The front panel on my Lexmark S305 printer will not close. If I try to force it I'm afraid it will break. What can I do to close it?

Try to uninstall the Lexmark software. To do that, on your computer, press on Start > All Programs > Lexmark > S300 Series > Uninstall Lexmark S300 Series.

Then download an updated driver online. Just click on the link: Lexmark S305

Try to perform a maintenance on the cartridges. To do that, on the control panel of your printer, press on Setup > Maintenance > Deep Clean Printhead.

The Lexmark Impact S305 printer requires all the cartridges to have ink in them to continue printing - even if you're printing using black ink only. To print true black, you actually use some of the color ink.
Note: Leaving the color cartridge empty or dry isn't good for the printer. It can lead to poor print quality if you want to print color in the future.

Try to clean the printhead nozzles on your Lexmark Impact S305 printer. From the printer operator panel, press Setup button > Maintenance > Deep Clean Printhead. Your printer will then print a page forcing ink through the printhead nozzles and clean them.

If that doesn't help, please visit the Lexmark support page to determine if your printer is affected with the printhead issue. Also, make sure your printer is updated. The firmware update will help give you a highly reliable print system.
Click here to validate your serial number and/or update your firmware.

Check out Lexmark support page article on How to Collapse/Lower the Operator Panel on the Pro200, S300, S400, S500, and S600 Series Printer Models.

Try to do the Deep Clean Printhead function on the printer. Press Setup button > Maintenance > Deep Clean Printhead. Your printer will then print a page forcing ink through the cartridge nozzles and clean them. Try to print again.

Try using the Lexmark Printer Home when scanning. If you have a PC, to access it click on Start > All Programs > Lexmark > Printer Home. You can scan to a .jpeg, PDF or .doc.

If you're scanning from the control panel of your printer and you're getting an error message, "Cannot Retrieve Application List", most probably your firewall is blocking your printer from downloading the applications. You might want to add the Lexmark files in the exception of your firewall. Click on the link on how to add exceptions to your firewall.

If you're trying to scan to email (email client), try to check this link: http://bit.ly/k0w0Hp

find a tight plastic locking clip on the underside of the control panel. It may be at the top middle edge on the underside. Give it a very firm upwards press and it should unlock the control panel section.

We had same problem and this helped us. But you have to move your finger just to the right of the ridges and press firmly- you'll hear it click as it releases

just apply force in the front of the printer access door. Don't be afraid that you might break it...