to avoid the above problem - I'll visit my local refill store soon.
There must be a way round this!
Cheers, Fronter

The ink cartridge is most likely chipped & you would not be able to reset the ink level. Purchase an original or a good compatible cartridge. Refiling newer cartridges is not a good idea.

The ink level gauge may not work properly with refilled cartridges. Because of this, you might get low ink message after refilling. To install the refilled cartridge you might need to override the ink level gauge. Overriding the ink level gauge disables the printer’s ink level tracking feature, but allows you to use refilled cartridges. To override the ink level gauge, please check your printer reference guide. After disabling the ink level tracking feature you should check the ink level visually and as soon as the ink level gets low you need to refill the cartridge. You do not want to try to print with an empty cartridge. Trying to print with an empty cartridge may damage your print-heads.

otherwise you will have to replace the cartridge .

There is no way to reset the ink levels on this type of cartridge. Therefore, your printer will always think refills are empty. You can choose on the dialogue box to "ignore ink levels" and run the cartridge until it is empty. This is just one thing you will need to deal with on refills of this cartridge type.

If you refilled the cartridges, you may want to try new Dell branded cartridges.

cucujo, you were not as lucky as lovetofish! Sooner or later the printer will win.
The money for printer manufactures is not in the printer, it's in the ink refills. With this in mind many printer Mfg's have added small chips to their ink cartridges. These chips track the amount of times the printer prints. The software knows you are adding ink to the cartridges. Many people find they can get around this by keeping their old cartridges & refilling. Some HP users keep as many old cartridges as three. Rotating ink cartridges. This seems to work for most printers. Suggest you try the same. Continue to fill you're ink cartridge but replace with a new cartridge. When it empties replace with another new. The next three will be re-filled ink cartridges. Always refill as soon as possible, never turn ink cartridges on their sides. Keep refilled cartridges in an airless zip-lock bag, in a cool & dark place when storing.

Mike

To get your printer to recognize the new cartridge; go to start - printer and faxes -right click on printer - preferences (printing preferences) -settings -load factory settings. Print test page Ctrl+P