Lexmark 900.xx service error - RIP software failure
The printer's controller software encountered an error it could not recover from and stopped, showing a 900 service message with further digits identifying the component. It is a firmware or controller-level failure rather than a mechanical one. The printer usually needs restarting and often a firmware update or service attention.
What causes it
- A firmware fault triggered by a specific job or setting
- A corrupt or interrupted firmware update
- A failing hard disk or memory module in the controller
- A network condition or malformed job that the RIP cannot process
- An incompatible or faulty optional card or accessory
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Power cycle the printer fully
Switch it off, unplug it from the wall for two full minutes, then reconnect and let it complete its start-up. Many 900 messages are transient and clear on a full restart. Note the complete code including the digits after the dot before you do this.
Disconnect the network cable and restart
Unplug the Ethernet cable, power cycle the printer, and see whether it reaches the ready state. If it starts cleanly without the network but fails once reconnected, a job arriving from the network is triggering the fault and clearing the queues is the next step.
Clear the print queues on connected computers
On each PC, press Windows+R, type services.msc, press Enter, stop Print Spooler, delete the contents of C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and start the service. A malformed job resent on every restart will reproduce the fault indefinitely.
Remove optional accessories
Take out any optional memory, hard disk, wireless module or finisher, then restart with only the base printer. If it starts normally, refit the accessories one at a time to identify which one is implicated.
Update or reload the firmware
Open the printer's web page by typing its IP into a browser, look under Settings for the firmware version, and check the Lexmark support page for a newer release. Applying a current firmware image resolves many 900 conditions caused by software faults.
Record the full code before calling
The digits after 900 identify the failing component, so note them exactly along with the model and serial number from the label. A technician can often tell from the suffix whether it is a firmware issue or a controller board failure.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Printers that show this code
Frequently asked questions
What does the number after 900 mean?
It identifies the software component or subsystem that failed. Service documentation maps each suffix to a specific area, which is why the full code matters.
Is my printer dead?
Not necessarily. Many 900 errors are software faults cleared by a restart and a firmware update.
Can a print job really crash a printer?
Yes. A malformed or unusually complex job can trigger a fault in the interpreter, which is why clearing queues matters.
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