Computer will not communicate with printer

You can just download the printer software from this link so you can install it to your computer.

http://support.lexmark.com/index?page=answers&startover=y&question=Lexmark_Optra_E312&locale=EN&productCode=OPTRA_COLOR_1200&segment=DOWNLOAD&userlocale=EN_US#2

you need to go to lexmark website and from there you can get the right driver according to its model and operating system..This is the only best and easiest option if the disc won't load.

You can download the software for your printer from this link , just select the operating system that your computer is using http://downloads.lexmark.com/perl/downloads/downloads.cgi?ccs=229:1:0:568:0:0

This is from the Lexmark Support page:

Attention Windows Vista Users
If you have installed your printer on your PC using an original Lexmark Driver CD that came with your product and you are experiencing problems when printing, you may have installed the Windows XP driver.

Follow these steps to resolve:
· Disconnect your USB cable from your printer.
· Uninstall all Lexmark printer drivers on your PC.
· Download the correct Vista driver for your model. (From Lexmark Support)
· Install the driver on your PC.

Important - Do not reconnect the USB cable until the install software prompts the question of how the printer is connected.

Here's the support page:

http://support.lexmark.com/perl/support/support.cgi?ccs=229:1:0:0:0:0

If you need more help, just ask.

Go out to Lexmark web site and look for a vista update in their software download section. So this should solve your problem.Most of the cds which come with equipment do not contain vista software and drivers.

hey this is the latest driver on lexmarksite for 1200 series try this
download this and setup your printer with this driver

You've encountered 1 of the many issues with Vista. The OS is so gargantuan that Microsoft had to ax many of the drivers that were included with XP.

http://www.lexmark.com/lexmark/sequentialem/home/0,6959,204816596_1019285789_0_en,00.html

Copy & paste the above URL into your web browser & that will take you right to the driver download page. Select the red highlighted "Driver Download" for the 1200 series printers. This will send you to the Operating System selection page. Once selected you'll see the red highlighted .exe file. Select "download now". You should see a pop-up asking you to save the file. I like to send downloads to the desktop to facilitate installation of the software. You can later drag & drop it into whatever folder you like.

Make sure to remove the XP drivers before installing the Vista drivers. Also remember to unplug the USB cable from the printer prior to installing the Vista drivers. The installation software will prompt you when to re-install the USB cable.

Good luck.

Does it power on? How is it connected to your computer? Did you install the drivers for it?

I purchased a lexmark 1200 series all in one printer and cannot locate the cd that came with it. Is there a way to install it without the cd? I tried but it says can't find hardware.

I had this same problem...drove me crazy for a week. Called the geek squad at Best Buy and they mentioned something about a"patch" (which I had no idea what that meant) on the website of the printer. I went to Lexmark website, and selected 1200 series and windows vista (which is what's installed on my computer) A page came up to install a driver that made the two compatible and it worked!!!