Customer Reviews

Lexmark X73 All-In-One Print Center with USB Cable

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

If you are running any Windows Format other than XP you will want to ditch the installation disks, and go straight to Lexmark's website for Windows Version-specific drivers/instructions for your computer, or you will have problems with the installation. I had difficulty like about half of the other users with initial installation . . . I am running Windows 98, and something that the CD's have for Windows XP screwed up my computer for a couple of days. The drivers were XP ready and would not cooperate with a 98 format download. I went to the website for Lexmark and downloaded a "98" driver specifically for my unit and installed according to the new instructions. I also had to re-load Windows 98 and the drivers for the USB ports provided with CD for my computer motherboard. All in all, the insallation was a real PAIN . . . BUT . . . the unit's performance is OUTSTANDING--the BEST quality scanner I have EVER used. It is extremely FAST, very easy to use once you finally get it formatted for Windows 98. The printing quality is among the sharpest I have ever seen for a personal computer, and I have found it to be a piece of cake to operate since buying it. If I were to rate this unit based solely upon the ease of installation, I would give it 1-ZERO stars . . . installation was difficult, to say the least, but in performance, I would rate the unit a 5+ Stars for its outstanding features/ease of use/speed/quality of print, etc . . . I purchased the unit for it's performance . . . I viewed installation as merely a means to get the performance I desire . . . so my overall rating is on performance/quality ONLY--not installation. Despite the problems/difficulty I had with the installation, this product IS worth the money and the time to figure out how to properly configure it for your computer--after all, it is less than half the cost of other multifunction units with equal features. HOWEVER, you should not purchase this unit unless:
1) You are skilled at hardware/software installation, or,
2) You are running Windows XP--from reading other reviews, XP users seem to have an easy time of it!

I operate a Windows ME Pentium III platform. The download from the provided disks in the package went smoothly. Very user-friendly. Just put it through its paces -- printing (from Word 2000), scan, and copying. Flawless performance, with a very smooth, nifty interface, Connection through USB port makes for quick, easy operation. I do not use the machine for fax purposes, since I am connected to broadband cable modem. The only downer -- when I got home and opened the box, I discovered that the required USB cable was not included, so I had to truck out to get one. Kind of chintzy of Lexmark. They should have included one in the package, and charged more if they had to. Yes, I realize that there was a reminder on the box (smallish print) not to forget the USB cable, but, hey, I still think they should have put one in the box. Nice, convenient product. Also, it is not a space hog -- fits nicely where my HP Deskjet used to go. At [price], highly recommended.

This printer would not work consistantly from the disc, from the computor, from the LEXMARK downloads, or professional computor techs. I wasted time and money (on a complete computor diagnostic) trying to get the LEXMARK73 to work. At the beginning it would work for a few days, then slip into about three error situations. I am was being blamed for improper installing and only found out from the supplier that all of the LEX 73's were being returned on a recall. I think Lexmark should have notified me about the recall through the numerous calls to LEXMARK that I made regarding the install problems. I and my friends are not too impressed.

This is one of the greatest and scariest deals on the market. Every review I have read has a bit of truth to it. The scanner and printer work wonderfully, provide great colors and images.
However the bundled software and downloadable drivers stink. It would be wonderful to have a powerful image editor with the scanner but you are stuck with MGI Photosuite. Second, the drivers stink.
I spent about 8 hours trying to figure out why my Windows ME system would no longer load after adding the printer. I would get past the ME screen, log in and then have a black screen. What I eventually had to to was rename a file called lexpps.exe and deselect all the startup system tray items related to lexmark. This has helped so far so we shall see.
The drivers are a hit and miss type of thing and really depends on your system, windows and a bit of luck. Lexmark should really update their drivers and work on better helping their existing and for some soon to be ex-customers.
Love the machine, hate the hassle.

I am running XP and Used the XP drivers from Lexmarks Website instead of the CD and it was flawless. The little machine's performance is great! It integrates with your computer modem to function as a full featured fax machine. You would never know that the modem wasn't built in because it is so seemless.

I also agree---nothing but trouble! Contacted Lexmark, computer manufacturer, and place of sale to try and fix the problem"S". Now I am having trouble returning it to place of sale (TV). Trying since August! Got the X83 2 days ago. Much better. For the price it seems to be OK so far.

Just got my x73 and was worried about the drivers and such from other reviews. But after reading the directions for installation, following the directions on cd and manual went smoothly. Qualifier: I have Windows xp pro.

It's lightweight, but seems to perform just fine for me, who prints and copies text mostly.

I always buy Lexmark printers. This is a good one too. It prints, scans, and faxes for a decent price! I find it easy to use also. The speed of the printer isn't the quickest, but what's the rush? :) Older printer models don't offer the use of two ink cartridges..one black and one color. This one does. That helps to save on a lot of ink! It also comes with one color and one black cartridge. It is compatible with Windows98, Me, 2000, or XP. It also uses an USB cable to connect..not parallel (like the older models). I am fairly sure it came with a USB cable, but I can't remember positively.

HOW TO: Install The Lexmark X73 Printer Drivers In Windows XP
(Article: 862)

Summary

How To... Install The Lexmark X73 Printer Drivers In Windows XP

Symptom

The X73 multi-function printer is giving a can not communicate message or will not install correctly..

Cause

Updated Drivers for WindowsXP are required.

Resolution

Note, you should write down or print these instructions as these steps will have you restart your system - this online document will not be available during the restart.

To set up the Lexmark X73 printer, please carefully follow the steps in the "Getting Started" guide that came with your computer. If your system has the 1-2-3 steps, you may want to download the new and improved X73 setup drivers.

The new file name is: Lexmark_x73_Setup_Version3.exe

The new drivers can be downloaded... If you are viewing this document on the web, you can click the link below to start the download.

Lexmark_x73_Setup_Version3.exe

The following are steps to be used with the new driver download that is described above.

Download the above file. When asked where to download the file to, choose your Desktop.
Make certain your computer is powered on and at the desktop.
As per the instructions that came with the printer, make certain the scanner bed is unlocked (the RED switch on back of the printer).
As per the instructions that came with the printer, make certain the ink cartridges are installed.
Verify the printer power is turned on (you will see a green light by the dark green power button on top of the printer).
Connect the USB cable to the back of the printer.
Connect the USB cable to the USB port on the back of the computer. Use the correct port as per the installation instructions that came with the system.
You will receive a "Found new Hardware Wizard" screen for a "USB device", press CANCEL to continue.
You will receive a "Found new Hardware Wizard" screen for "LexmarkLexmark X73", press CANCEL to continue.
You may see a message at the bottom of the desktop that there was a problem with new hardware. You can close this or ignore it.
Technical Info: In device manager you will now have two unknown devices - LexmarkLexmark X73 and USB Device.
Double-click the Lexmark_x73_Setup_Version3.exe file you downloaded and follow the onscreen prompts..
You will see a software license agreement. Click Yes to continue.
When prompted to restart your system, click OK and your system will restart.
When your system restarts, you will receive a message warning that your cartridges have changed. This is normal. Click OK.
You will then be presented with a "Choose Cartridges" dialog box. Click OK to continue.
You will now be prompted with the "Automatic Alignment" screen. Click Align to go through the printer alignment test.
When the alignment test is finished, click on OK.
On the "Control Program - X73" screen, press OK to close the window.
There will now be a "Lexmark x73" Icon as well as a "Lexmark Scan And Copy Control Program" icon on the toolbar.
The printer should now be installed.
If you have Problems:

If you try to print and there are two or more printers showing up, then someone may have physically moved the printer to a different USB port on the computer. The default printer is still set to the originally installed printer. You must set the default printer to the most recently installed one. To do this:

Click Start.
Click Control Panel.
Click Printers and other Hardware if the icon exists.
Click Printers and Faxes
Locate the printer icon that displays the message "Ready" and right click on this icon.
Choose Make Default from the list that appears.
You should now be able to fully use your printer.

Instructions for using the Lexmark Printer Installation Disc that was included with your system:
First Time Installation
Warning: Do not connect the USB cable at this time, the software installation instructions will prompt you during installation.

Insert your Lexmark Xx3 Installation CD (disc 1) in your CD-ROM drive. Make sure your computer is on.
Once you see the Lexmark Installation screen, click the Install Now button.
Wait while files are loaded onto your computer. Click the Next button.
Click the Next on the directory window. Click Next on the following screen.
If your USB cable is connected to your Lexmark All-In-One product, disconnect it now. Click OK.
Wait while the software is installed on your computer.
When the next screen appears, connect the USB cable and click OK.
The printer should now be installed and ready to use.

Already installed the software but it appears the printer driver is not installed

To verify the printer driver is not installed follow these steps:

Attach the USB and power cable attached to your device
Restart your PC
Click Start.
Click Control Panel.
Click Printers and other Hardware if the icon exists.
Click Printers and Faxes
If your printer does not appear in the list then please follow the remaining instructions below.

Unplug the USB cable and power cord from the back of the printer
Insert the Lexmark Xx3 CD into your CDROM drive if it is not installed already.
If the CD automatically runs, click Cancel.
Click Start and select Run.
In the Open box, type the letter of your CDROM drive followed by prtsetup.exe. For example: D:\prtsetup.exe and click OK.
A Lexmark License Agreement will appear, click Accept.
A progress bar with the percentage of files copied will be displayed.
Next a communication error will appear, click Cancel on this message.
A printer registration screen will appear, click cancel or exit.
Click Start and choose Shut Down. In the Shut Down window select Restart. While the computer is restarting reconnect the USB and power cables and power the printer on. Once the computer has restarted Windows should detect the printer.

...the drivers not digitally singned by Microsoft for Windows XP logo.
After four months the problems have appeared. Lexmark began to work not correctly. Reinstalling the drivers have not resulted. The updating of drivers has not helped.