There are a number of issues that could cause a communication problem with any USB printer (assuming it is turned on/has power). The most likely is a bad cable. After that, you need to check for a problem with the OS print spooler, a problem with the port (on either the computer or the printer), or a driver problem.
Replace the cable with a new one. Connect it to a different port on the computer. If you use a print server or a USB hub, try a direct connection.
Look at the list of what is printing. In Windows, open the printers control panel (click Start > Device and Printers or Printers and Faxes, depending on the OS). Then right-click on the printer and choose "See what's printing". Are several print jobs still in the queue? Try to clear these jobs by cancelling them. If you can't cancel them, you can force the print spooler to clear by stopping and restarting the service. In Windows, open the command prompt (Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt (with Vista or Win7, right click and choose Run as Administrator)). Type "net stop spooler" without the quotes and followed by enter. Then type "net start spooler" again without the quotes and followed by enter. After you see the prompt, restart the computer. After the restart, wait a while before trying to print again. (Note: if you have a fax connected to the computer, you will see a message about the fax service being stopped after the first message. Click Y.)
If the printer status is unknown, check the device manage. Click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System > Device Manager (in Win7). Right click on My Computer and select Properties then click on the Hardware tab for XP. Look for a yellow exclamation point in a triangle next to Lexmark. Unplug the USB data cable and then uninstall the Lexmark software. (A quick link is the Uninstall link in the Lexmark folder in the list of All Programs from the Start button.) Download the correct driver from Lexmark
http://support.lexmark.com/index?locale=EN&page=product&userlocale=EN_US&productCode=LEXMARK_X1270&focusedTab=DOWNLOADS#1 . Select the correct OS from the drop down menu. Install the software and then plug in the data cable when prompted. Alternatively, let Windows find the best driver by plugging the USB cable with the trouble-shooter. Right click on the appropriate line in the device manager. (This is not recommended with all-in-ones since Windows often only finds a printer driver and omits the scanner functions.)
While you are in the Device Manager, check for a similar yellow exclamation point or red x in a triangle in the section marked Universal Serial Bus. Try to update the driver for the USB controller (again you can right click on this).
Next try to reset the printer by removing the data cable and then unplugging the power cord from the printer. Then unplug the power cord from the outlet. Wait a few minutes (if possible, move to a new outlet). Then reconnect the power cord and then the data cable. Turn on the printer if it doesn't come on. Try printing.
If possible, try installing the printer on another computer. If the printer still doesn't work, the USB port on the printer is probably bad. If it is under warranty, contact Lexmark. Otherwise, it may be better to replace the printer instead of repairing it.
I hope this helps.
Cindy Wells
×