My printer won't work in Linux. Can I install Windows in a VM to use my printer?

Caboose79 · 07-12-2008, 04:48 AM

Hi,

I've a question. I've a "paperweight" printer. It's a Lexmarks Z735 series and as far as I can tell, it won't work in Linux and God knows I've been searching for a way around this for quite sometime.

I don't feel like buying a new printer, since I print things very seldom, so I wonder if I could install Windows on a virtual machine inside Linux just to use the printer. I know dual-booting would be the best solution in this case, but I don't really like to dual boot and I'd ratter run Linux only.

Thanks in advance

biophysics · 07-12-2008, 05:47 AM

The simplest/quickest will be for you to install Virtualbox. It is fast and free. (even in my 512mb RAM laptop)

since you want XP only for minor things - remaster your XP CD here.
http://www.nliteos.com/nlite.html
and install XP

alan_ri · 07-12-2008, 06:17 AM

Welcome to LQ!
What distribution are you using and what were the errors you've encountered?

lazlow · 07-12-2008, 10:24 AM

Here is a lead to using lexmark printers on linux. I used it on my Z635 on F7 and it worked fine.

Quote:

http://gentoo-wiki.com/HOWTO_Lexmark_Printers

resetreset · 07-14-2008, 10:55 AM

Um if Linux can't use it, how can Windows inside Linux use it?

farslayer · 07-14-2008, 11:05 AM

Since that printer costs about the same as set of ink cartridges, I would say go buy a supported printer. and donate your Z735 to a windows user.

Lexmark Z735 $24.99