"Is there anyway to stop this annoying but typical Windows behavior?" Yes.
(Its not really typical windows behavior, but might be considered by some to
be typical of problems with Lexmark drivers, and users that don't follow the
Mfrs install instructions.)
Shutdown
Disconnect the printer.
Restart
Uninstall the printer drivers, and if a multifunction, the drivers for the
other functions. (Scanner, Fax, etc.)
Run any Lexmark "cleanup" utility (if available) from the Lexmark web site
Shutdown
Reboot, and reinstall the drivers before the printer is reconnected. (Follow
any install instructions given)
If this does not work = =
An optional process involves the above uninstall process, followed by
uninstalling the USB controller and port driver used by the printer,
then shutting down and rebooting.
This seems to disconnect any software links to the old ports that are
involved in the defective driver install that caused the problem in the
first place.
Note: there are some special considerations/instructions for some Lexmark
printer driver uninstalls. Seems Lexmark may have done some "nasty" things
to the system printer subsystem. I don't know if this is the case with your
particuliar printer model and driver version.
It's also possible that something prevented a registry entry associated with
your printer from being set correctly.
On older windows versions, one bit of a registry entry value was involved. I
don't know if that is still the case.
If you are unplugging and reconnecting the printer to different USB ports,
you may be prompted to install the printer drivers.
A process such as the above uninstall/install has a better chance of
succeeding if done as the administrator. You may also see a prompt "for all
users" somewhere in the process. If so, yes is the obvious answer.
