Lexmark 2500 series ink cartridge problems

Though Lexmark does not recommend using refilled ink cartridges, you may try to refer to this article in the Lexmark website on Unsupported Cartridge Error on a Lexmark X3330/X3350 All-In-One to determine and resolve the problem. If error continues, try to insert a different known working cartridge. Thanks.

If you receive an error message that tells you that you have an unsupported cartridge, then you need to remove the cartridge. After installing the appropriate type of ink cartridge you should no longer receive the error message and you can then perform a print test.
Instruction on how avoid unsupprted cartridge message.

1. Lift up the scanner unit (with the power on). The printer cartridge carrier will move to the top of the printer into the loading position.
   
2. Press down on the lever above the cartridge and then raise the cartridge lid. Remove the cartridge and make sure the cartridge supports no more than four colors (cyan, yellow, magenta and black) and a speed of 22 parts per notation.
   
3. Insert the compatible ink cartridge into the carrier and then lower the cartridge lid. Close the scanner unit, then make sure plain white paper is inserted into the paper loader.
   
4. Press the "OK" button on the control panel and the unsupported cartridge message should be gone. Press the "Select" button and a test alignment page will print.
   

I was having this problem with a Z730. The printer was finally working again after removing and inserting ink cartridge like 40-50 times. No pun intended. After installing cartridge try turning off printer and then back on.

I have an X5495 Lexmark and have recently been getting this **** "unsupported cartridge" rubbish. OS is XP SP2.

My history with this printer has been:
-when new, the printer worked fine until I needed to replace the original ink tanks. I refilled them, but could not get the printer functional again....nil print at all. After much frustration, I was informed by a little birdie that the cartridges that originally come with the printer will not work if refilled. Great. They are one use only.
-replaced with genuine high yield tanks. Then worked fine. Refilled once, possibly twice with suitable non genuine ink. Still working fine.
-once black ink tank ran low this time, refilled it and symptoms of no print from Word docs, not all parts of a web page would print. Surprisingly, photos off hard disc print ok.(??????)
-replaced black with genuine tank and colour with remanufactured tank. Error message of "unsupported tank". Now no print at all.
-left new genuine black cartridge in and refitted genuine colour cartridge that I have previously refilled.
-all print now ok.....finally.

Maybe they have a copy limit or the integrated print head in the black has crapped itself????????

During this process, I have uninstalled and reinstalled the driver several times.
I have found that it has to be COMPLETELY uninstalled. Using the Lexmark uninstall function does not remove all parts of the software (Lexmark toolbar for one). If the software is not completely uninstalled, you will get a spurious unrelated and rubbish pop up that installation cannot continue because of "insufficient processor speed" with a spurious set of numbers after it. This message bears no relation to the solution.

I have found that you need to search and delete ALL Lexmark files that you can find after the uninstall. I have also deleted entries from registry.....1 entry only from memory (be CAREFUL with registry). Then reboot system.

The driver should then reinstall correctly and fully.

Why do they make it so damn hard? Don't think I'll buy a Lexmark next time.......

Unload and reload the Lexmark software........AND clean the printer contacts,
not neccessarily the cartridge contacts.........
that outta do it.