Printers are useful devices but some old devices don’t work with newer OS like Windows 8.1.  In many cases, users feel they have to buy a new printer. This is not always the case. If you have an old Lexmark printer and are facing problems with this printer, then the solutions given in this post might help you get your old Lexmark printer back up and running again.

Fix Lexmark Driver Problems

 Communication problem with Lexmark printer

Some users have complained about experiencing communication problems with older Lexmark printers after upgrading to Windows 8.1. The reason for this problem is drivers not functioning properly. Even reinstalling the printer does not solve the issue. If you are facing a similar problem, here are the troubleshooting tips you need to follow.

1. Disconnect your Lexmark printer from your computer
2. Open the Charms bar by moving the mouse pointer to lower-right corner of the screen and then moving it upwards
3. Click Search
4. Type Device Manager
5. Click on Device Manager from the list of search results
6. In Device Manager window, go to Devices+Printers
7. Right-click on your Lexmark printer and select Remove
8. Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services
9. Look for Print Spooler in the list, double-click on it and select Stop
10. Uninstall all Lexmark software from your PC and reboot
11. Stop the Print Spooler again
12. Right-click on Setup file and select Properties
13. Go to Compatibility tab and check the Compatibility mode box
14. Select operating system with which the old Lexmark printer worked well. You can choose Windows 7 or even Windows XP SP3 from the list
15. Click OK
16. Run the installation and follow-on screen instructions

The Print Spooler service will start automatically and you should be able to print

Lexmark printer won’t work after upgrade

Most of the time, such problems arise due to corrupt Printer Drivers. If you are having similar problem, follow the troubleshooting steps set out below:

1. Disconnect Lexmark printer from your Windows 8.1 system
2. Move the mouse pointer to the upper-right corner of the screen and move the pointer downwards
3. Type control panel in search box
4. Select control panel from the list of search results
5. Open Device Manager
6. Look for a yellow exclamation mark beside the Lexmark Printer entry
7. Right-click on Lexmark printer and select uninstall
8. Reboot PC
9. Connect the Lexmark printer. Windows will detect new hardware connected and install correct drivers