I have installed a black 23 print cartridge in my x3550 printer, and it is indicating that the cartridge is incorrect, however, this is the same cartridge that is required.

The Lexmark X3550 cartridges are:
Black: #23, #23A, and #34 Color: #24 , #24A and #35
I hope this explains why you are getting the error. Thanks.

“Lexmark does not support the refilling of its ink cartridges. Refilling the ink cartridges can cause them to leak, thus clogging or even damaging the print head. Any damage to your printer caused by refilled ink cartridges may not be covered under warranty”. Please use genuine Lexmark cartridges for best results.

Hey....I solved the lexmark out of ink problem!!!HA!!! what you have to do if you want to refill these is "pop" off the top of the cartridge. It is not easy as it is glued down...using a small screwdriver preferably a small flat jewelers screw driver you can peel back the plastic that seperates the "lid" of the ink cartridge. you have to use a little force but you can get it off. Once you do this the cartridge will always read full!!!!!! just tape it or super glue it back on. You never have to take it off again! although I recomend cleaning the ink sponges inside every 3 refills. but this works great.....ha ha lexmark.....I got ya!!!!

There are a small number of #23/#24 cartridges that are not properly recognized by the printer. Lexmark has a firmware upgrade to correct this issue. The upgrade for the X3430 is available from Lexmark at:

• PC: http://www.downloaddelivery.com/downloads/misc/Firmware_D062209_3500-4500Series.exe
• Mac: http://www.downloaddelivery.com/downloads/misc/Mac_Chan_D062209_00.zip

To install the firmware upgrade,

1. Make sure the printer is ON and connected with a USB cable.
2. Download and run the appropriate firmware upgrade for your computer.
3. Be sure not to disconnect or power off the printer until the upgrade is complete

When the update finishes the printer will restart and will accept the cartridges. Please contact Lexmark support if this does not fix the problem.
This works for the X3550 and X4550 models. A similar patch is available for the X3430 and Z1420 models. See http://bit.ly/LoXxv

Are you installing where the colour cartridge goes?
It could be faulty ,return it or let them test it.

yes its definitely faulty or then the cartridges are, get it serviced or complain about the cartridges, the other one is faulty.

my hp printer and its cartridges print out 100's of pages... I don't have a lexmark but I know its not supposed to print only 20..

The 34 and 35 cartridges will work. You can also buy a 23a or 24a from Lexmark.com and you can refill those.

There are a small number of #23/#24 cartridges that are not properly recognized by the printer. Lexmark has a firmware upgrade to correct this issue.
The upgrade for the X3470 is available from Lexmark at: http://www.downloaddelivery.com/downloads/misc/Firmware_F061909_3430Series.exe

To install the firmware upgrade,

1. Make sure the printer is ON and connected with a USB cable.
2. Download and run the appropriate firmware upgrade for your computer.
3. Be sure not to disconnect or power off the printer until the upgrade is complete

When the update finishes the printer will restart and will accept the cartridges. Please contact Lexmark support if this does not fix the problem.
This works for 3400 Series printers. A similar patch is available for the X3550, X4550, and Z1420 models. See http://bit.ly/LoXxv

Changing print cartridges Changing print cartridges Removing a used print cartridge

1. Make sure the printer is on.
   
2. Lift the scanner unit.
   The print cartridge carrier moves and stops at the loading position, unless the printer is busy.
   
3. Press down on the cartridge carrier lever to raise the cartridge carrier lid.
   
4. Remove the used print cartridge.
   

Note: If you are removing both cartridges, repeat step 3 and step 4 for the second cartridge. Installing print cartridges

1. If you are installing new print cartridges, remove the sticker and tape from the back and bottom of the cartridges.
   Warning: Do not touch the gold contact area on the back or the metal nozzles on the bottom of the cartridges.
2. Press down on the cartridge carrier levers to raise the cartridge carrier lids.
   
3. Insert the black cartridge or the photo cartridge in the left carrier. Insert the color cartridge in the right carrier.
   
4. Close the lids.
   
5. Close the scanner unit, making sure to keep your hands out from underneath the scanner unit.
   The control panel display will prompt you to load paper and press to print an alignment page.
   Note: The scanner unit must be closed to start a new scan, print, copy, or fax job.

The issue which u r facing is" Communication issue"
Make sure u have installed the lexmark printer software...or else download it from the lexmark website(lexmark.com)..choose the s\w for ur operation system( Xp or vista(32bit or 64bit))...
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If s\w is installed...

Check the USB cable..try different port...
Clear all the docs in the printer folder...
Remove the power adaptor and replung..restart computer..

When u unplug and replung the usb cable doesn ur computer give a pop up "found New hardware" ?

U can also try...
Uninstalling the s\w....disconnect the USB cable..reinstal the s\w and connect the cable when it prompts to...