Good Luck!  I had the same problem and called support.  Guess where it took me...India.  She knew no more about the encoder strip than I.  She read exactly what was on the instructions.  I asked her where I could find a place to take it to get it repaired and she had no idea as she was in India.  I have emailed support and received no help there.  Of course the warranty is up.  It seems that everyone seems to have this same problem approximately 18months after purchasing the printer.  As far as I am concerned I am going to purchase a different brand and will tell everyone I know not to buy Dell!  I think after messing with the encoder strip trying to reseat it the strip gets damaged.  Sorry I couldn't be of any help...just had to vent.  $170.00 down the drain.