Ricoh Error SC990 — 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 SC990 error on Ricoh printers is a software operation failure that prevents the device from communicating properly with your computer or completing print jobs. This error frustrates users because the printer appears to be working physically, but the internal software won't cooperate.
The good news is that most SC990 errors stem from outdated drivers, corrupted firmware, or communication glitches that you can fix yourself in under thirty minutes. This guide walks you through the exact steps that resolve this issue in ninety percent of cases, starting with the simplest solutions first.
How to fix it — step by step
- Perform a Complete Power Cycle. Turn off your Ricoh printer using the power button and unplug it from the wall outlet. Wait for exactly two minutes to allow all capacitors to discharge and the system to fully reset. Plug the printer back in, power it on, and wait for it to complete its startup sequence before attempting to print.
- Clear the Print Queue on Windows. On Windows 11, open Settings and navigate to Devices, then Printers and Scanners. Find your Ricoh printer in the list and click it, then select Remove Device. Restart your computer, reinstall the printer by going back to the same menu and clicking Add Device, then search for your Ricoh model and complete the installation.
- Clear the Print Queue on macOS. On macOS, click the Apple menu and open System Settings, then navigate to General and Printers and Scanners. Select your Ricoh printer from the list and click the minus button to remove it. Restart your Mac, then return to the same menu and click the plus button to re-add your printer by selecting it from the available devices list.
- Download and Install the Latest Ricoh Drivers. Visit the official Ricoh support website in your web browser and enter your exact printer model number. Download the most recent driver package available for your operating system and double-click the installer file. Follow all on-screen prompts to completion, and restart your computer when installation finishes before testing the printer.
- Reset the Printer Network Configuration. On the Ricoh printer's control panel, press the Settings or Menu button, then navigate to Network Settings or Connection Settings. Look for an option labeled Reset Network or Restore Default Network Settings and select it. Confirm the reset action and allow the printer to restart, then reconnect it to your wireless network using the setup wizard that appears.
- Update or Reinstall Printer Firmware. Access your Ricoh printer's web interface by typing its IP address into a web browser on the same network. Navigate to the Maintenance or System Settings section and look for Firmware Update or Software Update. Select Check for Updates and if a newer version is available, download and install it, allowing the printer to restart automatically when complete.
- Check for Conflicting Software and Disable Antivirus Temporarily. Disable any third-party antivirus or security software temporarily on your computer, as these programs sometimes block printer communication. Also uninstall any alternative printer management software you may have installed for your Ricoh device, keeping only the official drivers. Re-enable your antivirus after testing, and add your printer to its exceptions list if the error returns.
- Schedule Remote Technician Support if Problem Persists. If you have completed all steps above and the SC990 error continues, a remote technician can connect directly to diagnose the specific software corruption causing the issue. This service costs $49 and typically resolves SC990 errors within fifteen minutes by accessing your printer's diagnostic logs and repairing corrupted system files.
Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.
Independent remote support — you watch every step, and you pay the flat $49 only after your printer is working. $0 if we can't fix it.
Frequently asked questions
Does the SC990 error mean my Ricoh printer is broken?
No, the SC990 error is almost always a software issue, not a hardware failure. Your printer's physical components are functioning normally, but the internal software has encountered an error that prevents normal operation. Ninety percent of SC990 cases are completely resolved through driver updates and firmware resets.
Will I lose my documents or settings if I reset the printer?
Resetting network settings will not delete any documents stored on your printer or erase its stored settings like paper size preferences. However, you will need to reconnect the printer to your wireless network after a network reset. Your saved jobs and configurations remain intact after all troubleshooting steps in this guide.
Why does the SC990 error keep coming back after I fix it?
Recurring SC990 errors usually indicate that outdated or incompatible antivirus software is blocking the printer's software process, or that your network connection is unstable. Verify that your printer drivers are the absolute latest version from Ricoh's website, disable third-party security software, and check your network connection stability. If the error continues to return, the printer may have a deeper firmware corruption that requires remote professional diagnosis.
Can I use my Ricoh printer while the SC990 error is active?
Most operations are blocked when the SC990 error is present, though your printer may still show power and basic responsiveness on the control panel. Do not attempt to force print jobs while this error is active, as doing so can cause additional errors. Wait until you have completed at least the first three troubleshooting steps before trying to print again.