Refilling cartridge I refilled the black ink cartridge of my Lexmark X3550 all in one and now it will print lightly only on the "start black" button on the machine. It won't print from my computer so I can control the quality better and see the preview before printing. It says on the screen that I have to order a new Lexmark cartridge. Do I really????

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

If you have refilled the cartridges you got along with the printer, you can't reset them. 23 and 24 are not meant to be refilled. They are what Lexmark call "return program cartridges"- they can't be refilled, you can send them back to Lexmark ( that's why they are called "return cartridges"). You need to buy either 23A and 24A or 34 and 35, those cartridges are refillable.
Here is a link to Lexmark, with a list of cartridge compatibility for your printer:
http://lexmark-cartridges.com/cfv2/printer.php?lang=uk&partner=&productName=x3550

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“Lexmark does not support the refilling of its ink cartridges. Refilling the ink cartridges can cause them to leak, thus clogging or even damaging the print head. Any damage to your printer caused by refilled ink cartridges may not be covered under warranty”. Please use genuine Lexmark cartridges for best results.

“Lexmark does not support the refilling of its ink cartridges. Refilling the ink cartridges can cause them to leak, thus clogging or even damaging the print head. Any damage to your printer caused by refilled ink cartridges may not be covered under warranty”. Please use genuine Lexmark cartridges for best results.

Hey....I solved the lexmark out of ink problem!!!HA!!! what you have to do if you want to refill these is "pop" off the top of the cartridge. It is not easy as it is glued down...using a small screwdriver preferably a small flat jewelers screw driver you can peel back the plastic that seperates the "lid" of the ink cartridge. you have to use a little force but you can get it off. Once you do this the cartridge will always read full!!!!!! just tape it or super glue it back on. You never have to take it off again! although I recomend cleaning the ink sponges inside every 3 refills. but this works great.....ha ha lexmark.....I got ya!!!!

What you need is to reset the ink level:
1) Goto the Lexmark Solution Center application.
2) Press button Maintenance>Install a new print cartridge, follow the instruction on screen. U may then have your new full ink level. Note: u only can reset to full level, cannot customize the level by your own.
Hope this help.

YBC (/\)

“Lexmark does not support the refilling of its ink cartridges. Refilling the ink cartridges can cause them to leak, thus clogging or even damaging the print head. Any damage to your printer caused by refilled ink cartridges may not be covered under warranty”. Please use genuine Lexmark cartridges for best results.

The 34 and 35 cartridges will work. You can also buy a 23a or 24a from Lexmark.com and you can refill those.

Lexmark has an interesting development with their inkjet cartridges which they began some years ago with toner cartridges. A court decision required Lexmark to allow their cartridges to be refilled. However, Lexmark would naturally prefer that you only buy from Lexmark. Thus, Lexmark has developed the following system:

• Lexmark offers for sale two different versions of the same cartridge:
• The regular version (#23, #24, #28, #29, #41, #42) is not refillable. It is the "Return Program" or "Prebate" cartridge. Supposedly, when you buy this cartridge you agree to return the empty cartridge to Lexmark. In return, Lexmark gives you roughly $5 off the retail list price of the cartridge.
• The "A" version (#23A, #24A, #28A, #29A, #41A, #42A) can easily be refilled. However, the price of the cartridge is roughly $5 higher than the regular version, so most people unknowingly buy the regular version.

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