My lexmark x1270 prints shipping labels poorly

Did you shake the toner cartridge before installing in the printer? Sometimes the toner will clump in the cartridge due to shipping etc., and needs to be shaken to loosen it up.

Refer to this article in the Lexmark website about No Communications Error When Trying to Print or Scan. This will help you determine and resolve the problem you are experiencing.

I guess you are not selecting a printer while you giving print command.

Click on Print, A rectangle box opens with options, on top you will see name, see it shows your printer name " Lexmark X1270 and not microsoft office document writer.

If correct printer is selected then it wont save an image or word file, it will perfectly print your document.

Cheers
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Do you see the color cartridge icon in the progress window being low ?. Or do you get an low ink warning dialog when you print a job. First try cleaning the cartridges if that doesnt help, you may need to replace your color cartridge.

See the below link for cleaning your cartridges, the procedure is near the end of the page:
http://support.lexmark.com:80/perl/support/support.cgi?relevance=0&ccs=229:1:0:537:0:0&mode=DOCS&doctype=KB&term=clean&docid=ENUS30978

Try these steps after these if you face the same problem then you need to get the cart exchanged as it may be defective as Lexmark cart comes with 6 months warranty ...

# Hold the cartridge upside down, with the bar-code label facing you and take a damp paper towel.
# Use the towel to wipe the printhead of the cartridge on the bottom (where the ink comes out). Wipe the printhead horizontally in one direction only (left to right).
# Continue doing this until it looks clean.
# Then dab the cartridge on the towel to make sure the ink is flowing.
# Next, look inside the printer and locate the carrier that holds ink cartridges. Caution: Make sure the cartridges are not installed at this point.

1. Look for a shiny piece of metal underneath the contacts at the back of the carrier.
2. Take a damp cotton swab (use water only!) and wipe along the bottom of the shiny metal piece. Note: You may need more than one swab.

# Reinstall the cartridges, making sure you snap them correctly into the printer.

How many labels has the printer printed? Because it sounds to me like you just need to replace the print head.

They are around $400 from whomever your supplier is, and very easy to replace.

sounds like a resolution issue in the scanner settings.

http://tinyurl.com/6qcpgy

Lizardlick,
I found this information in the user manual:
Let the print head to cool for one minute, then use a new
cleaning pen to swab the print elements (the thin gray
line on the print head) from end to end. NOTE: You do
not have to turn off the printer to do this.
If print quality remains poor after cleaning, try the
Save-a-Print Head cleaning film to remove buildup
without damaging the print head. Call your authorized
reseller for more information.

Here is the Dymo site for this issue:
https://global.dymo.com/enUS/RNW/RNW.html?pg=std_alp.php?p_li=&p_accessibility=0&p_page=1&p_cv=&p_pv=2.22&p_prods=21%2C22&p_cats=&p_hidden_prods=&prod_lvl1=21&prod_lvl2=22&p_search_text=&p_new_search=1&p_search_type=answers.search_nl

Type "light print" into the search box and the first result is the link you are looking for.
Here is the text of the link:

Poor Print Quality from Electronic Labelmaker Question I have an electronic labelmaker that is printing poorly. The print on the label is either very light, incomplete, or striped. How can I resolve this?
Answer Proceed with the solutions listed below if you have an electronic labelmaker. If you have a LabelWriter printer that is printing poorly, click here.
Solution 1:
Replace the existing batteries with a new/fresh set of alkaline batteries. The print head requires a significant amount of battery power to ensure proper printing on the label. Light print on the label may be an indication that the batteries need to be replaced.
Solution 2:
Replace the existing tape cassette with a new tape cassette. Light printing may be an indication of bad label stock.
Solution 3:
Using the special brush supplied with your labelmaker (located on the inside cover of the cassette compartment) or a cotton swab with a soft solvent (e.g. rubbing alcohol), carefully clean the transporter roller and print head. Dust, dirt, or glue may accumulate on the rubber transport roller or print head inside the cassette compartment and adversely affect print quality.
If the solutions listed above do not resolve the problem, please contact DYMO Technical Support to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) Number.
Obtaining a Return Material Authorization (RMA) Number:

1. Click the Ask a Question tab at the top of this FAQ.
2. Fill out the email form completely and include the following information in the Problem Description field:

• Full Name
• Full Shipping Address (No PO boxes)
• Phone Number
• Date of Purchase
• Model Name/Number

-hope this helps.

lexmark x1270 wont work with vista