Vista - printer compatibility

my lexmark x83 is not compatible with windows vista. what is the right
program to download because i don't want to mess up my girl laptop.

I really can't help you since I know less than nothing about Lexmark
Printers. I did have a look on their website and I see they have an X83
but also some X83nn printers so I don't know which you have.

I can only suggest you ask Lexmark and/or search their website.

If you have an XP driver that works in XP it is worth trying it in
VISTA -- do a search here on "Run as Administrator" and you will find a
number of threads dealing with installing XP software for a printer --
look for one which includes a reference to using Compatibility mode set
to "XP with SP2".

If your Lexmark is connected by USB cable look for a message that
describes how you must uninstall any software you may have installed
for the device, unplug the cable from the computer itself, not just
from the printer, reboot and then install the software that Lexmark
provide. Do not connect the cable until told to or until the
installation is finished. If the software is on a CD do not let it
autostart -- find the start file on it and right mouse click to get to
compatibility and run as administrator.

Having said all that, you have an All-in-one and you will very likely
find that the scanner will not work from the VISTA Fax and Scanning
module.

There's a recent post confirming this.

So you may find yourself with a choice: buy a new device or don't use
VISTA.