Ricoh SC 990 - software performance error
The machine's software carried out an operation it did not expect and stopped, showing SC 990. It is a general-purpose software fault code rather than an indication of a specific broken part. Like SC 899 it is frequently triggered by a particular job, setting or accessory.
What causes it
- A print job containing data the machine cannot process
- A firmware fault exposed by a particular feature or setting
- A failing optional accessory such as a finisher or interface card
- Corrupt data on the machine's internal storage
- An interrupted firmware update
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 machine
Switch off at the main power switch, wait twenty seconds, and switch on again. Watch whether the machine reaches ready, and note what operation was in progress when the code appeared, since that is the strongest clue available.
Clear all queued jobs
Cancel jobs at the machine's panel and clear the queue on every computer that prints to it. On Windows, stop Print Spooler in services.msc, empty C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, then start the service. A job that caused the fault will otherwise resend.
Test each function separately
Make a copy, print a simple document, and run a scan in turn. Isolating the fault to one function tells you whether to look at the printer controller, the scanner or a network destination, and saves a great deal of guesswork.
Disconnect the network cable
Unplug the Ethernet cable and restart. If the machine stays healthy while offline and faults once reconnected, something arriving over the network is triggering it, whether a print job or a management tool polling the device.
Remove optional accessories
Switch off, disconnect any finisher, large capacity tray or optional interface card, and restart on the base configuration. Refit accessories one at a time if the machine runs cleanly without them.
Check and update firmware
Open the machine's web page by typing its IP into a browser and compare the firmware version with the current release on Ricoh's support page for the model. Software performance codes are regularly addressed in firmware updates.
Record the code and any pattern
Note the exact code, the model, the serial number and the circumstances in which it appears. A code that follows a specific action every time is much quicker for a technician to resolve than a random one.
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
Is SC 990 the same as SC 899?
Both are software faults, but they are logged differently. SC 990 is broader and can be triggered by scanning or accessories as well as printing.
Can I clear it without a technician?
Often, with a power cycle and by removing the job that caused it. If it repeats, it needs looking at properly.
Do firmware updates really help?
Yes for software fault codes, since these are exactly what firmware releases tend to address.
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