Lexmark Error 900.00 — What It Means & How to Fix It
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
The Lexmark error 900.00 is one of the most frustrating issues users face because it locks up the printer's firmware without giving you much information about what went wrong. This error typically appears when a print job contains corrupted data that the printer's RIP (Raster Image Processor) cannot interpret, causing the entire printing system to fail.
The good news is that most 900.00 errors clear themselves with a proper power cycle and print queue reset. If you're seeing this error repeatedly, though, it usually points to a specific problem file, driver issue, or occasionally a firmware glitch that needs hands-on troubleshooting. This guide walks you through the fixes that actually work, starting with the simplest steps and moving to more advanced solutions.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off the Lexmark printer using the power button on the front panel, then unplug the power cable from the wall outlet. Wait for a full 30 seconds to allow the printer's firmware to fully discharge. Plug the printer back in and power it on, allowing it to go through its normal startup sequence completely before proceeding.
- Clear the print queue on Windows. On Windows 11, open Settings, navigate to Devices, then Printers and Scanners. Find your Lexmark printer, click it, and select Open Queue. Right-click any stuck jobs and delete them. If the queue window is empty but the error persists, open the Services app, find Print Spooler, right-click it, select Restart, then try printing again.
- Clear the print queue on macOS. On macOS, go to System Settings, then Printers and Scanners. Find your Lexmark printer and click the Options and Supplies button. Select the Printers list, right-click your Lexmark device, and choose Reset Printing System from the dropdown menu. You will need to re-add the printer afterward, but this clears all queued jobs.
- Remove and reinstall the printer driver. On Windows, open Control Panel, go to Devices and Printers, right-click your Lexmark printer, and select Remove Device. Then download the latest driver from the Lexmark support website for your specific model and operating system. Install the fresh driver and restart your computer before testing print functionality.
- Test printing with a basic document first. Before printing complex files like PDFs or images, try printing a simple text document from Notepad or Word. If a simple document prints without error 900.00, the problem is likely a specific file type or application causing corruption. If the error appears even with simple text, the issue is broader and may require firmware intervention.
- Check the printer's firmware status through its web interface. Find your printer's IP address by printing a configuration page or checking your router. Open a web browser and enter the IP address in the address bar. Log in with admin credentials (default is usually admin with blank password), navigate to Settings or Device Information, and note the firmware version. If an update is available on the Lexmark support site for your model, download and apply it.
- Factory reset the printer if errors continue. On the printer's front panel, press the Menu button, navigate to Settings or Administration, then look for Factory Reset or Restore Defaults. Confirm the reset, which will wipe all settings and clear any lingering firmware corruption. After the printer restarts, you will need to reconfigure network settings and reinstall drivers on your connected computers.
- Contact remote support or a technician for persistent issues. If error 900.00 returns after all these steps, the printer's firmware may have a deeper issue or the RIP processor itself could be failing. Professional remote support sessions typically cost around $49 and can perform advanced diagnostics, firmware repairs, or help determine if hardware replacement is needed.
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Frequently asked questions
What does error 900.00 actually mean on a Lexmark printer?
Error 900.00 is a firmware RIP (Raster Image Processor) error that occurs when the printer receives corrupted or unreadable print data. The printer's rendering engine cannot process the job, so it halts and displays the error. This usually happens with a specific corrupt print job, but can also indicate driver problems or firmware issues.
Why does error 900.00 keep coming back even after I power cycle?
If the error returns after a power cycle, the problem is not a temporary firmware glitch but likely a corrupt driver, a specific application sending bad data, or a firmware bug. Try removing and reinstalling your printer driver, or test printing from a different application to isolate the cause. If all applications trigger the error, you may need a firmware update or technician support.
Can a specific print file cause error 900.00 on my Lexmark?
Yes, absolutely. Corrupted PDF files, improperly formatted images, or documents with embedded fonts that the printer cannot interpret can all trigger a 900.00 error. If the error only happens when printing a particular file, try opening that file in a different application, re-saving it, or converting it to a different format like PDF from a trusted source.
Will a factory reset fix error 900.00 permanently?
A factory reset clears any lingering firmware corruption and wipes the print job queue, which resolves most 900.00 errors. However, if the error is caused by your driver or a specific file you are trying to print, the error will return until you fix those issues. A factory reset is a safe troubleshooting step, but it is not a cure-all for every cause of this error.