Lexmark x1200 series and Windows Vista

Question

I recently purchased a Lexmark X1290, and I didn't use the CD that came with the device as these were WinXP drivers. I downloaded the Vista drivers from Lexmark's site. I plugged in the printer to my PC, and got the unknown device error literally within three seconds, followed by "your unknown device has been installed" message five seconds later. If I go into Device Manager, it shows no issues or conflicts, but in the properties for this unknown device (actually my Lexmark printer) in device manager, it shows an issue as it states there are "no drivers for this device". I ran Lexmark's Vista software, doesn't recognize the device as being plugged in, so the installation will not continue. I unplugged, plug in again, tried another cable/port, same thing. By the way, all my other USB devices work fine. Contacted Lexmark support, first person, told me to do what I just did and then said to try the drivers from an alternate ftp link; didn't work. I tried going into device manager, and choosing update driver, and pointing to Lexmark's Vista download, I get a “this file is not compatible for your device error”. I tried add new hardware, but this also finds nothing. Do you know a way around this to get Vista to recognize a USB printer/scanner? It seems Vista within seconds after plugging it in, tells me of this issue, after then you can't basically get around this issue. Lexmark told me to contact Dell, and ask for a update for my Vista PC called "USB printer support". I contacted Dell, and they had no clue what I was talking about, and in defense of Dell, I don't think it is Dell's issue. Dell asked me if my USB ports have been working fine since getting my PC a few months ago, I said yes, as all my other USB devices are recognized and work fine in Vista. Dell said I need to contact Lexmark again about this issue. Has anyone heard of a update for "USB printer support", as Lexmark says this is common for the Dell PC customers they have dealt with. Sorry for the long post, and thanks a lot in advance for your help.

Message Edited by mars78 on 06-19-2007 09:54 AM

fireberd · Answer

In almost all cases, when installing peripherals such as a printer or all in one, you must first run the installation program and ONLY when the install program tells you then physically connect the unit to the PC.  If you connect it first in almost all cases either wrong drivers will be installed or the installation will fail.

mars78 · Answer

Thanks for the reply. Per a knowledgebase article I got from Lexmark, I tried installing usb printer support via right clicking the unknown device listing in device manager ,update driver, manually browse, point to the usbprinter.inf file in the Windows folder, but Vista won't budge.

It will show a unknown device, and will leave it at that. I am stuck at this point as Vista says it is an unknown device no matter what I throw at it.

Tried uninstalling the driver countless times, doing what you suggested, Vista won't listen.

Message Edited by mars78 on 06-19-2007 06:55 PM

fireberd · Answer

As a last resort, you can use the System Restore function, and restore the PC to a date PRIOR to first attempting to install the printer.  That will give you a 'clean' starting point.  Only drawback with the System Restore, any other programs or updates will have to be reinstalled (but you won't lose any data or e-mails).

mars78 · Answer

Again, thank you. I tried this last night, as there were no prior updates. Prior to doing this, I went into services thinking maybe there was a service that hadn't started, found nothing. My BIOS is current, and the settings are fine. I did a System Restore since I haven't had any updates since this was first installed (other the .dat files from my antivirus program and I had to re-download---did so, no big deal). System Restore worked great, but right away Vista did the same thing, I ran their software first (IMO, it is horribly written, with no sign of any Vista drivers (.inf files). Waited for Lexmark's Vista installer to prompt to plug in the USB cable. Nothing, within three seconds (literally), I get 'The USB device has malfunction' error from Vista. So now I am wondering if it is actually a defective product. I personally do not like Lexmark, but I got this on sale for $40+ shipping. I didn't lose much, I am wasting too much time on this for this amount of money (no refunds or returns on product per the vendor---this should've tipped me off). Again, I appreciate the help, but Vista will not move beyond this error. Funny, it installs an 'unknown device' in the Device Manager will no conflicts/errors and no driver. It just won't let you go beyond this. Thanks again.

fireberd · Answer

To be truthful, I do not recommend Lexmark to my clients.  They are 'inexpensive' and basically the 'You get what you pay for' applies to Lexmark.  Dell's are made by Lexmark.

mars78 · Answer

My last update....confirmed it was defective. I dragged out an old (7 yrs. old) XP PC I have. Works very well, just getting long in the tooth. Unboxed it, plugged in the Lexmark when prompted by the CD (as this was an XP disk) same error Vista gave me, XP gave me the same error. "Your USB device has malfunctioned" ,followed by unknown device.

Well, it was a $50 lesson (after shipping), but luckily it wasn't a $200 printer, but this $50 taught me to stay away from Lexmark next time.

Message Edited by mars78 on 06-20-2007 07:23 PM

Printers

Lexmark x1200 series and Windows Vista

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