Lexmark X2550 User Manual

							“Print speed is slow” on page 62
“Partial document or photo prints” on page 63
Improving print quality
Check paperUse the appropriate paper for the document. If you are printing photos or other
high-quality images, for best results use Lexmark Premium Photo Paper or Lexmark
Photo Paper.
Use a paper that is a heavier weight or bright white.
Check print cartridgesIf the document still does not have the print quality you want, follow these steps:
1Align the print cartridges. For more information, see “Aligning the print cartridges” on
page 52.
If print quality has not improved, continue to step 2.
2Clean the print cartridge nozzles. For more information, see “Cleaning the print
cartridge nozzles” on page 53.
If print quality has not improved, continue to step 3.
3Remove and reinsert the print cartridges. For more information, see “Removing a used
print cartridge” on page 50 and “Installing print cartridges” on page 50.
If print quality has not improved, continue to step 4.
4Wipe the print nozzles and contacts. For more information, see “Wiping the print
cartridge nozzles and contacts” on page 54.
If print quality is still not satisfactory, replace the print cartridges. For more information,
see “Ordering paper and other supplies” on page 56.
Poor text and graphic quality
Blank pages
Dark print
Faded print
Incorrect colors
Light and dark bands in print
Skewed lines
Smudges
Streaks
White lines in print
Check ink
Check the ink levels, and install new print cartridges if necessary.
Review steps to
improve print qualitySee “Improving print quality” on page 52.
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							Remove sheets as they
are printedTo avoid ink smudging when you are working with the following media, remove each sheet
as it exits, and allow it to dry:
Documents with graphics or images
Photo paper
Heavyweight matte or glossy paper
Transparencies
Labels
Envelopes
Iron-on transfers
Note: Transparencies may take up to 15 minutes to dry.
Use a different brand of
paperEach paper brand accepts ink differently and prints with color variations. If you are printing
photos or other high-quality images, for best results use Lexmark Premium Photo Paper
or Lexmark Photo Paper.
Check paper conditionUse only new, unwrinkled paper.
Software may not be
installed correctlyFor more information, see “Software may not be installed correctly” on page 59.
Poor quality at the edges of the page
Check minimum print
settingsUnless you are using the borderless feature, use these minimum print margin settings:
Left and right margins:
–6.35 mm (0.25 in.) for letter size paper
–3.37 mm (0.133 in.) for all paper sizes except letter
Top margin: 1.7 mm (0.067 in.)
Bottom margin: 12.7 mm (0.5 in.)
Select the Borderless
print feature1From the software application, click File ΠPrint.
2Click Properties, Preferences, Options, or Setup.
3Click Print Layout.
4Click Borderless.
Be sure paper size
matches the printer
setting1From the software application, click File ΠPrint.
2Click Properties, Preferences, Options, or Setup.
3Click Paper Setup.
4Check the paper size.
Print speed is slow
Maximize computer
processing speedClose all applications not in use.
Try minimizing the number and size of graphics and images in the document.
Remove as many unused fonts as possible from your system.
Add memoryConsider purchasing more RAM.
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							Select a lower print
quality1From the software application, click File ΠPrint.
2Click Properties, Preferences, Options, or Setup.
3Click Quality/Copies.
4From the Quality/Speed area, select a lower print quality.
Software may not be
installed correctlyFor more information, see “Software may not be installed correctly” on page 59.
Partial document or photo prints
Check document
placementMake sure the document or photo is loaded facedown on the scanner glass in the lower
right corner.
Check paper sizeMake sure the paper size being used matches the size you selected.
Photo smudges
Photo smudgesTo prevent smudging, avoid touching the surface of a printed photo. For best results,
remove each printed sheet individually from the paper exit tray, and allow the prints to dry
at least 24 hours before stacking, displaying, or storing.
Copy troubleshooting
“Copier does not respond” on page 63
“Scanner unit does not close” on page 63
“Poor copy quality” on page 64
“Partial document or photo copies” on page 64
Copier does not respond
Check the control panel
for any blinking lightsIf one of the lights is blinking, see “Blinking lights on the control panel” on page 70.
Check powerIf the  light is not on, see “Power button is not lit” on page 58.
Software may not be
installed correctlyFor more information, see “Software may not be installed correctly” on page 60.
Scanner unit does not close
Check for obstructions1Lift the scanner unit.
2Remove any obstruction keeping the scanner unit open.
3Lower the scanner unit.
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							Poor copy quality
Blank pages
Checkerboard pattern
Distorted graphics or pictures
Missing characters
Faded print
Dark print
Skewed lines
Smudges
Streaks
Unexpected characters
White lines in print
Check the control
panel for any blinking
lights
If one of the lights is blinking, see “Blinking lights on the control panel” on page 70.
Check inkCheck the ink levels, and install a new print cartridge if necessary.
Clean the scanner glassIf the scanner glass is dirty, gently wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with water.
Review steps to
improve print qualitySee “Improving print quality” on page 52.
Check quality of
original documentIf the quality of the original document is not satisfactory, try using a clearer version of the
document or image.
Are you scanning from
photo or glossy paper,
a magazine, or a
newspaper?If you are copying or scanning from photo or glossy paper, a magazine, or a newspaper,
see “Removing image patterns from photos, magazines, or newspapers” on page 44.
Check document
placementMake sure the document or photo is loaded facedown on the scanner glass in the lower
right corner.
Partial document or photo copies
Check document
placementMake sure the document or photo is loaded facedown on the scanner glass in the lower
right corner.
Check paper sizeMake sure the paper size being used matches the size you selected.
Scan troubleshooting
“Scanner does not respond” on page 65
“Scan was not successful” on page 65
“Scanning takes too long or freezes the computer” on page 65
“Poor scanned image quality” on page 66
“Partial document or photo scans” on page 66
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							Scanner does not respond
Check the control panel
for any blinking lightsIf one of the lights is blinking, see “Blinking lights on the control panel” on page 70.
Check powerIf the  light is not on, see “Power button is not lit” on page 58.
Make sure the printer is set
as the default printer and
is not on hold or paused.1Click:
In Windows XP Pro: Start ΠSettings ΠPrinters and Faxes.
In Windows XP Home: Start ΠControl Panel ΠPrinters and Faxes.
In Windows 2000: Start ΠSettings ΠPrinters.
2Double-click the name of your printer.
3Click Printer.
Make sure no check mark appears next to Pause Printing.
Make sure a check mark does appear next to Set As Default.
Software may not be
installed correctlyFor more information, see “Software may not be installed correctly” on page 60.
Scan was not successful
USB cable may not be
connected1Check the USB cable for any obvious damage.
2Firmly plug the square end of the USB cable into the back of the printer.
3Firmly plug the rectangular end of the USB cable into the USB port of the computer.
The USB port is marked with the 
 USB symbol.
Reboot computerTurn off and then restart your computer.
Software may not be
installed correctlyFor more information, see “Software may not be installed correctly” on page 60.
Scanning takes too long or freezes the computer
Other software may be
runningClose all programs not being used.
Change the scanning
resolution to a lower
value1Load an original document facedown on the scanner glass.
2From the desktop, double-click the Lexmark Imaging Studio icon.
3From the left pane of the Welcome screen, click Scan.
4Click Custom Settings.
5Select a lower scan resolution.
6Click Start.
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							Poor scanned image quality
Check the control panel
for any blinking lightsIf one of the lights is blinking, see “Blinking lights on the control panel” on page 70.
Clean the scanner glassIf the scanner glass is dirty, gently wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with
water.
Adjust the quality of the
scan1Load an original document facedown on the scanner glass.
2From the desktop, double-click the Lexmark Imaging Studio icon.
3From the left pane of the Welcome screen, click Scan.
4Click Custom Settings.
5Select a higher scan resolution.
6Click Start.
Review steps to improve
print qualitySee “Improving print quality” on page 52.
Are you scanning from
photo or glossy paper, a
magazine, or a
newspaper?If you are copying or scanning from photo or glossy paper, a magazine, or a newspaper,
see “Removing image patterns from photos, magazines, or newspapers” on page 44.
Check quality of original
documentIf the quality of the original document is not satisfactory, try using a clearer version of
the document or image.
Check document
placementMake sure the document or photo is loaded facedown on the scanner glass in the lower
right corner.
Partial document or photo scans
Check document
placementMake sure the document or photo is loaded facedown on the scanner glass in the lower
right corner.
Check paper sizeMake sure the paper size being used matches the size you selected.
Fax troubleshooting
“Cannot send or receive a fax” on page 66
“Can send but not receive faxes” on page 67
“Can receive but not send faxes” on page 67
“Printer receives a blank fax” on page 67
“Received fax has poor print quality” on page 68
Cannot send or receive a fax
Check the control
panel for any blinking
lightsIf one of the lights is blinking, see “Blinking lights on the control panel” on page 70.
Check powerIf the  light is not on, see “Power button is not lit” on page 58.
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							Check cable
connectionsMake sure cable connections for the following hardware are secure, if applicable:
Power supply
Telephone
Handset
Answering machine
Verify dial tonePlace a test call to the telephone number to which you want to send a fax to make sure
that it is working correctly.
If the telephone line is being used by another device, wait until the other device is
finished before sending a fax.
Check for paper jamsCheck for and clear any paper jams.
Disable Call Waiting
temporarilyCall Waiting can disrupt fax transmissions. Disable this feature before sending or receiving
a fax. Call your telephone company to obtain the keypad sequence for temporarily disabling
Call Waiting.
Can send but not receive faxes
Load paperLoad paper to print any faxes that have been stored in the computer.
Check inkCheck the ink levels, and install a new cartridge if necessary.
Can receive but not send faxes
Check document
placementLoad the original document facedown in the lower right corner of the scanner glass.
Printer receives a blank fax
Check originalAsk the sender to verify the original document was loaded correctly.
Check inkCheck the ink levels, and install a new print cartridge if necessary.
Cartridges may have
tape on them1Remove the print cartridges.
2Make sure the sticker and tape have been removed.
12
3Reinsert the print cartridges.
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							Received fax has poor print quality
Review checklist for
senderCheck that the quality of the original document is satisfactory.
Resend the fax. There may have been a problem with the quality of the telephone line
connection.
Increase the fax scan resolution.
Check inkCheck the ink levels, and install a new print cartridge if necessary.
Jams and misfeeds troubleshooting
“Paper jams” on page 68
“Paper or specialty media misfeeds” on page 68
“Printer does not feed paper, envelopes, or specialty media” on page 69
“Banner paper jams” on page 69
Paper jams
Is the jam in the paper
support?1Press  to turn off the printer.
2Firmly grasp the paper, and gently pull it out.
3Press  to turn the printer back on.
Is the jam in the printer?To automatically eject the paper:
1Press  to turn off the printer.
2Press  again to turn the printer back on.
The paper automatically ejects from the printer.
To manually remove the paper:
1Press  to turn off the printer.
2Firmly grasp the paper, and gently pull it out.
3Press  to turn the printer back on.
Paper or specialty media misfeeds
If paper or specialty media misfeeds or skews, or if multiple sheets feed or stick together, try the following solutions.
Check paper
condition
Use only new, unwrinkled paper.
Check paper loadingLoad a smaller amount of paper into the printer.
Load paper with the print side facing you. (If you are not sure which side is the printable
side, see the instructions that came with the paper.)
See “Loading various paper types” on page 21 for information about:
Maximum loading amounts per paper type
Specific loading instructions for supported paper and specialty media
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							Remove each page as
it is printedRemove each page as it exits, and let it dry completely before stacking.
Adjust the paper
guidesAdjust the paper guides:
When using media less than 8.5 inches wide
To rest against the edges of the paper or media, making sure it does not buckle
Printer does not feed paper, envelopes, or specialty media
Check for paper jamsCheck for and clear any paper jams. For more information, see “Paper jams” on page 68.
Check media loadingVerify that the specialty media is loaded correctly. For more information, see “Loading
various paper types” on page 21.
Try loading one page, envelope, or sheet of specialty media at a time.
Make sure the printer is
set as the default
printer and is not on
hold or paused1Click:
For Windows XP Pro: Start ΠSettings ΠPrinters and Faxes.
For Windows XP Home: Start ΠControl Panel ΠPrinters and Faxes.
For Windows 2000: Start ΠSettings ΠPrinters.
2Double-click the name of your printer.
3Click Printer.
Make sure no check mark appears next to Pause Printing.
Make sure a check mark does appear next to Set As Default.
Banner paper jams
Clear banner paper
jams1Press  to turn off the printer.
2Remove the jammed banner paper from the printer.
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							Review banner
printing checklistUse only the number of sheets needed for the banner.
Select the following settings to enable the printer to feed paper continuously without
jamming:
1With a document open, click File ΠPrint.
2Click Properties, Preferences, Options, or Setup.
3Select the Paper Setup tab.
4From the Paper Size area, select Banner.
5Select Letter Banner or A4 Banner as the paper size.
6Select Portrait or Landscape.
7Click OK.
8Click OK or Print.
Blinking lights on the control panel
 blinks rapidlyThe printer may:
be out of paper in the middle of a print or copy job.
1Load more paper. See “Loading paper” on page 21.
2Press  to continue printing or copying.
have a paper jam.
1Clear the paper jam. For more information, see “Jams and misfeeds
troubleshooting” on page 68.
2Press .
 blinks slowlyThe print cartridge carriers are stuck.
1Raise the scanner unit.
2Remove any objects blocking the path of the cartridge carriers.
3Make sure the cartridge carrier lids are closed.
4Lift the scanner unit, gently push the scanner support towards the cartridge
carriers, and carefully lower the scanner unit until it is completely closed.
5Press .
If 
 is still blinking slowly:
1Raise the scanner unit again.
2Reinstall the print cartridges. For more information, see “Installing print
cartridges” on page 50.
 light is blinkingThe color print cartridge needs to be replaced soon.
To order supplies, see “Ordering paper and other supplies” on page 56.
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