Is Lexmark protecting its supplies revenue by using firmware updates to lock out non-OEM supplies? Image source: Photos.com.
In January, the web was abuzz with stories that a firmware update for Lexmark inkjet all-in-ones based on Lexmark’s Vizix platform resulted in these devices no longer being able to accept anything other than the OEM Lexmark 100, 100XL, and 105XL ink tanks (see News Briefing, “Rumors Circulate That Lexmark Firmware Update Locks Out Non-OEM Supplies”). Reportedly, the United Kingdom’s Office of Fair Trading and the Trading Standards Institute were investigating consumer complaints that the update prevented them from using compatible and/or remanufactured cartridges for these printers. Various sources disagreed on whether these organizations had confirmed they were investigating the matter.
This is my last Lexmark product!
Our company Metrofuser has developed counter measures to defend against Lexmark’s firmware upgrade on the laser printers side…. Announcements at ITEX
Well done. They will not stop. This is one step more after MPS contracts.
IF YOU ALREADY DOWNLOADED THE UPDATE, IT CAN BE FIXED! (Learned from hard experience)
IF YOU HAVE THE ORIGINAL INSTALLATION DISC and
IF you do this carefully, without making errors that will fry your box, you can beat this!
1) Get rid of absolutely, positively EVERYTHING on your computer related to Lexmark (scour the registry, look for LEX, LXEE, Printer, Software, Spool, Scan, etc.). I needed more than one program and LOTS of time.
2) Block Lexmark from ANY access to your computer ever again. You now have a pretty good, cheap Lexmark with no support and no warranty. (You can’t have those if you want to use “unauthorized” cartridges.)
3) Get ONE set of overpriced Lexmark cartridges. (If you call with a printhead complaint, they might send a free set.)
4) When the Lexmark cartridges are empty (sooner than non-authorized cartridges) peel off the tape that hides the chip (on the narrow edge of the cartridge). Note the location.
5) Get good, cheap replacement cartridges. Peel off the replacement cartridge tape and remove the replacement cartridge chip.
6) Put the old Lexmark chip in the same location on the replacement cartridge as it was on the Lexmark cartridge.
7) Reinstall the printer from the disc.
8) Make a fuss! Holler! Bring lawsuits! General Motors used to advertise, “Buy genuine GM parts”. At least with a GM, if you bought “unauthorized” parts, the car STILL RAN! You voided the warranty and took the risk. BUT THEY DIDN’T OWN YOU JUST BECAUSE YOU BOUGHT something from their CORPORATION!!
Good luck!