What you will see

You can no longer print or scan to your wireless printer or All-In-One (AIO). Notice a flashing wi-fi symbol on your printer control panel.

How to proceed

Follow these steps in the order presented.

Step 1:

Print out a network or wireless network settings page. See the printer documentation or scroll through your printer's menu to locate the Network Setup > Print Setup Page option.

Step 2:

Verify that the PC or Mac can communicate over the wireless network. NOTE: If the computer is connected to the router with a network cable, make sure other wireless clients can access the network. You must confirm this before proceeding.

Step 3:

Locate the STATUS value on the network settings page.

If... Then...

The STATUS value is CONNECTED... Click here for another article which may prove useful.

The STATUS value is NOT CONNECTED... Proceed to Step 4.

Step 4:

Locate the Wireless Trouble Code. Refer to the table at the bottom of this page.

Trouble codes and Possible Causes

This table offers guidance for identifying possible causes of wireless communication issues. Please note that while the names of router settings differ between manufacturers, the basic function of all wireless routers is virtually identical.

Trouble Code # Trouble code explanation Possible cause and corrective actions

1
Cannot associate with wireless network.

Note: You can see and select the proper SSID (network name) during configuration.
Possible causes in order of probability are:

Incorrect entry of WEP key or WPA (2) passphrase.

Incorrect selection of proper security type (WEP, WPA, WPA2).

Improper encryption cipher (WPA2: TKIP or AES).

MAC (Media Access Control) filtering or other security measures.

Work virtual private network (VPN) connection enabled while configuring or setting up device.

Suggested actions in the same order:

Improper entry of WEP key or WPA passphrase.

Important! Check the spelling and understand that the key/passphrase is sensitive to capitalization, hidden spaces and unacceptable characters.

Click Back, or Continue, or rerun the wireless setup utility to re-enter the correct key or passphrase. If unsure of this value, see the router documentation, router web configuration, or person responsible for setting up the network. Click here should you be unfamiliar with this procedure.

Important! The printer will lose radio communication with the router if a hard reset of the router was performed and a new key or passphrase was configured on the router. You will have to connect the USB configuration cable and rerun the wireless setup utility.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) does not always work the first time for whatever reason, but usually this is a timing issue. Keep trying. Click here for additional suggestions.

Improper selection of security type. (Manual configuration users)

You will need to know your router's encryption type(security type).

Check the router web page to determine whether WEP, WPA, or WPA2 was selected during the original configuration of the router. See the router documentation for help on how to access the router web configuration utility or, in some cases, the software configuration utility provided with the router.

Check your router's configuration to make sure you are using a TKIP/PSK or AES cipher. See the router documentation.

Hint! WPA uses TKIP/PSK and WPA2 adds AES. This rarely plays a role in failed configuration but you should look at this setting on your router and force a combination value if available.

Router MAC filtering will allow clients or wireless Network Interface Controllers (NICs) to associate on the network or prevent them from doing so.

This is a rare occurrence, but security buffs may decide to turn this router feature ON.

This router feature requires the entry of the printer's NIC MAC address to grant access to the router (AP).

See the router documentation or web configuration utility to see if this feature is enabled. Also see the back of the printer for the MAC (UAA) address if this configuration is required.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) The only way around this is VPN tunneling. If this is not an option, disconnect from your VPN to ensure successful configuration and communication with the printer.

Firewalls on the router may prevent association with the router. See the router documentation.

DHCP turned OFF on router. This prevents IP address assignment and prevents the printer from joining the network. See the router documentation.

5GHz only operation set on the router's access point radio will prevent communication. 2.4 GHz is recommended. See the router documentation.

Radio turned OFF on router. See the router documentation.

Router Proprietary Speed setting. Lexmark devices strictly adhere to IEEE 802.11 g/b/n 2.4GHz standard.

Note: Other possibilities exist but these are the primary culprits.

2 Access point is not using WPA Possible causes in order of probability:

The WPA security type was selected and configured on the printer NIC (wireless print server) using the wireless configuration utility, but the AP does not have any WPA information elements in its beacons. Make sure the router is not configured for WEP or WPA2.

The AP with the target SSID is advertising WPA security with WPA information elements in its beacons, but the printer's wireless NIC (adapter) is not configured for WPA.

Suggestion: Make sure of the router (AP) encryption/security type when making this selection in the Wireless Setup Utility.

3 Signal strength too weak
The network name or SSID is in the wireless setup utility (WSU/WSAMac) site survey results, but its signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio is < 10dB, which our wireless adapter deems unacceptable.

Note: The setting page does not list SNR on our network settings sheet, but it does list signal strength, which accounts for overall signal quality.
SNR = RF signal power relative to power of noise in the environment; e.g., 43db SNR is better than 37db SNR.

Suggested actions include: Antenna adjustment; booster (gain) antennas if router supports it; range extenders (repeaters) if appropriate; reposition AP or printer; change AP channel; remove obstructions. See the router documentation or contact the router manufacturer's technical support for further suggestions.

4 Can't find wireless network Possible causes and suggestions include:

Invisibility Status (enabled) or Broadcast SSID (disabled) may be configured on your router. This will prevent a successful site survey by the wireless configuration utility.

Temporarily change this setting to allow for a successful SSID search, or select Manually enter network information.

The target network name or SSID no longer exists.
Confirm your AP's network name or SSID. See the router documentation or configuration web or software utility.

The target network name or AP is completely out of range. Follow the suggestions in Step 3, Signal strength too weak.

5 Signal strength too strong
The target SSID in the wireless configuration utility site survey is too strong or greater than –10dB.

This explanation requires a greater understanding of radio frequency behavior, but it should be known that having the printer too close to the AP can cause receiver trouble.

Additional Suggestions

Contact your router manufacturer or seek your router's support documentation.
Reset the printer's network settings and start over.
Verify that other wireless devices are communicating on the network.
You may think you are entering the correct passphrase; however, you may be missing an upper or lower-case letter, entering an additional space or symbols, or you are misspelling the phrase.
See 2009 Wireless Inkjet Series Installation and Networking Table of Contents.

Still Need Help?

If you require additional assistance, please contact Lexmark Technical Support. NOTE: When calling for support, you will need the machine/model type and serial number (SN) of your printer.

Please call from near the computer and printer in case the technician on the phone asks you to perform a task on one or both of these devices.

Lexmark Genesis S815	Lexmark Genesis S816	Lexmark Impact S301
Lexmark Impact S302	Lexmark Impact S305	Lexmark Impact S308	Lexmark Interact S602
Lexmark Interact S605	Lexmark Interact S606	Lexmark Interact S608	Lexmark Interpret S402
Lexmark Interpret S405	Lexmark Interpret S408	Lexmark Interpret S409	Lexmark Intuition S502
Lexmark Intuition S505	Lexmark Intuition S508	Lexmark Pinnacle Pro901	Lexmark Platinum Pro902
Lexmark Platinum Pro905	Lexmark Platinum Pro908	Lexmark Prestige Pro802	Lexmark Prestige Pro805
Lexmark Prestige Pro808	Lexmark Prevail Pro702	Lexmark Prevail Pro705	Lexmark Prevail Pro706
Lexmark Prevail Pro708	Lexmark Pro4000	Lexmark Pro4000c	Lexmark Pro5500
Lexmark Pro5500t	Lexmark Pro715	Lexmark Pro915	Lexmark Prospect Pro202
Lexmark Prospect Pro205	Lexmark Prospect Pro208	Lexmark Prospect Pro209	Lexmark S315
Lexmark S415	Lexmark S515	Lexmark X3550	Lexmark X3580
Lexmark X4530	Lexmark X4550	Lexmark X4580	Lexmark X4630
Lexmark X4650	Lexmark X4690	Lexmark X4850	Lexmark X4875
Lexmark X4950	Lexmark X4975	Lexmark X4975ve	Lexmark X6570
Lexmark X6575	Lexmark X6650	Lexmark X6675	Lexmark X6690
Lexmark X7350	Lexmark X7550	Lexmark X7675	Lexmark X9350
Lexmark X9575	Lexmark Z1420	Lexmark Z1480	Lexmark Z2420

Print the Network Settings Page First to Identify the 'Wireless Trouble Code'

Problem

Solution

Print the Network Settings Page First to Identify the 'Wireless Trouble Code'	Document ID:SO4674

	Properties

If...	Then...
The STATUS value is CONNECTED...	Click here for another article which may prove useful.
The STATUS value is NOT CONNECTED...	Proceed to Step 4.

Trouble Code #	Trouble code explanation	Possible cause and corrective actions
1	Cannot associate with wireless network. Note: You can see and select the proper SSID (network name) during configuration.	Possible causes in order of probability are: Incorrect entry of WEP key or WPA (2) passphrase. Incorrect selection of proper security type (WEP, WPA, WPA2). Improper encryption cipher (WPA2: TKIP or AES). MAC (Media Access Control) filtering or other security measures. Work virtual private network (VPN) connection enabled while configuring or setting up device. Suggested actions in the same order: Improper entry of WEP key or WPA passphrase. Important! Check the spelling and understand that the key/passphrase is sensitive to capitalization, hidden spaces and unacceptable characters. Click Back, or Continue, or rerun the wireless setup utility to re-enter the correct key or passphrase. If unsure of this value, see the router documentation, router web configuration, or person responsible for setting up the network. Click here should you be unfamiliar with this procedure. Important! The printer will lose radio communication with the router if a hard reset of the router was performed and a new key or passphrase was configured on the router. You will have to connect the USB configuration cable and rerun the wireless setup utility. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) does not always work the first time for whatever reason, but usually this is a timing issue. Keep trying. Click here for additional suggestions. Improper selection of security type. (Manual configuration users) You will need to know your router's encryption type(security type). Check the router web page to determine whether WEP, WPA, or WPA2 was selected during the original configuration of the router. See the router documentation for help on how to access the router web configuration utility or, in some cases, the software configuration utility provided with the router. Check your router's configuration to make sure you are using a TKIP/PSK or AES cipher. See the router documentation. Hint! WPA uses TKIP/PSK and WPA2 adds AES. This rarely plays a role in failed configuration but you should look at this setting on your router and force a combination value if available. Router MAC filtering will allow clients or wireless Network Interface Controllers (NICs) to associate on the network or prevent them from doing so. This is a rare occurrence, but security buffs may decide to turn this router feature ON. This router feature requires the entry of the printer's NIC MAC address to grant access to the router (AP). See the router documentation or web configuration utility to see if this feature is enabled. Also see the back of the printer for the MAC (UAA) address if this configuration is required. Virtual Private Network (VPN) The only way around this is VPN tunneling. If this is not an option, disconnect from your VPN to ensure successful configuration and communication with the printer. Firewalls on the router may prevent association with the router. See the router documentation. DHCP turned OFF on router. This prevents IP address assignment and prevents the printer from joining the network. See the router documentation. 5GHz only operation set on the router's access point radio will prevent communication. 2.4 GHz is recommended. See the router documentation. Radio turned OFF on router. See the router documentation. Router Proprietary Speed setting. Lexmark devices strictly adhere to IEEE 802.11 g/b/n 2.4GHz standard. Note: Other possibilities exist but these are the primary culprits.
2	Access point is not using WPA	Possible causes in order of probability: The WPA security type was selected and configured on the printer NIC (wireless print server) using the wireless configuration utility, but the AP does not have any WPA information elements in its beacons. Make sure the router is not configured for WEP or WPA2. The AP with the target SSID is advertising WPA security with WPA information elements in its beacons, but the printer's wireless NIC (adapter) is not configured for WPA. Suggestion: Make sure of the router (AP) encryption/security type when making this selection in the Wireless Setup Utility.
3	Signal strength too weak	The network name or SSID is in the wireless setup utility (WSU/WSAMac) site survey results, but its signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio is < 10dB, which our wireless adapter deems unacceptable. Note: The setting page does not list SNR on our network settings sheet, but it does list signal strength, which accounts for overall signal quality. SNR = RF signal power relative to power of noise in the environment; e.g., 43db SNR is better than 37db SNR. Suggested actions include: Antenna adjustment; booster (gain) antennas if router supports it; range extenders (repeaters) if appropriate; reposition AP or printer; change AP channel; remove obstructions. See the router documentation or contact the router manufacturer's technical support for further suggestions.
4	Can't find wireless network	Possible causes and suggestions include: Invisibility Status (enabled) or Broadcast SSID (disabled) may be configured on your router. This will prevent a successful site survey by the wireless configuration utility. Temporarily change this setting to allow for a successful SSID search, or select Manually enter network information. The target network name or SSID no longer exists. Confirm your AP's network name or SSID. See the router documentation or configuration web or software utility. The target network name or AP is completely out of range. Follow the suggestions in Step 3, Signal strength too weak.
5	Signal strength too strong	The target SSID in the wireless configuration utility site survey is too strong or greater than –10dB. This explanation requires a greater understanding of radio frequency behavior, but it should be known that having the printer too close to the AP can cause receiver trouble.