Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft in the U.S. and other countries.

Transcription

1 User s Guide

2 First Edition (February 1999) The following paragraph does not apply to any country where such provisions are inconsistent with local law: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC., PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties in certain transactions; therefore, this statement may not apply to you. This publication could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in later editions. Improvements or changes in the products or the programs described may be made at any time. Lexmark, Lexmark with diamond design, and ColorFine are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries. Color Jetprinter is a trademark of Lexmark International, Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft in the U.S. and other countries. PCL is a registered trademark of the Hewlett-Packard Company. PCL 3 is Hewlett-Packard Company's designation of a set of printer commands (language) and functions included in its printer products. This printer is intended by Lexmark International, Inc. to be compatible with the PCL 3 language. This means the printer recognizes PCL 3 commands used in various application programs, and that the printer emulates the functions corresponding to the commands. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. References in this publication to products, programs, or services do not imply that the manufacturer intends to make these available in all countries in which it operates. Any reference to a product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that product, program, or service may be used. Any functionally equivalent product, program, or service that does not infringe any existing intellectual property right may be used instead. Evaluation and verification of operation in conjunction with other products, programs, or services, except those expressly designated by the manufacturer, are the user s responsibility. Copyright 1999 Lexmark International, Inc. All rights reserved. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS This software and documentation are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS and in applicable FAR provisions: Lexmark International, Inc., Lexington, KY

3 Contents Chapter 1 - Understanding your printer Using the parts of the printer Understanding the lights Chapter 2 - Using the printer software Using the Printer Properties Using the Control Program Chapter 3 - Printing your documents Loading your print media Printing transparencies Printing envelopes, index cards, or postcards Printing on customized paper sizes Printing greeting cards Printing iron-on transfers Printing banners Chapter 4 - Caring for your print cartridges. 21 Installing or replacing a print cartridge Improving print quality Storing an extra print cartridge Preserving print cartridges Contents iii

4 Appendix Installing the printer software Printing from Windows 3.1 or Printing from DOS Statement of Limited Warranty Notices Power supply replacement Safety information Index iv Contents

5 Understanding your printer Chapter 1 Quick Fix Using the parts of the printer Printer has missing or damaged parts Contact your point of purchase. Paper support Paper guide Sheet feeder Front cover Buttons and lights Paper exit tray Note For information about setting up your printer, refer to the Getting Started booklet. Use the: Paper support Paper guide Sheet feeder When you want to: Keep paper and specialty media straight in the sheet feeder. Also supports banner printing (when tilted back). Make sure the paper feeds correctly into the printer. Load paper and specialty media. Buttons and lights See the printer status. Turn the printer on or off. Eject paper from the printer. For more information, see Using the buttons on page 2. Front cover Install or change print cartridges. Clear paper jams. Paper exit tray Keep paper together after printing. Understanding your printer 1

6 Print cartridge storage unit Use the: Print cartridge storage unit Parallel cable connector Power supply connector Using the buttons When you want to: Store an extra used print cartridge. For more information, see Storing an extra print cartridge on page 31. Connect the parallel cable to the printer. (Cable not included). Note: If you want your printer to communicate with your computer, make sure you have a bidirectional cable (IEEE 1284-compatible, such as Lexmark part number ) Supply power to the printer. Parallel cable connector Power supply connector Quick Fix Printer to PC communication problems occur If you see communication errors or if intermittent printing occurs, you may not be using the correct cable. For more information, see Printer to PC communication problems in the Printer Properties Help. To open Help from inside an application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 Properties, Options, or Setup button. 4 The Help button. 5 Troubleshooting. 6 Printer Software Overview. 7 PC to Printer Communication Problems. Use the: When you want to: Turn the printer on or off. Glossary Paper Feed button Power button Eject paper from the printer. Reload the sheet feeder with paper after running out. Continue printing. Parallel cable interface A data conversion device that allows communication between the printer and the computer. 2 Chapter 1

7 Understanding the lights If your printer lights look like this: Then the printer: Is Off. Both lights are Off Is On and ready to print. Power light is On Paper feed light is Off Is printing. Both lights are On Power light is On Paper Feed light is blinking May be out of paper or have a paper jam. If the printer is out of paper: 1 Load paper. 2 Press the Paper Feed button. If there is a paper jam: 1 Press the Power button to turn the power off. 2 Pull firmly on the paper to remove it. If the paper is too far into the printer, open the front cover and pull the paper out from the front of the printer. 3 Close the front cover. 4 Press the Power button to turn your printer on. Understanding your printer 3

8 If your printer lights look like this: Power light is blinking Paper Feed light blinks twice Both lights are On, but the printer is not printing Then the printer: May have a stalled cartridge carrier or paper jam. If the print cartridge carrier has stalled: 1 Turn the printer off. 2 Wait a few seconds and turn the printer back on. If there is a paper jam: 1 Press the Power button to turn the power off. 2 Pull firmly on the paper to remove it. If the paper is too far into the printer, open the front cover and pull the paper out from the front of the printer. 3 Close the front cover. 4 Press the Power button to turn your printer on. Cable connections may not be secure. To make sure cable connections are secure: 1 Unplug the power supply from the electrical outlet. 2 Make sure all cable connections are secure. 3 Plug the power supply back in. Note The Power light is on and the Paper Feed light is blinking The printer may be out of paper or have a paper jam. Check your screen for any error messages. If the printer is out of paper: 1 Load paper. 2 Press the Paper Feed button. If the printer has a paper jam, try removing the paper from the sheet feeder. If the paper is lodged too far into the printer and can t be removed, see Paper jams on page 12. If the problem continues, you may be using a wrong or damaged cable. For more information, see Printer to PC communications problems in the Printer Properties Help. To open Help from inside an application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. 4 The Help button. 5 Printer Software Overview. 6 Troubleshooting. 7 PC to Printer Communication Problems. 4 Chapter 1

9 Using the printer software Chapter 2 Glossary Software application Any program loaded on your computer used to perform a specific task; for example, a word processing or spreadsheet program. When you installed the software for your printer, several applications were installed on your computer. Use the printer software to obtain the best printing results. You can also use the printer software to care for your printer. For information about using this application: Printer Properties 6 See page: Using the Paper tab 6 Using the Color/Quality tab 7 Opening the Printer Properties from your application 9 Opening the Printer Properties from Windows 10 Control Program 10 Using the printer software 5

10 Using the Printer Properties Use the Printer Properties to obtain the best results for your print job. The Printer Properties contain two tabs, Paper and Color/Quality. For help opening the Printer Properties, see the tip in the shaded margin. Using the Paper tab Use the Paper tab to: Choose your paper size. Move the slide bar to the left or right to view more paper sizes. Tip To open Printer Properties from your application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. Choose your paper or media type. Choose the number of copies. Choose to collate copies, or reverse the page order. This graphic changes to reflect the type of media you select. Choose a page orientation. To learn more about these settings, click Help. Glossary Orientation Portrait and landscape orientations define the way an image is printed on paper. For most paper types portrait is tall: Portrait and landscape is wide: Landscape Portrait orientation is generally used for correspondence and reports. Landscape orientation is often used for spreadsheets, transparencies, and envelopes. Reverse Page Order Click Reverse Page Order to begin printing with the last page of the document. The first page of your document will be on top of the stack in the output tray when your print job is complete. 6 Chapter 2

11 Quick Fix Printer software settings not in effect If the printer settings you chose in the printer software are not in effect, check the settings in the software application you are using. Using the Color/Quality tab You can use the Color/Quality tab to: Adjust print quality and speed. Choose Automatic or Color Sort printing. For more information, see Selecting the color mode for your document. Find out which version of the software you are using. Tip To open Printer Properties from your application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. Reset document defaults. To learn more about these settings, click Help. Glossary Collate Use this option when you are printing multiple copies and want all the pages of one copy printed before the next copy begins printing. Selecting the color mode for your document Your printer uses one cartridge at a time, but some documents may require using both cartridges. Your printer software contains two color modes that allow you to choose how you want your document to be printed. Use the table below to determine the best color mode for the type of document you are printing: If you want your document to print: Use this cartridge: Select this color mode: Black pages Black Automatic. For help, see Using the Automatic color mode on page 8. Color pages Black pages and color pages Color Black or color until prompted to change Color Sort. For help, see Using the Color Sort mode on page 9. Using the printer software 7

12 Using the Automatic color mode The Automatic color mode is the default setting. Automatic color mode prints the entire document using the cartridge you have installed in the printer. For example, if your document has both color and black pages, like the one shown below: And you have this cartridge installed: Black Your document prints like this: Color 8 Chapter 2

13 Using the Color Sort mode If your document has both black and color pages, select Color Sort to print the color pages using the color cartridge and the black pages using the black cartridge. The printer software sorts your document so you only have to change your cartridges one time. For example: Your document When the Black cartridge is installed the black page(s) print first. When the Color cartridge is installed the color page(s) print first. Then your computer prompts you to replace the black cartridge with the color cartridge. Then your computer prompts you to replace the color cartridge with the black cartridge. Finally, the color page(s) print. Finally, the black page(s) print. Note Change the Printer Properties from your application whenever you want to customize your print settings for that particular print job. Opening the Printer Properties from your application You can open the Printer Properties from almost any application. This allows you to change printer settings for each document you print. To open the Printer Properties from your application: 1 Open the application's File menu. 2 Choose Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 In the Printer Setup dialog box, click the Properties, Options, or Setup button (depending on the application). 4 Change settings as needed. Using the printer software 9

14 Opening the Printer Properties from Windows When you open the Printer Properties from Windows, the settings apply to all print jobs, unless you change them from the application. 1 From the Start menu, choose Settings, then choose Printers. 2 From the Printers folder, right-click the printer icon for your Lexmark Z11 Series Color Jetprinter. 3 Choose Properties from the sidebar menu. Using the Control Program The Control Program appears (or runs minimized) each time you send a print job. For help opening the Control Program, see the tip in the shaded margin. Use this tab to view Control Program options. Use this tab when you want to install, replace, clean, or align your print cartridges. Use this tab when you want to print from a DOS application. Note Change the Printer Properties from Windows to use the same printer settings each time you print. This way, you never need to change them from your application. Glossary Run Minimized Prevents the Control Program from appearing on your computer screen each time you send a job to print. To set the Control Program to run minimized: 1 Open the Control Program. 2 Click the Options tab. 3 Select Run Minimized. Use this tab to monitor print jobs and ink levels, print a test page, or cancel a print job. To learn more about these settings, click Help. Use this tab to view copyright and version information. Tip To open the Control Program, click: 1 Start. 2 Programs. 3 Lexmark Z11 Series. 4 Lexmark Z11 Series Control Program on LPTx. 10 Chapter 2

15 Printing your documents Chapter 3 Quick Fix Paper feeds multiple sheets at a time Make sure the paper is aligned against the right side of the sheet feeder. Make sure the paper guide is against the edge of the paper. Make sure the top of the paper aligns with the appropriate mark at the top of the paper support. Paper fails to feed 1 Align the paper against the right side of the sheet feeder. 2 Make sure no more than 100 sheets of plain paper are loaded. 3 Slide the paper guide against the edge of the paper. 4 Raise the front cover. 5 Remove any obstructions inside the printer. 6 Close the front cover. 7 Press the Paper Feed button. Follow the steps in this chapter to print everything from transparencies to banners. For information about: Loading your print media 12 Checking printer settings 12 Printing transparencies 13 Printing envelopes, index cards, or postcards 14 Printing on customized paper sizes 15 Printing greeting cards 16 Printing iron-on transfers 17 Printing banners 18 See page: Printing your documents 11

16 Loading your print media You can load up to 100 sheets of paper into the printer. To load the paper: 1 Place the paper against the right side of the sheet feeder, with the print side facing you. Paper guide Paper jams Quick Fix 1 Press the Power button to turn the printer off. 2 Pull firmly on the paper to remove it. If the paper is too far into the printer, raise the front cover and pull the paper out from the front of the printer. 3 Press the Power button to turn your printer on. Release tab 2 Squeeze the release tab and the paper guide together and slide the paper guide to the edge of the paper. Checking printer settings If you are using plain, letter-sized paper, and you want normal print quality and speed, no adjustment to the printer settings is necessary. The printer software is already set for this type of document. To print on specialty media, such as transparencies or iron-on transfers, you will need to optimize the printer settings for maximum performance. To check your printer settings each time you print: 1 Open your application's File menu. 2 Choose Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 In the Printer Setup dialog box, click the Properties, Options, or Setup button (depending on the application). Tip Printer settings When you change the printer settings from your application, the settings apply only to that document. To make your changes apply to all documents, see Opening the Printer Properties from Windows on page 10. To adjust print quality or print speed, click the Color/Quality tab and then select High 1200dpi for the best print quality or Quick Print 600dpi for best print speed. 12 Chapter 3

17 Supplies Transparencies (50-pack) A4 - P/N 12A0808 Letter - P/N 12A0807 For more information about ordering Lexmark supplies, insert the Lexmark Z11 Color Jetprinter CD into your CD-ROM drive then click: 1 Contact Lexmark button. 2 Supplies Information. Printing transparencies 1 Load transparencies against the right side of the sheet feeder. Load up to 25 transparencies with the print side facing up (the removable stripe away from you and pointing down). Squeeze the release tab and the paper guide together and slide the paper guide to the edge of the transparencies. Quick Fix Transparencies stick together Use a transparency designed for inkjet printers. Make sure print side faces up. Remove each transparency as it exits the printer and allow it to dry before stacking. 2 Customize the Printer Properties for printing transparencies. For help opening the Printer Properties, see the tip in the shaded margin. Click the Paper tab. Click letter or A4. Select Transparency. Tip To open the Printer Properties from your application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. Click OK. 3 Send your transparency to print. Printing your documents 13

18 Printing envelopes, index cards, or postcards 1 Load envelopes, index cards, or postcards against the right side of the sheet feeder. Insert up to 10 envelopes, index cards, or postcards with print side facing you and stamp location in the upper left corner. Squeeze the release tab and the paper guide together, and slide the paper guide to the edge of the envelopes, index cards, or postcards. Tip Envelope minimum margin settings Use the following minimum margin settings in your application: Right margin for all envelope sizes must be at least 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) Left margin must be at least 1.7 mm (0.067 in.) Top and bottom margins must be at least mm (0.125 in.) 2 Customize the Printer Properties for printing envelopes, index cards, or postcards. For help opening the Printer Properties, see the tip in the shaded margin. Click the Paper tab. Scroll to select correct envelope, index card, or postcard size. Tip To open the Printer Properties from your application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. Click Landscape. Click OK. 3 Send your envelopes, index cards, or postcards to print. 14 Chapter 3

19 Tip Customized minimum paper margin settings Use the following minimum margin settings in your application: Left and right margins for all paper sizes except A4 must be at least 6.35 mm (0.125 in.) A4 left and right margins must be at least 3.37 mm (0.135 in.) Top margin must be at least 1.7 mm (0.067 in.) Bottom margin for all paper sizes: Black printing 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) Color printing 19.5 mm (0.75 in.) You can use any paper size that fits within these dimensions: Width mm ( ) Height mm ( ) Printing on customized paper sizes 1 Load the media against the right side of the sheet feeder. Load the specialty media or plain paper with the print side facing you. Squeeze the release tab and the paper guide together, and slide the paper guide to the edge of the paper. 2 Customize the Printer Properties for printing special paper sizes. For help opening the Printer Properties, see the tip in the shaded margin. Click the Paper tab. Scroll to select Custom paper size. Select the paper type that best describes your print media. Tip To open the Printer Properties from your application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. Enter the dimensions for the paper size you are using and click OK. Click OK. 3 Send your customized document to print. Printing your documents 15

20 Printing greeting cards 1 Load greeting card(s) against the right side of the sheet feeder. Insert up to 10 greeting cards with print side facing you. Squeeze the release tab and the paper guide together, and slide the paper guide to the edge of the greeting cards. Note The settings in your greeting card application may override the Printer Properties settings. Check the documentation that came with your application for more information. 2 Customize the Printer Properties to print greeting cards. For help opening the Printer Properties, see the tip in the shaded margin. Click the Paper tab. Scroll to select the paper size. Select Greeting Card Stock. Tip To open the Printer Properties from your application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. Click OK. 3 Send your greeting card to print. 16 Chapter 3

21 Printing iron-on transfers We recommend printing on plain paper until your iron-on transfer prints to your satisfaction. The iron-on transfer option reverses the print. 1 Load one iron-on transfer against the right side of the sheet feeder. Insert the iron-on transfer with the print side facing you (blank side facing up). Squeeze the release tab and the paper guide together, and slide the paper guide to the edge of the iron-on transfer. Tip To open the Printer Properties from your application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. 2 Customize the Printer Properties to print iron-on transfers. For help opening the Printer Properties, see the tip in the shaded margin. Click the Paper tab. Click letter or A4. Select Iron-On Transfer. Click OK. 3 Send your iron-on transfer to print. Printing your documents 17

22 Printing banners Before you begin, remove any paper from the sheet feeder. 1 The banner paper holder holds up to 20 sheets, but load only the number of sheets you will need to make your banner. For example, if your banner is 12 sheets long, load 12 sheets into the printer. a Pull the paper support up slightly to unlock the front tabs. b Tilt the paper support back until it locks in the horizontal position as shown. Note Use banner paper recommended for inkjets. We do not recommend using continuous form paper intended for dot matrix printers. Continuous form paper is designed to hold a different kind of ink. c Place your stack of banner paper into the paper support. d Insert the leading edge of the first page into the sheet feeder. e Squeeze the release tab and the paper guide together, and slide the paper guide to the edge of the banner paper. 18 Chapter 3

23 Tip To open the Printer Properties from your application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. 2 Customize the Printer Properties for printing banners. For help opening the Printer Properties, see the tip in the shaded margin. Click the Paper tab. Scroll to select Banner or Banner A4 paper size. Click OK. 3 Send your banner to print. Printing your documents 19

24 20 Chapter 3

25 Caring for your print cartridges Chapter 4 Glossary Print cartridge The ink reservoir and printhead unit. This chapter describes how to install, replace, and care for your print cartridges. For information about: Installing or replacing a print cartridge 22 Improving print quality 25 See page: Storing an extra print cartridge 31 Preserving print cartridges 32 Caring for your print cartridges 21

26 Installing or replacing a print cartridge If you are replacing a print cartridge, begin with Removing a print cartridge from the printer. If you are installing a print cartridge for the first time, see Installing or changing a print cartridge on page 23. Removing a print cartridge from the printer 1 Make sure the Power light is on and the printer is not printing. 2 If you need to remove a print cartridge before you install a different one, follow these steps: Raise the front cover. The print cartridge carrier moves to the loading position unless the printer is busy. Pull the top of the print cartridge you are replacing toward you until you hear a snap. Remove the print cartridge by lifting it up and out of the printer. Supplies Black Cartridge Standard yield P/N 12A1970 High yield P/N 12A1975 Color cartridge Standard yield P/N 12A1980 High yield P/N 12A1985 For more information about ordering Lexmark supplies, insert the Lexmark Z11 Color Jetprinter CD into your CD-ROM drive then click: 1 Contact Lexmark button. 2 Supplies Information. Note Storing an extra print cartridge 3 Store or dispose of the cartridge you remove. 4 Continue with Installing or changing a print cartridge on page 23. Use the print cartridge storage unit to keep your extra print cartridge fresh when you are not using it. For help using your print cartridge storage unit, see Storing an extra print cartridge on page 31. Disposing of a used print cartridge Do not shake a used print cartridge. The remaining ink can leak. Before discarding the used print cartridge, put it in a leak-proof bag. 22 Chapter 4

27 Note Ink Low message appears If the Ink Low message appears, you may want to install a new print cartridge before the ink runs out. Warning Do NOT touch the gold contact area on the print cartridge! Microscopic particles may clog the print nozzles. Installing or changing a print cartridge For the best print quality, you must install the print cartridge in the printer and update the printer software to reflect the changes you made. If necessary, follow the steps for Removing a print cartridge from the printer on page 22 before proceeding. 1 To install the cartridge in the printer: If you are installing a new cartridge, remove the tape covering the gold contact area of the print cartridge. Insert the cartridge into the print cartridge carrier. Push back firmly on the cartridge until it snaps securely into place. Note If the print cartridge moves loosely in the carrier, it is not locked into place. Make sure the cartridge snaps into place. 2 Close the front cover. 3 IMPORTANT: Continue with Completing the cartridge installation on page 24. Caring for your print cartridges 23

28 Completing the cartridge installation To complete your cartridge installation, you must update your printer software by indicating the cartridge change you made in the printer. Updating the printer software ensures the best print quality and an updated ink level image in the Control Program. To complete the cartridge installation: 1 Use the Control Program to update the printer software. For help opening the Control Program, see the tip in the shaded margin. Tip To open the Control Program, click: 1 Start. 2 Programs. 3 Lexmark Z11 Series. 4 Lexmark Z11 Series Control Program on LPTx. Click the Cartridges tab. Note Click the Install/ Change Cartridge button to select the cartridge type you installed. For normal black text printing, make sure you have a black cartridge installed instead of a color cartridge. To view the ink levels, check the Cartridges tab. The ink level image shows you how much ink is left in your print cartridge. 2 Follow the instructions on the Change Cartridge screen to install a new standard or high yield cartridge or an old cartridge. 3 Make sure the print cartridge is installed correctly. For help, see Installing or changing a print cartridge on page If you installed a new print cartridge, align it for the best print quality. For help, see Aligning your print cartridge on page Chapter 4

29 Tip Align the print cartridge when: Vertical lines appear wavy. Tip Print quality suggestions: Make sure you are using a paper intended for inkjet printing. If you are using specialty media, make sure the print side is facing you. Improving print quality If your print quality is not satisfactory, you may need to refresh your print cartridge. A simple cartridge alignment may improve your print quality. However, if your printer still is not printing to your satisfaction, you may need to clean the print nozzles. Aligning your print cartridge When you install a new print cartridge, you should use the Align Cartridges feature to help align the printhead. This ensures that you get the best print quality from your Lexmark Z11 Series Color Jetprinter. 1 Use the Control Program to begin alignment. For help opening the Control Program, see the tip in the shaded margin. Click the Cartridges tab. Select the Align Cartridges button. Tip To open the Control Program, click: 1 Start. 2 Programs. 3 Lexmark Z11 Series. 4 Lexmark Z11 Series Control Program on LPTx. A dialog box appears on your screen. The printer prints a test page with a group of patterns. Each pattern has a number under it. 2 On the printed test page, locate the number under the pattern that comes closest to forming a straight line. In the example above, line 3 comes the closest to forming a straight line. Caring for your print cartridges 25

30 3 In the dialog box, enter the number of the setting. Quick Fix If print is too dark or smudged: Click OK. Cleaning print nozzles When you clean the print nozzles, a test line prints so you can see if the cleaning process was successful. Clean the print nozzles when you suspect the nozzles are clogged or if the characters are not printing completely. 1 Make sure plain paper is loaded in the printer. 2 Use the Control Program to run the nozzle test. For help opening the Control Program, see the tip in the shaded margin. Make sure the Paper Type setting in the printer software matches the paper type loaded in the printer. Make sure the paper is straight and not wrinkled. Let the ink dry before handling the paper. Clean the print cartridge nozzles. For help, see Cleaning print nozzles. Tip Click the Cartridges tab. Select the Clean Print Nozzles button. To open the Control Program, click: 1 Start. 2 Programs. 3 Lexmark Z11 Series. Lexmark Z11 Series Control Program on LPTx. 26 Chapter 4

31 Quick Fix Clean the print nozzles when: Characters are not printing completely. Characters print with white lines. White dashes appear in graphics. Print is too dark or smudged. The printer feeds a sheet of paper and prints a nozzle test pattern, similar to the ones shown: Black test pattern Color test pattern In the examples above, there are no broken lines, indicating that the nozzles are functioning correctly. 3 Compare the diagonal line above the printed bars on the test pattern you printed to the diagonal line below the printed bars. Look for a break in the diagonal lines. A broken line indicates clogged nozzles. If the bottom line still has breaks, run the test two more times. If the print quality is satisfactory after running the test three times, the print nozzles are clean. You do not need to complete the remaining steps. If the print quality of both lines is not satisfactory after running the test three times, go to step 4. 4 Remove and reinstall the print cartridge. 5 Repeat the nozzle test. 6 If the lines are still broken, wipe the print cartridge nozzles and contacts. For help, see Wiping print nozzles and contacts on page 28. Caring for your print cartridges 27

32 Wiping print nozzles and contacts If print quality does not improve after cleaning the print nozzles (see Cleaning print nozzles on page 26) there may be dried ink on the print cartridge nozzles. 1 To wipe the print cartridge nozzles: a Remove the print cartridge from the printer. For help, see Removing a print cartridge from the printer on page 22. b Dampen a clean cloth with water and gently wipe the entire gold-colored area, including the nozzles. When cleaning the color print cartridge, wipe the nozzles in one direction so the colors do not mix. Nozzles c To dissolve dried ink, hold the damp cloth against the nozzles for about three seconds. Gently blot and wipe dry. 2 Allow the gold-colored area to dry. Quick Fix Printer prints unexpected or missing characters Make sure you have your Lexmark Z11 Series Color Jetprinter's printer driver selected as the default printer. Your printer may have printer to PC communication problems. For more information, see Printer to PC communication problems in the Printer Properties Help. To open Printer Help from inside an application, click: 1 File. 2 Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 The Properties, Options, or Setup button. 4 The Help button. 5 Troubleshooting. 6 Printer Software Overview. 7 PC to Printer Communication Problems. 28 Chapter 4

33 Warning Do NOT wipe the nozzles and contacts with the same section of cloth. 3 To wipe the print cartridge contacts: a Dampen another section of clean cloth with water and gently wipe the entire gold-colored area, including the contacts. When cleaning the color print cartridge, wipe the contacts in one direction. Contacts b To dissolve dried ink, hold the damp cloth against the contacts for about three seconds. Gently blot and wipe dry. 4 Allow the gold-colored area to dry. 5 Reinstall the print cartridge and repeat the nozzle test. For help, see Cleaning print nozzles on page If the nozzle test line is still broken, clean the print cartridge carrier contacts. For help, see Cleaning print cartridge carrier contacts on page 30. Caring for your print cartridges 29

34 Cleaning print cartridge carrier contacts Clean the print cartridge carrier contacts only if you have cleaned and wiped the print nozzles and print quality is still unsatisfactory. To clean the print cartridge carrier contacts: 1 Remove your cartridge. For help, see Removing a print cartridge from the printer on page Unplug the power supply from the electrical outlet. Note Unplugging the power supply forces the cartridge carrier to remain in the loading position. This gives you enough time to clean the contacts. Quick Fix Print smears on the page 3 Use a clean, dry cloth to clean the cartridge carrier contacts inside the printer. Carrier contacts If the page is smeared by the next page exiting the printer, the ink may still be damp when a page finishes printing. Remove the pages as they exit the printer and allow them to dry before stacking. Select a higher print quality setting from the Color/Quality tab in the Printer Properties. 4 Replace the print cartridge. For help, see Installing or replacing a print cartridge on page Close the front cover. 6 Plug the printer power supply into an electrical outlet. If the print quality has not improved after this cleaning process, replace your print cartridge. If print quality still does not improve, your printer may require service. Quick Fix Solid black or color areas contain white streaks Select High 1200dpi from the Color/Quality tab. Try using a different fill pattern in your application software. 30 Chapter 4

35 Storing an extra print cartridge The cartridge storage unit on the back of the machine provides a convenient place to store an extra (used) print cartridge to prevent it from drying out. If you have not already installed the cartridge storage unit, follow the instructions below. 1 Insert the tabs of the print cartridge storage unit into the slots on the back of your printer. 2 Snap the storage unit securely into place. 3 Insert the extra print cartridge into the print cartridge storage unit. 4 Push back firmly on the cartridge until it snaps securely into place. Caring for your print cartridges 31

36 Removing a print cartridge from the storage unit To remove a print cartridge from the storage unit: 1 Pull the print cartridge handle toward you until you hear a snap. 2 Pull the print cartridge straight out of the storage unit. Preserving print cartridges To ensure the longest life from your print cartridge and optimum performance from your printer: Keep a print cartridge in its packaging until you are ready to install it. Do not remove a print cartridge from the printer except to replace, clean, or store it in a print cartridge storage unit. The print cartridge will not print correctly if removed from the printer and left exposed for an extended period of time. If a print cartridge runs out of ink, leave the empty cartridge in the printer until you are ready to replace it. Do not refill print cartridges. Refilling empty print cartridges may invalidate your warranty. Incompatible inks can cause damage to the printhead or to the printer. For best results, use Lexmark supplies with the printer. 32 Chapter 4

37 Appendix In this section, you can find information about: Installing the printer software Printing from Windows 3.1 or 3.11 Printing from DOS Statement of Limited Warranty Notices Safety information Installing the printer software You can obtain the printer software from the CD-ROM, diskettes, or World Wide Web. Using the CD-ROM If your computer has a CD-ROM drive, follow the steps in the Getting Started booklet to install your printer software. If your computer does not have a CD-ROM drive, you can create driver diskettes using another computer with a CD-ROM drive. Using diskettes If your computer does not have a CD-ROM drive, ask our Customer Support Center to mail you diskettes. Refer to the printer registration card for the number in your country. Follow the instructions for your operating system to install the printer software from diskettes. Windows 95 or 98 IMPORTANT: If Windows displays a message indicating your printer has been found, select Cancel. If the update Device Driver Wizard appears, select Cancel. 1 Make sure your computer is on and Windows is running. 2 Start Windows. 3 Insert Setup Disk 1 into your disk drive. 4 From the Start menu, choose Run. 5 In the command-line text box, type the letter of your disk drive, followed by :\setup (for example, a:\setup), and then click OK. 6 When prompted by the printer software, insert the appropriate disks into your disk drive and click OK. 7 Follow the instructions on the screen. Windows 3.1 or Make sure your computer is on and Windows is running. 2 Insert Setup Disk 1 into your disk drive. 3 From the Windows Program Manager menu bar, choose File, and then choose Run. 4 In the command-line text box, type the letter of your disk drive, followed by :\setup (for example, a:\setup), and then click OK. 5 When prompted by the printer software, insert the appropriate disks into your disk drive and click OK. 6 Follow the instructions on the screen. Using a downloaded printer driver If your computer does not have a CD-ROM drive, you can download a driver from Lexmark s World Wide Web site. 1 From Lexmark s web page, select the appropriate driver for your operating system. 2 Select Save to Disk. 3 Select a location on your hard disk drive. 4 Double-click the executable (.exe) file to open it. The WinZip Self-Extractor window opens. 5 Follow the instructions on your screen. Printing from Windows 3.1 or 3.11 When you installed the software for your printer, several applications were installed on your computer. The printer software applications allow you to perform printing tasks with the Appendix 33

38 best printing results. You can also use the printer software to care for your printer. Using the Control Program Use the Control Program when you want to: Align print cartridges for best print quality Clean print nozzles Change settings for DOS printing Control when and how the Control Program appears Install or replace print cartridges Monitor print jobs and print cartridge ink level Print a test page Cancel a print job Opening the Control Program From the Lexmark Z11 Series program group, double-click the Control Program icon. Using the Printer Properties Use the Printer Properties when you want to: Adjust print quality/print speed Choose different sizes and types of media Choose page orientation Reset document defaults Opening the Printer Properties from your application You can open the Printer Properties from almost any application. This allows you to change printer settings for each document you print. To open the Printer Properties from your application: 1 Open the application s File menu. 2 Choose Print, Print Setup, or Printer Setup. 3 In the Printer Setup dialog box, click the Properties, Options or Setup button (depending on the application). 4 Change settings as needed. Opening Printer Properties from Windows Change the Printer Properties from Windows to use same printer settings each time you print. This way, you never need to change them from your application. 1 Open the Lexmark Z11 Series Control Program. 2 Click the Windows Printing tab. 3 Click the Windows Driver Setup button. Using the Spool Manager in Windows 3.1 or 3.11 The Spool Manager automatically runs each time you send a document to print through Windows. To open the Spool Manager from the Control Program: 1 From the Lexmark Z11 Series program group, double-click the Control Program icon. 2 Click the Windows Printing tab. 3 Click the Spool Manager button. Printing from DOS You must install the following before you can print from DOS applications: Lexmark Z11 Series Color Jetprinter software PCL 3 printer driver for each DOS application Appropriate drivers in order of preference are: HP DeskJet 500C HP DeskJet 500 You must use the HP DeskJet 500C for color output. If your application does not include drivers for the HP DeskJet 500C or the HP DeskJet 500, contact the software manufacturer for a compatible driver replacement. After completing the installation, you must restart Windows to print from DOS. Printing from a DOS application in Windows Use these instructions only if your application runs from the DOS prompt in Windows. When you print from a DOS application, your printer uses PCL 3 emulation. You must install a printer driver for PCL 3 emulation in each DOS application. In Windows 3.1or 3.11, avoid switching from your DOS application to another application while your job is printing. See the Readme file for your printer for more information. Follow the steps to enable DOS printing to your Lexmark printer: 34 Appendix

39 1 Make sure you are in Windows, not native DOS. 2 From the Control Program, click the Options tab. 3 For help opening the Control Program, Using the Control Program on page Make sure Disable DOS Printing is not checked. 5 Start your application from DOS. For help, see your Windows documentation. 6 Install the HP DeskJet 500C as the current printer in the DOS application from which you are printing. Some applications offer a color or black (mono) version of the HP DeskJet 500C driver. Choose the black (mono) version if you are printing in black only. Choose the color version if you are printing in color and black. Changing print settings for DOS applications If possible, use options in your DOS application to change printer settings. Use the following steps only if you want to change a printer setting that does not exist in your DOS application. Settings in your DOS application override settings in the driver. 1 From the Control Program, click the DOS Printing tab. For help opening the Control Program, see Using the Control Program on page Change settings as needed. Note: When you make changes on the DOS Printing tab, they apply to DOS print jobs only. When you make changes on other tabs, they apply to all print jobs. Printing to a file To print a document that has been processed by the driver and stored in a file (that is, printed to file): 1 Make sure you are in Windows, not native DOS. 2 Start your application from DOS. For help, see your Windows documentation. 3 Create a print file using the Print to File function of your application. For help printing to a file, see your application s user's documentation. 4 Use this DOS command to copy the print file to the port where the printer is connected: copy filename lptn /b In the command example: copy is the DOS copy command. filename is the name of the print file you created. lptn is the port where your printer is connected. For example, lpt1 or lpt2. /b instructs the computer to send the data in binary form. Note: Avoid using the DOS Print command to send a job to the printer port. The Print command causes printing delays. Printing from non- Windows DOS applications Follow these steps if your application runs from the native DOS prompt, but does not run from the DOS prompt in Windows. 1 From the printer's Control Program, click the Options tab. For help opening the Control Program, see Using the Control Program on page Make sure Disable DOS Printing is not checked. 3 Exit Windows. 4 Start your DOS application. 5 Install the HP DeskJet 500C as the current printer in the DOS application from which you are printing. Some applications offer a color or black (mono) version of the HP DeskJet 500C driver. Choose the black (mono) version if you are printing in black only. Choose the color version if you are printing in color and black. If your application does not offer the HP DeskJet 500C printer driver, install the HP DeskJet 500 printer driver. You will not be able to print in color with the HP DeskJet 500 printer driver. For help installing a printer, see your application s user documentation. Appendix 35

40 6 Create a print file using the Print To File function of your application. For help printing to a file, see your application s user's documentation. 7 Exit the DOS application. 8 Start Windows. 9 Double-click the MS-DOS icon in the Main group of Windows. 10 Use this DOS command to copy the print file to the port where the printer is connected: copy filename lptn /b In the command example: copy is the DOS copy command. filename is the name of the print file you created. lptn is the port where your printer is connected. For example, lpt1 or lpt2. /b instructs the computer to send the data in binary form. Note: Avoid using the DOS Print command to send a job to the printer port. The Print command causes printing delays and may corrupt the print job. Quick fixes for DOS printing problems Problem: DOS print job takes too long to print What to do... If you want to print a DOS file by sending it to the port to which the printer is connected, use the DOS Copy command. Avoid using the DOS Print command. It causes print delays. Problem: DOS print job does not print What to do... Check the following items: Make sure the Power light is on. Follow the steps for your operating system to make sure you select the DOS Printing option: 1 From the printer s Control Program, click the Options tab. 2 Make sure Disable DOS Printing is not checked. Problem: Envelope does not print correctly What to do... Rotate the envelope 180 degrees and reinsert it into the sheet feeder with the print side facing you and stamp location in the lower right corner. Statement of Limited Warranty Lexmark International, Inc., Lexington, KY This warranty applies to the United States and Canada. For customers outside the U.S. and Canada, refer to the countryspecific warranty information that came with your printer. Lexmark Z11 Color Jetprinter This Statement of Limited Warranty applies to this product if it was originally purchased for your use, and not for resale, from Lexmark or a Lexmark remarketer, referred to in this statement as Remarketer. Warranty Lexmark warrants that this product: Is manufactured from new parts, or new and serviceable used parts, which perform like new parts, Is free from defects in material and workmanship, Conforms to Lexmark s official published specifications, and Is in good working order. If this product does not function as warranted during the warranty period, contact a Remarketer or Lexmark for repair without charge. If this product is a feature or option, this statement applies only when that feature or option is used with the product for which it was designed. To obtain warranty service, you may be required to present the feature or option with the product. If you transfer this product to another user, warranty service under the terms of this statement is available to that user for the remainder of the warranty period. You should transfer proof of original purchase and this statement to that user. Warranty Service The warranty period is 12 months and starts on the date of original purchase as shown on the purchase receipt. To obtain warranty service you may be required to present proof of original purchase. Warranty service will be provided at a Lexmark designated location. 36 Appendix