Resolved Need opinions on lexmark printers

Hello and thank you for taking the time out to read this post.

First of all, I will apologize in advance if this is in the wrong place or if there are previous answers. I did indeed search before posting but could not find anything specific to my inquiry.

I recently replaced my computer of many years with a cheap used one off Ebay. This one works fine for now and have had no problems. If fits my needs...which was mainly to get back on the internet myself without borrowing someone else's.

So here's my quandry:

I have had this Lexmark P4350 All in one printer for 5 or 6 years. Before this printer most of them sucked in my opinion. I even had a Canon I spent over $300 on and within a year it no longer worked...so I thought I was buying a cheapy for 90 something and bought the extended warranty for $20 expecting to use it. NOT! I actually have never had a hardware problem with this printer at all and it still works. I have always loved that I don't have to "hand feed" the paper liike many of my previous printers. If it was causing any problems with my computer, it was unknown to me.

However, I recently found many opinions (Google is my friend ) on the internet where many hate their Lexmarks because of supposed spyware/trojans. In fact, I recently installed this printer on my room mate's computer and its virus protection flagged a download as a trojan when I tried to get the driver from Lexmark's website. This trojan issue is, in fact, what I have read a lot on. I stumbled accross these "opinions" when I was trying to find out what all the unknown processes were on her computer. They all pointed to annoying trojans due to Lexmark (and Dell) printers because apparantly Lexmark wants to be able to continually monitor your printer's usage, specifically ink usage I believe.

So, I need some opinions from people here because I trust this site. Do I go ahead and install this printer on this computer or avoid it like the plague like I have read a lot lately? For example, I read one where one person helped someone finally fix their computer and then begged him/her to never buy a Lexmark again.

I am asking because since 2008, I had a lot of problems with my other computer and now there it sits. I got tired of putting money into it. It won't boot up into windows and now only boots in safe mode. If this printer and its "exe" files that some programs consider trojans had anything to do with my previous problems, I in no way want to go there again.

What do you think?

Thank you and sorry I wasn't brief as I was trying to be as clear as possible.

I appreciate you.

Tim

 

Thank you very much for your response TonyT. I however no longer have the install CD. (Probably misplaced along the way) This is why the last two times I re-installed it; once on my old computer after having a new HD installed and my room mates computer. Their website does indeed (apparently) install the bundled software. They actually make it quite easy. However, perhaps I should re-word my question.

If I do go to their website as I have already done before and dowload the driver, is that a danger to this computer?

Additionally, could the opinions I've read elsewhere be an over reaction to something that simply monitors ink usage?

Maybe I am over reacting myself. I orignally discovered any type of concern at all about Lexmarks in general here:

The lexbces.exe was from a previous printer on my room mate's computer. I don't think it had anything to do with my P4350 as after I installed it, I could end the process on the lexbces.exe and the printer still worked. There was another Lexmark previously on her computer.

This is the file Lexmark's website offers to make my P4350 work and it will.

http://support.lexmark.com:80/lexmark/index?page=content&locale=EN&docLocale=en_US&segType=recommendedSegmentMICROSOFT&userlocale=EN_US&id=DR3684

What do you think.

Thanks,

Tim

 

What TonyT suggested is one of the best ways to go about it. I also install the printer using "Custom" settings & install the drivers and the minimum programs required to start printing.

Its unfortunate, but most of the cds contain junk ware that I would avoid.

 

I had posted a rather lenghty reply in this forum but I may have clicked the wrong option. I clicked quick reply and it said the moderators would need to look at it first. I did a lot of copy paste so I haven't got time right now (it's late) to repeat everything. Maybe we can go from there once it's posted???

I don't have an install CD. That's why I use the Lexmark site.

Please let me know what you think once that reply is released.

I appreciate you guys.

Thanks.

 

*** thank you ***

Thank you all & especially TonyT. It worked!!!!

If I have another question that does not pertain to the printer, do I

A. Have to search the site

then, &/or

B. Post a new thread

or

C. Can I just ask quickly here?

Probably simple for you.

Anyways, thanks again.

 

Downloaded the driver package cjb4300EN.exe and followed TonyT's instructions. Thanks again, all.

Tim

 

I've had a Lexmark for about five years and it's a POS. I just can't justify buying something else right now, but I sure wouldn't consider another Lexmark. First off, you can't get refill cartridges from outside suppliers. Story is, Lexmark has a patent on their ink and won't let anyone else copy it.

I've had so many problems, it defies logic. It still works as a basic printer, but many features that originally convinced me to buy it have fallen by the wayside. I think I've reloaded the drivers maybe 8 times. The problems initlally go away, but within an hour they're all back again.

Stay as far away from this junk as you possibly can. Just my own opinion, based on experience of the initial purchase and of Lexmark's customer service.