Printer problems

[julie64]

Hi

Any computer experts out there who know why my black ink cartridge isn't working?  Its full, but I just get blank pages when I print (the colour is OK though).  I've tried taking it out and putting it back in again, and turning printer off and on, and cleaning to jets - then I get a bit of black ink, but nothing when I try to print.  Is my printer dead?

Regards Julie

[Gadget]

Hi Julie

First questions, I'd ask are:

What model is your printer?

Where did you buy your ink?

How long has it been in?

It could have just dried out if you've had it there a while.

Gadget

PS - what does the indicator say - is it full?

[julie64]

Hi

Its a Lexmark X1180 (al-in-one printer and scanner thing), and I think the problem may be that I recently refilled the cartridge myself - it worked great for a few weeks though before it threw a wobbly!  I know it warns you on the instructions not to refill cartridges ... is it probably my fault?

Julie

[Gadget]

Probably 

Have you got a non-Julie filled cartridge to test the printer with?

Gadget

[julie64]

Unfortunately not - I was reluctant to buy one because if I do and the printer is truly kn*nck*red then I've wasted my money, unless I buy an identical printer and I doubt I'd do that.  I will do as you suggest though, thanks Gadget

Julie

[Gadget]

This problem happened with a friend of mine who had bought very cheap re-filled Lexmark. The ink was just old and yukky.

I don't know much about Lexmarks but his was solved by going a bit more upmarket.

Cartridge prices are ridiculous and I really sympathise. The manufacturers have us over a barrel

Gadget

[Michael72.]

For what you pay for lexmark inks you could actually buy an Epson, whose cartridges are a fraction of the price....Lexmark and HP are just about giving their Printers away because they know they will strike gold flogging their inks..........and as for these refill kits IMHO they are just a waste of space and if a refill decides to throw a wobbly and leak everywhere then your Printer is up the Swanee totally cos you can never get it clean ever...

Michael72.

[Gadget]

I didn't like to say anything Michael, but I swear by Epson - I have three - 2 A3+ (one for proofing) and one biggie A2. I had an HP once but it couldn't stand the pace. Since then it has always been Epson - most professional photgraphers that I know wouldn't use anything else for home printing. I also have a Xerox Laser printer/photcopier combo.

Epson cartridges are expensive but I use compatibles on my proofing printer which cuts down the costs a bit.

Gadget

[SueTeakle]

I don`t know if anyone will be interested but this is the site we buy our ink cartridges from:-  www.ijtdirect.co.uk  -  We have an Epson printer and the compatible cartridges they sell are very good, plus they frequently have buy one get one free offers