Troubleshooting a Non-Responsive Label Printer (SE Models Only)

Owned by John Bellos (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Jul 07, 2017 by Amy Blanchard
3 min read

This document can be used to troubleshoot a label printer that previously was setup and working.

Step 1 - Cycle power and cables to Label Printer

  1. From the File menu in DVMAX, go to Setup Label Printers. Uncheck the box that says "This station has attached label printer". Click OK
  2. Quit out of DVMAX
  3. Unplug the serial cable or Keyspan adapter from the back of the computer.
  4. Unplug the data cable (looks like a phone cable) from the back of the label printer.
  5. Turn the label printer OFF. (SE450 printers do not have power button. Simply unplug the power cord.)
  6. Restart your computer.
  7. Plug the data cable back in to the printer.
  8. Plug the Keyspan/Serial cable back into the computer.
  9. Turn the label printer ON. (plug the power cord back in)
  10. Push the form feed button on the front of the labeler to advance a full blank label. (If label does not advance, go to Step 2)
  11. Launch DVMAX. Go to File menu, Setup Label Printers
  12. Mark the box "This station has attached label printer"
  13. Make sure the port and type are correct.
  14. It should now be able to print labels.


If the label advances correctly, try sending another label directly from DVMAX. If it works, then you're good to go.
Otherwise proceed to Step 3 - Verify Settings and Test Label in DVMAX.

Step 2 - Reseat Labels and Reset Dymo Printer

  1. Remove the roll of labels from the label printer.
  2. Clean the inside of the label printer out - blow out the dust, or use a can of air to do this. Use a Cotton Q-tip if needed to reach places you normally cannot - especially near where the label feeds through.
  3. Feed the roll of labels back into the printer then close the lid.
  4. Press the form feed button on the front of the labeler to advance a full blank label.
  5. If the label advances correctly, try sending another label directly from DVMAX. If it works, then you're good to go.
    Otherwise proceed to Step 3 - Verify Settings and Test Label in DVMAX.

If not, you should perform a Reset on the Dymo Labeler itself:

SE300 -

  1. Turn off the label printer.
  2. Hold down the form feed button on the front and do not let go while you turn the printer back ON.
  3. The green LED will flash - as soon as it does this let go of the form feed button.
  4. Turn the label printer OFF.
  5. Hold down the form feed button on the front and do not let go while you turn the printer back ON.
  6. As soon as the green LED is Solid, let go of the form feed button.
  7. If no label advances. Repeat Steps 1 - 6 to try again.
  8. If a label does advance partially, consider using a new roll of labels or contact Dymo Support, as this is not expected behaviour.
  9. If the label advances correctly, try sending another label directly from DVMAX. If it works, then you're good to go. If not, proceed to Step 3 - Verify Settings and Test Label in DVMAX.

SE450 - 

  1. Unplug both the data cable and the power cable from the back of the printer
  2. Leave unplugged for a full 60 seconds
  3. Plug in the data cable and power cable


To test the label printer only and ensure test labels are printing correctly: (SE450 only) 

  1. Disconnect the data cable from the back of the printer
  2. Unplug the label printer
  3. While holding down the form feed button, plug the printer back in
  4. A status label should print after 5-10 seconds

Step 3 - Verify Settings and Test Label from DVMAX

On the workstation that has DVMAX Client  AND has the labeler attached to it:

  1. Close all open client, patient, invoices, appts, etc. until you're looking at the main screen of DVMAX.
  2. Go to the File menu and choose Setup Label Printers.
  3. This Station has an attached Label Printer should be checked.
  4. If this station should be Shared with other stations, verify that Setting is checked also.
  5. Click on the Setup tab.
  6. Label Printer Type should be: Dymo/CoStar Label Writer
  7. Label Printer Port be set to the port your Label printer is on. Typically this is KeySerial1 on a Macintosh. For Windows, it can be anywhere from COM1 - COM8.
  8. Click Print Test Label once you have chosen a port to use and give it 5-10 seconds to see if the Labeler responds.
  9. If it does not, try another available port and repeat test.


If problems persist beyond these steps, please call our Tech support hotline at 1-800-950-5455 for additional troubleshooting.