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Question

Problem printing from my Lexmark Z42

Jan 15, 2015 3:25AM PST

I have an old Lexmark Z42 that doesn't get a lot of use, but recently I had read that the ports on the cartridge can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. I gave it a try but the next time I tried to print, the paper went through the printer, but there was no ink on the paper. I cleaned the ports again with water on a tissue. A good deal of ink came off on the tissue so I don't think it's out of ink. I reinstalled the printer's software but that didn't help any. The cartridge could be empty, it is over a year old, but I do very little printing each month. And when it's not in use the cartridge is stored in a plastic bag. I wanted to see if anyone could suggest trying something else before buying a new cartridge. Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Is this that 1999 printer?
Jan 15, 2015 3:37AM PST

While you're lucky it does much at all, for folk that rarely need to print we move them to those under 99 buck laser printers.
Bob

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Answer
Printer
Jan 15, 2015 11:32PM PST

You didn't mention what you are running as an OS or if you had checked for updated software from the manufacturer's web site...with this old a printer..that would be the first thing to do. Then there is the case for the cartridge(s) being empty or dried up. As Bob Proffitt stated..you may be better off shopping for a new unit.

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I'm running Win XP Pro
Jan 16, 2015 6:01AM PST

and I went to the Lexmark website to download the latest driver, it didn't help. The cartridge isn't dried up because I can wipe ink onto a damp tissue. The amount of ink in the cartridge may be too low to continue printing, but I have no way of knowing that for certain.

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That's not how the ink test is performed.
Jan 16, 2015 6:06AM PST
http://support.lexmark.com/index?page=content&id=HO68&locale=en&userlocale=EN_US writes:
"How to perform a hardware self test:
This test is used to determine whether or not you have a hardware fault with your printer.
Switch off the printer.
Put one sheet of paper into the paper feeder.
Press down the paper feed button (the gray one).
Keeping the paper feed button depressed, switch the power on.
Wait until printing starts and then release the paper feed button.
Check your result against those listed in the table below and take any suggested action to resolve the problem. The printer should print a page with a series of black and color lines across it. If this test succeeds, mechanically your printer is fine and we have to look elsewhere for the cause of the problem. At this point you should try the software test below.
If the printer fails to feed a sheet through, you should try the test again without the cartridges installed to check if it's a cartridge problem. Obviously it won't actually print anything without the cartridges, but if it goes through the motions of printing, a problem with one or both of your cartridges is indicated.
Repeat the test again with only one cartridge at a time installed in the cartridge carrier. Again it won't print the full test page, but if it prints with one cartridge but not the other, a problem with the other cartridge, or perhaps the cartridge carrier, is indicated. Try cleaning the contacts on both with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
Result of test
Possible reason
Suggested action
Prints out a series of black and color lines
Mechanically the printer is fine
Proceed to the software test
Only prints out a series of black or a series of color lines1 (see note below this table)
Either one of the cartridges, or one side of the cartridge carrier, isn't functioning
Clean cartridge and cartridge carrier (see below).
Try a different cartridge.
If the problem persists, the printer may have developed a fault.
Page feeds through but doesn't print anything
Didn't do the test properly
Repeat the test, ensuring that you press the buttons in the correct order.

Cartridges are empty or cartridge nozzles are blocked
Check if any ink is coming out of the cartridges by removing them from the printer and dabbing the nozzles (at the bottom of the cartridge) onto a clean piece of tissue. If no ink comes out, the cartridge may be empty or the nozzles may be blocked.
Try cleaning the nozzles or try a different cartridge.

Contacts on the cartridges or the cartridge carrier are dirty/faulty
Clean the copper contacts on the back of the cartridges and also on the cartridge carrier (where the cartridge snap in). Use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to remove any dust or excess ink.

Power supply problem
The printer may have enough power to feed the page through, but not enough to print. If you are using a surge protector, multi-socket or extension lead, try plugging the printer directly into a wall socket.
Nothing happens but the lights are flashing.
Paper path is blocked
Check the paper feed path for any obstructions and remove them.
Remove the cartridges and try to feed a page through. If it feeds through, the cartridges may not have been snapped into place securely.

Faulty or empty cartridges
Remove cartridges and repeat test. If the page feeds through, clean the cartridges/carrier (see above).
Repeat the test, with both cartridges installed. If unsuccessful, try the test with one cartridge at a time to identify which cartridge is faulty/empty.
Nothing happens at all
Power supply problem
Check all the power cable and adapter connections. If you are using a surge protector, multi-socket or extension lead, try plugging the printer directly into a wall socket.
Check the fuse in the plug. If there is still nothing happening, the printer or the power adapter may have developed a fault.
1 Note: This test is based on using a black/color cartridge set. The color cartridge should have three colors - yellow, magenta and cyan. If you are using a photo/color set, you could still have black and color lines as the photo cartridge has black, light magenta and light cyan."

(the web site has better formatting for this test)
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Lexmark Z42 printer
Jan 17, 2015 12:04AM PST

What I see for the Z42 is that it is an inkjet unit that requires 2 cartridges. IF this is the printer in question..it would require BOTH cartridges to run b/w and/ or color. This is quite and old unit and it would probably be cheaper to buy a new printer than to purchase both OEM cartridges.