Troubleshooting

  Setup troubleshooting

  Print troubleshooting

  Improving print quality

  Scan and copy troubleshooting

  Fax troubleshooting

  Jams and misfeeds troubleshooting

  Memory card and PictBridge troubleshooting

  Error messages troubleshooting

Should the All-In-One have a problem, this section helps you find the solution.

Setup troubleshooting

Symptom

Diagnosis

Solution

Incorrect language appears on the display

You may have selected the current language during the initial printer setup.

Select the language of your choice:

  1. Press Menu.
  2. Press the down arrow until you have reached the last item.
  3. Press the up arrow twice.
  4. Press the left or right arrow to scroll to the language you want.
  5. Press Select.

The Power light does not come on

Is the power cord pushed all the way into the All-In-One?

  1. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and then from the All-In-One.
  2. Reconnect the power cord by pushing it all the way into the connector on the All-In-One.
  3. If the Power light is not on, press Power.

Is the All-In-One connected to a working electrical outlet?

  1. Connect the All-In-One to an electrical outlet that other electrical devices have been using.
  2. If the Power light is not on, press Power.

Software does not install

Does the software launch automatically when you insert the CD?

If the software does not launch automatically, follow these steps:

  1. From the desktop, double-click the My Computer icon.

In Windows XP, click Start to access the My Computer icon.

  1. Double-click the CD-ROM drive icon.
  2. If necessary, double-click setup.exe, and then follow the instructions on the screen to install the software.

Is your operating system compatible with the All-In-One?

The All-In-One supports these operating systems:

  • Windows 98
  • Windows Me
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP
  • Mac OS X version 10.2.3 or later

Are you using the correct CD to install the software?

There are two installation CDs for this printer.

  • Disk 1 is for installing on a Windows operating system.
  • Disk 2 is for installing on a Macintosh operating system.

Software does not install

Is there anti-virus software installed on your computer?

Disable all anti-virus software, and then try installing the software again. Follow these steps:

  1. Close all open programs.
  2. Temporarily disable all anti-virus software. For help, see the program documentation, or contact the software manufacturer.
  3. Click Cancel on all New Hardware windows.

Note:  After installation is complete, remember to re-enable your anti-virus software.

Alignment page or test page does not print

Is the All-In-One on?

Press the Power button. If the Power light does not come on, see "The Power light does not come on" symptom at the beginning of this table.

Do you see an error message?

See Error messages troubleshooting.

Did you remove the sticker and transparent tape from the bottom of each print cartridge?

Are the print cartridges installed properly?

Remove the print cartridges, check for the sticker and transparent tape, and then reinsert them. For help, see Replacing the print cartridges.

Is the paper loaded correctly?

See Loading paper.

Removing and reinstalling the software

If the printer software is not functioning properly, or a communications error message appears when you try to use the printer, you may need to remove and then reinstall the printer software.

Note: Before reinstalling, shut down and restart the computer.

  1. From the desktop, click Start  Programs  Lexmark 4300 Series  Uninstall.
  2. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to remove the printer software.
  3. Restart the computer.
  4. Click Cancel on any Add New Hardware screens.
  5. Insert the software CD.

If the software installation screen does not appear:

  1. From the desktop, double-click My Computer.

In Windows XP, click Start to access the My Computer icon.

  1. Double-click the CD-ROM drive icon. If necessary, double-click setup.exe.
  2. When the software installation screen appears, click Install or Install Now.
  3. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to complete the installation.

Print troubleshooting

Symptom

Diagnosis

Solution

Poor text and graphic quality

 

Including:

  • Blank page
  • Dark print
  • Faded print
  • Incorrect colors
  • Light and dark bands in print
  • Missing characters
  • Skewed lines
  • Smudges
  • Streaks
  • Unexpected characters
  • White lines in print

Are you using the scan or copy features?

See Scan and copy troubleshooting.

Are you using the correct color setting?

Try using a different color setting in your program.

Did the ink completely dry on the print media before you removed it from the exit tray?

Allow the ink some time to dry completely before handling the paper.

Is the paper wrinkled?

Use a new piece of paper that is straight and unwrinkled.

Are the All-In-One settings adjusted to the correct paper type and size?

Select the correct paper type and size in Preferences, Properties, the All-In-One software, or from the control panel.

Are the All-In-One settings adjusted to the appropriate Quality for the paper type?

Select the highest appropriate Quality for the paper type in Preferences, Properties, or from the All-In-One software.

Are the print cartridges aligned properly?

See Aligning the print cartridges.

Have the print cartridges been properly maintained?

See Improving print quality.

Is the All-In-One out of ink?

Replace the print cartridge with a new cartridge. For help, see Replacing the print cartridges.

Poor quality at the edges of the page

Are you printing beyond the minimum print margins for the All-In-One?

Unless you are using the borderless feature, do not exceed minimum print margins.

Left and right margins:

  • 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) for all paper sizes except A4
  • 3.37 mm (0.133 inches) for A4 size paper

Top margin:

  • 1.7 mm (0.067 inches)

Bottom margin:

  • 16.51 mm (0.65 inches)

Printer does not print or respond

Do you see an error message?

See Error messages troubleshooting.

Is the All-In-One installed properly on the computer?

If you are not sure, uninstall the All-In-One software, and reinstall it. For help, see Removing and reinstalling the software.

Has the document been held or paused?

See How to check the All-In-One status.

Is the All-In-One set as the default printer?

See How to check the All-In-One status.

Slow print speed

Are there other programs running on the computer?

Close all programs not in use.

Are you using the highest print quality resolution?

Reduce the print quality resolution.

Quick and Normal print more quickly than Photo.

Photos or documents containing graphics may take longer to print than regular text.

Does the computer meet the minimum memory requirements for the All-In-One?

Consider purchasing more Random Access Memory (RAM) for the computer.

How to check the All-In-One status

Check the All-In-One status to make sure a document is not being held or paused and that the All-In-One is set as the default printer. To check the status:

  1. Click Start  Control Panel  Printers and Other Hardware  Printers and Faxes (Windows XP).

Click Start   Settings   Printers and Faxes or Printers (Windows 98, Me, 2000).

  1. Double-click the 4300 Series icon.
  2. Click Printer, and make sure no check mark appears next to Pause Printing. Also make sure a check mark does appear next to Set As Default.

Improving print quality

Basic solutions

If you are not satisfied with the print quality of a document, make sure you:

Advanced solutions

If you still do not have the print quality you want, follow these steps:

  1. Align the print cartridges. See Aligning the print cartridges.

If print quality has not improved, continue to step 2.

  1. Clean the print nozzles. See Cleaning the print cartridge nozzles.

If print quality has not improved, repeat step 2 up to two more times before continuing to step 3.

  1. Reinsert the print cartridges. See Reinserting the print cartridges.

If print quality has not improved, continue to step 4.

  1. Wipe the print cartridge nozzles and contacts. See Wiping the print cartridge nozzles and contacts.

If print quality has not improved, repeat step 4 up to two more times.

  1. If print quality is still not satisfactory, replace the print cartridges. See Ordering supplies.

Reinserting the print cartridges

  1. Remove the print cartridges. For help, see Removing a used cartridge.
  2. Insert the print cartridges. For help, see Installing the print cartridges.
  3. Print again.

Wiping the print cartridge nozzles and contacts

Warning: Do not touch the copper contact area on the back or the metal nozzles on the bottom of the cartridges.

  1. Remove the print cartridge. For help, see Removing a used cartridge.
  2. Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water, and place it on a level surface.

Note: Place two pieces of paper under the cloth to avoid getting ink on the work surface.

  1. Gently hold the nozzles against the cloth for about three seconds, and then wipe in the direction shown.

  2. Gently hold the contacts against another clean section of cloth for about three seconds, and then wipe in the direction shown.

  3. With another clean section of the cloth, repeat steps 3 and 4.
  4. Let the nozzles and contacts dry completely.
  5. Reinsert the print cartridge. For help, see Installing the print cartridges.
  6. Print again.

If print quality has not improved, try cleaning the print cartridge nozzles up to two more times.

Scan and copy troubleshooting

Symptom

Diagnosis

Solution

Scanner or copier is not responding

Is the All-In-One on?

Press the Power button. If the Power light does not come on, see The Power light does not come on.

Do you see an error message?

See Error messages troubleshooting.

Is the All-In-One installed properly on the computer?

If you are not sure, uninstall the All-In-One software and reinstall it. For help, see Removing and reinstalling the software.

Poor quality at the edges of the page

Are the All-In-One settings adjusted to the correct paper type and size?

Select the correct paper type and size in Preferences, Properties, the All-In-One software, or from the control panel.

Poor quality from scan or copy feature

 

Including:

  • Blank page
  • Checkerboard pattern
  • Distorted graphics or pictures
  • Missing characters
  • Faded print
  • Dark print
  • Skewed lines
  • Smudges
  • Streaks
  • Unexpected characters
  • White lines in print

Has the Brightness setting on the All-In-One been changed?

To adjust the brightness:

Is the original document or image placed properly on the scanner glass?

The document must be placed face down on the scanner glass. See Loading a document on the scanner glass.

Are the copy settings in the All-In-One Center set correctly?

See Changing Advanced Copy settings.

Are you copying or scanning a magazine or newspaper?

See How to remove image patterns.

Is the scanner glass dirty?

Gently wipe the scanner glass with a damp, clean, lint-free cloth.

Is the quality of the original document or image satisfactory?

Try using another version of the document or image.

Are the print cartridges aligned properly?

See Aligning the print cartridges.

Have the print cartridges been properly maintained?

See Improving print quality.

Is the All-In-One out of ink?

Replace the print cartridge with a new cartridge. For help, see Replacing the print cartridges.

Changing Advanced Copy settings

  1. Open the Lexmark Imaging Studio. For help, see Using the Lexmark Imaging Studio.
  2. Click the Copy button.

The All-In-One Center appears.

  1. Click Display Advanced Copy Settings.
  2. Select the Scan tab.
  3. From the "Color depth" drop-down menu, make a selection.
  4. Click OK.

How to remove image patterns

For scanning:

  1. Open the Lexmark Imaging Studio. For help, see Using the Lexmark Imaging Studio.
  2. Click the Scan button.

The All-In-One Center appears.

  1. Click Display Advanced Scan Settings.
  2. Select the Image Patterns tab.
  3. From the Remove Patterns section, select Remove image patterns from magazine/newspaper (descreen).
  4. Adjust the settings as needed.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Click Scan Now.

For copying:

  1. Open the Lexmark Imaging Studio. For help, see Using the Lexmark Imaging Studio.
  2. Click the Copy button.

The All-In-One Center appears.

  1. Click Display Advanced Copy Settings.
  2. Select the Image Patterns tab.
  3. From the Remove Patterns section, select Remove image patterns from magazine/newspaper (descreen).
  4. Adjust the settings as needed.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Click Copy Now.

Fax troubleshooting

Note: DSL (digital subscriber line), ISDN (integrated services digital network), and cable modems are not fax modems and are not supported.

Find the problem in the following table that best matches the problem you are having:

Symptom

Diagnosis

Solution

Cannot send fax

Is the All-In-One on?

Press the Power button. The Power light comes on.

Are the connections (power cord, telephone, handset, answering machine) loose?

Make sure all the connections are secure.

Is the original document loaded correctly?

Load the original document face down on the front right corner of the scanner glass. See Loading a document on the scanner glass.

Is there a paper jam?

See Jams and misfeeds troubleshooting.

Cannot receive fax

 

Is the All-In-One on?

Press the Power button. The Power light comes on.

Are the connections (power cord, telephone, handset, answering machine) loose?

Make sure all the connections are secure.

Are both the black and color print cartridges installed?

Install both print cartridges. The All-In-One only works if you have both print cartridges installed. For help installing the cartridges, see Installing the print cartridges.

Is the paper loaded correctly?

See Loading paper.

Is there a paper jam?

See Jams and misfeeds troubleshooting.

Received fax is blank

Is the original document loaded correctly?

Load the original document face down on the front right corner of the scanner glass.

Is the receiving fax machine out of ink?

Replace the print cartridge with a new cartridge. For more information, see Replacing the print cartridges.

Are both the black and color print cartridges installed?

Install both print cartridges. The All-In-One only works if you have both cartridges installed. For help installing the cartridges, see Installing the print cartridges.

Are the sticker and tape removed from the print cartridges?

Remove the stickers and transparent tape from the bottom of the print cartridges. For an illustration, see Installing the print cartridges.

Received fax with poor print quality

Does the original document have poor quality?

Make sure the quality of the original document is satisfactory.

Is the ink low on the receiving fax machine?

Replace the print cartridge with a new cartridge.

Jams and misfeeds troubleshooting

Find the problem in the following table that best matches the problem you are having:

Symptom

Diagnosis

Solution

Paper jams

Did the jam occur in the paper support?

  1. Firmly grasp the paper, and gently pull it from the All-In-One.
  2. Press and hold Select.
  3. Reprint any missing pages.

Did the jam occur in the All-In-One?

To automatically eject the paper:

  1. Press and hold Select.
  2. Remove the paper from the exit tray.

Are you printing a banner?

  • Make sure you select Letter Banner or A4 Banner in Print Properties. For help, see Printing.
  • Use only the number of sheets needed for the banner.

Paper misfeeds, skews, or multiple sheets feed

Is the paper loaded correctly?

See Loading paper.

Are you using paper recommended for the All-In-One?

See the list of paper recommendations in Loading paper.

Are multiple sheets being fed through the All-In-One at one time?

Try loading a smaller amount of paper into the All-In-One. For help, see Loading paper.

Is the paper wrinkled?

Use a new piece of paper that is straight and unwrinkled.

Paper and specialty media stick together

Are multiple sheets being fed through the All-In-One at one time?

Try loading a smaller amount of paper into the printer. For help, see Loading paper.

Are the pages sticking together on the paper exit tray?

Remove each page as it exits the All-In-One, and let it dry completely before stacking.

Are you using paper or specialty media recommended for the All-In-One?

See the list of paper recommendations in Loading paper.

Memory card and PictBridge troubleshooting

Symptom

Diagnosis

Solution

Memory card is not recognized by the All-In-One

Is the memory card damaged?

Verify that there is no damage to the memory card.

Is the memory card inserted correctly?

Insert the memory card correctly. For help, see Inserting memory cards.

Is there more than one memory card inserted at the same time?

Only one memory card may be used at one time.

Remove the second memory card.

Are you using a supported memory card type?

For supported memory cards, see Memory cards supported.

Do you have a PictBridge-enabled digital camera connected to the All-In-One?

Disconnect the PictBridge-enabled digital camera from the All-In-One.

Fast Pics does not open when a memory card is inserted, but it is recognized by the All-In-One

Is the All-In-One connected properly to the computer?

  1. Disconnect the USB cable from the All-In-One and then from the computer.
  2. Reconnect the USB cable to the computer and then the All-In-One.

Is there more than one memory card inserted at the same time?

Only one memory card may be used at one time.

Remove the second memory card.

Cannot print from the digital camera

Is the digital camera PictBridge-compatible?

Remove the device, and use a PictBridge-enabled digital camera in the PictBridge port.

See your digital camera documentation to determine if it is PictBridge-compatible.

Is the PictBridge-enabled digital camera set to the correct USB mode?

See your digital camera documentation for help selecting the correct USB mode.

Is there a memory card inserted in the All-In-One?

Remove the memory card from the All-In-One.

Are you using the USB cable that came with your digital camera?

You must use the USB cable that came with your digital camera.

See your digital camera documentation to determine which type of USB cable it supports.

Error messages troubleshooting

Find the error message that is on the computer screen or control panel display:

Error message

What it indicates

Solution

Ink Low

The print cartridge is running out of ink.

The Ink Low warning occurs when a cartridge is about 25% full, 15% full, and 5% full.

Replace the print cartridge.

For help, see Replacing the print cartridges.

Paper jam

There is paper jammed in the printer.

  1. Clear the paper jam. For help, see Jams and misfeeds troubleshooting.
  2. Press Select on the control panel.
  3. Reprint the last item.

Carrier jam

The print cartridge carrier is stuck.

  1. Remove all the paper from the printer.
  2. Verify that the print cartridge is installed properly. For help, see Reinserting the print cartridges.
  3. Press Select on the control panel.
  4. Reprint the last item.

Paper out

The printer is out of paper.

Load more paper into the printer.

For help, see Loading paper.

Cover open

The scanner unit was open when Start was pressed.

Verify that the scanner unit is closed.

Printing will continue immediately.

Cartridge missing

The print cartridges are missing or not installed properly.

Verify that the print cartridges are installed properly. For help, see Installing the print cartridges.

Cartrige error

The print cartridges are not installed in the correct positions.

Verify that the the black or photo cartridge is in the left carrier and the color cartridge is in the right carrier. For help, see Installing the print cartridges.

Alignment error

The print cartridges are not installed properly, or the tape was not removed.

Verify that the print cartridges are installed properly, and the tape is removed.

For help, see Installing the print cartridges.

Photo mode

The memory card was inserted incorrectly or is damaged.

  1. Verify that there is no damage to the memory card.
  2. Insert the memory card correctly. For help, see Inserting memory cards.

A second memory card has been detected.

Only one memory card may be used at one time.

Remove the second memory card.

The memory card has no supported images.

Use a different memory card containing photos.

Card format

The memory card formatting is not supported.

Reformat the memory card in your digital camera.

For help, see your digital camera documentation.

PictBridge port

The device attached to the PictBridge port is not supported.

  1. Remove the device.
  2. Use a PictBridge-enabled digital camera in the PictBridge port.

The PictBridge-enabled digital camera is not set to the correct USB mode.

See your digital camera documentation for help selecting the correct USB mode.

Size warning

The blank paper size selected does not match the size of the photo paper in the paper support.

Verify that the printer setting matches the blank paper size. For help, see Change the blank paper size.

Sepia warning

Black was pressed to start a print job when the Sepia Tone Print option was turned on.

Sepia Tone Print is only available with color printing.

Press Color to print your photos in sepia tones.

Or, press Stop/Clear and then change the settings in the Photo menu.

DPOF error

One or more files referenced in a DPOF print job could not be found.

Press Select to complete the print job without the missing files. Or, press Stop/Clear to end the print job.

The paper size requested by the DPOF is larger than the Blank Paper Size printer setting.

Press Select and choose a new Blank Paper Size to match the largest photo size requested by the DPOF.