My lexmark z1420 cant print the alignment page, it keeps saying that the protective tape may still be on the cartridges, but it isn't, I've tried putting different cartridges in (the old ones) and it is still coming up with the same problem. Can anyone give me advice before I go out of my mind...please!

hello, remove cartridges, clean with something soft the wiring of both printer cartridge slot and cartridge itself, make sure you use alcohool, sanitary or even parfume wich dries fast and is not greasy, after that power up printer and check to see if everything is alright, if other error ocurs reply here.

hope that helped, best regards

If you insert the old cartridge, does it recognize it? If it does, then it's a problem with the new cartridge. Try to check if you already have taken out the protective tapes out of the cartridge.

If it still doesn't recognize the old cartridge, then it's a problem with the printer.

Try to re-seat the cartridges in the printer. Open the printer cover > remove the cartridges > close the printer cover > re-brick you printer by pulling out the power supply - black box behind the printer where the power cord is plugged in, and re-plug after 10 seconds. When the printer turns on, reinsert the cartridges and close the cover. Try to print a document again to verify that the problem is fixed.

If that doesn't help, the problem could be due to a clogged print cartridge nozzle. Please follow the steps below to fix print quality issues with your model:

1. On your computer, go to Start menu.
2. Go to Programs.
3. Go to Lexmark Z1400 Series folder.
4. Select Lexmark Solution Center.

From the Maintenance tab, select Clean to fix horizontal streaks. Your printer will then print a page forcing ink through to clean the print cartridge nozzles.

After printing the test page, try to print a document again to verify that the problem is fixed.

You could try to remove and reinstall your color cartridge again.Do a Clean Cartridges cycle.Then do an Align Cartridges cycle.

Follow the steps below to fix the problem:
1. Align the print cartridges (open the Lexmark Solution Center on your computer > from the Maintenance tab, click Align to fix blurry edges > click Print) 2. Clean the print cartridge nozzles (open the Lexmark Solution Center on your computer > from the Maintenance tab, click Clean to fix horizontal streaks.) 3. Remove and reinsert the print cartridges. 4. Wipe the print nozzles and contacts using a slightly moistened soft cloth to clean it from dirt or clogs.
Try to print a document again to verify that the problem is fixed.

Try a couple of cleaning printing cycles.
This will produce a good alignment page.

Try this:

To align the cartridges:

1. Press the Options button nine times until MAINTENANCE appears on the display.

2. Then press the right arrow (+) twice; you should see the word Align.

3. Press Select. The alignment page will be printed out automatically

Next thing to do is reinstall the printers drivers and software. Click on the link below to get started:

http://support.lexmark.com/index?locale=en&userlocale=EN_US&productCode=LEXMARK_X5470&page=recommendedDownloads&segment=DOWNLOAD#2

If that does not work then you can call Lexmark at there toll free tech support phone number 1-800-539-6275 and have the printer's serial number ready.

Make sure you remove the print head protective tape. Also try doing a head cleaning and cartridge alignment page. If it still does not print check the cartridge well, you will see a assortment of copper pint that contact the circuit tracing on the print head, with the printer off get some achohol and a Q-tip and clean the pins there may be ink residue on them.

1. Click Start, Programs, Lexmark Series.
2. Click Lexmark Control Panel.
3. Click Print Cartridge installation.
4. Depending on which cartridges you are using and which printer model you have, select Install Color Cartridge or Install Black Cartridge or Install Photo Cartridge.
5. Carefully remove the tape covering the printhead of the print cartridge. Important: Be sure to remove all of the tape. Do not touch the copper area on the back of the cartridge.
6. Insert the print cartridge into the print cartridge carrier.
7. Push the cartridge back until it clicks into place.
   • If the print cartridge moves loosely in the carrier, it is not locked into place. Repeat step 7.
8. Click the appropriate Cartridge Installed option in the printer software.
   • If you choose to install a new print cartridge, you will be prompted to align your print cartridges. The printer will print a page with a bi-directional alignment pattern. Follow these steps to align the cartridges:
     1. On the printed test page, locate the number under the Bi-directional Alignment pattern that comes closest to forming a straight line.
     2. Enter the number as the Bi-directional Alignment setting in the Alignment Cartridge screen.
     3. Click OK.
9. Close the front cover of the printer.

I have the same problem as posted by tahoeowner. The printer indicates that I have an alignment issue and tells me to remove any tape from the cartridge. There is no tape on either cartridge, nor will the printer work with any other cartridges. I'm getting tired of wasting paper and ink with all the printer's "retry" messages.