My Lexmark X1270 Won't Print in Black Ink on Envelopes

Creating a professional flyer or report can be accomplished with the right printer. The Lexmark X1270 all-in-one printer gives you the flexibility to do various print jobs, including letters and envelopes. However, this does mean you will have to navigate printing problems like the black ink not printing on your envelopes — which could be the result of needing to clear the printer nozzle or adjust the ink levels.

1. Settings

   • The first possible issue is your Lexmark X1270 printer settings. Click on the "Start" button in Windows, open "Control Panel" and double-click "Devices and Printers" under the header "Hardware and Sound." Select the Lexmark X1270 from the list of available devices. Select "Adjust Print Options." Verify the black cartridge still has ink and is selected with a check mark for use.

   Cartridges

   • If you still have ink and black is selected to print on the envelopes, the problem may be the black ink cartridge in your Lexmark X1270 printer. Open the printer by lifting the flatbed completely. The black ink cartridge should be in the right dispenser, labeled with the item number "10N0016," "16" or "17." If it has the item numbers "10N0026," "26" or "27" on the cartridge in the right carrier, you have placed the color cartridge in the black ink dispenser. Remove the incorrect cartridge by lifting the cover holding it in place, popping out the side closest to you and lifting straight up. Place the black ink cartridge in the right dispenser without touching the gold plating.

   Cleaning

   • Sometimes, Lexmark printer cartridges may become dirty or clogged, especially if the printer has been sitting unused for awhile. This will cause spotty, smeared or missed printing. Find the Lexmark X1270 under "Devices and Printers" in the "Control Panel" menu. Right-click on the Lexmark all-in-one printer and select "Printer Properties." Under the tab labeled "Advanced," select "Printing Defaults" and "Maintenance." Run the "Nozzle Check" from the menu and select "Deep Cleaning" when prompted. This will clean the head of the ink cartridges for improved printing. Print a test page to confirm the cleaning worked before printing black ink on your envelopes.

   Reset

   • If you adjusted the printer settings, verified the black ink cartridge is ready to print and cleaned the printer heads without being able to print black on your envelopes, you may need to reset both the computer and printer. Turn off the printer. Power down your computer by clicking "Start" and selecting "Shut Down." Allow 30 seconds before first powering up the printer, then the computer. Verify the printer settings once more before attempting to print on the envelopes again.