Does error 900.00 mean a part is broken?

Usually no. It is a software exception. It is almost always triggered by a bad print job or firmware glitch rather than broken hardware.

Why does the error keep coming back after I restart the printer?

This happens when a computer on your network keeps resending the exact same corrupt print job the moment the printer reconnects to the network.

Can a Mac and a Windows computer both cause this error?

Yes, any operating system sending a malformed print stream or using an outdated driver can trigger the software exception.

Should I replace the toner cartridge when I see error 900.00?

No, this is a software and processor error, not a consumable or toner issue. Replacing cartridges will not resolve it.

Printer Not PrintingWorth attentionAbout 15 min

Lexmark Error 900.00: Meaning, Causes and Troubleshooting

Quick answer

Lexmark error 900.00 is a service RIP software exception caused by a crashed processor, usually triggered by a corrupt print job or outdated firmware. Resolve the issue by turning off the printer, clearing all pending print queues on connected computers, and updating the device firmware.

Published 9 October 2026

What this means

Error 900.00 means your printer internal software has completely stopped working. The processor crashed while trying to translate incoming print data, which is formally called a service RIP software error.

Seeing this message usually makes you think the hardware is broken. It is not. A damaged system board rarely causes this. Instead, the printer is reacting to software problems like a corrupt print job, complex graphics, unhandled PDF fonts, or a faulty driver.

Outdated firmware can also crash the machine because it cannot process modern print commands. Sometimes the trigger comes from outside your computer. Stray network traffic or a conflicting job sent by someone else on your network can easily overwhelm the system and force a halt.

Common causes

A corrupt print job stuck in the network or local print queue
Outdated printer firmware
Conflicting printer driver on the host computer
A malformed PDF or graphics file causing a rendering crash
Corrupted NVRAM or temporary memory glitch

What to check first

1Check if the error appears immediately upon powering on or only when a computer sends a print job
2Verify if other computers on the network can print without triggering the error

Step-by-step fix

1
Power Cycle the Printer
Turn off the printer using the power switch. Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and wait at least 60 seconds to drain residual power. Plug the power cord back in and turn the printer on.
Do not plug the printer back in until all lights on the control panel have turned off completely.
2
Clear All Print Queues
Disconnect the network cable or USB cable from the printer. Go to every computer, smartphone, or server that sends jobs to this printer, open the print queue, and cancel all pending documents, especially any large PDFs or graphics.
Failing to clear the queue from all connected devices may cause the corrupt job to resend immediately upon reconnection.
3
Reconnect and Test with a Blank Page
After clearing the queues and restarting the printer, reconnect the network or USB cable. Print a simple internal configuration page or a plain text test page from a single computer to verify normal operation.
4
Update Printer Firmware
Visit the official Lexmark support website, look up your specific printer model, and download the latest firmware package. Follow the manufacturer instructions to update the firmware via a USB flash drive or the embedded web server.
Do not turn off the printer or disconnect power during a firmware update, as this can permanently brick the main logic board.
5
Reinstall the Printer Driver
Uninstall the current printer driver on the host computer. Download the latest certified Universal Print Driver or model-specific driver from Lexmark and reinstall it.

When to contact a professional

Disconnect the power before you perform any physical checks, and never interrupt a firmware update. Call a professional service technician or Lexmark support if the 900.00 error hits the instant you turn on the printer, before you even attach a network cable. Call for help if the error remains after you flash the firmware. This points to a failed system board or corrupted persistent storage.

Questions people ask

Does error 900.00 mean a part is broken?: Usually no. It is a software exception. It is almost always triggered by a bad print job or firmware glitch rather than broken hardware.
Why does the error keep coming back after I restart the printer?: This happens when a computer on your network keeps resending the exact same corrupt print job the moment the printer reconnects to the network.
Can a Mac and a Windows computer both cause this error?: Yes, any operating system sending a malformed print stream or using an outdated driver can trigger the software exception.
Should I replace the toner cartridge when I see error 900.00?: No, this is a software and processor error, not a consumable or toner issue. Replacing cartridges will not resolve it.

Sources

Lexmark Support | United StatesOfficial

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Not the problem you have?

Switch off and unplug a printer before reaching inside it. Steps that can damage hardware or affect a warranty are flagged above. If your machine is still under warranty, or the fault involves the power supply or internal electronics, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician instead. Full disclaimer.

What this means

Common causes

What to check first

Step-by-step fix

Power Cycle the Printer

Clear All Print Queues

Reconnect and Test with a Blank Page

Update Printer Firmware

Reinstall the Printer Driver

When to contact a professional

Questions people ask

Sources

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