To reset the NVRAM on a Lexmark internal print server

There are two different Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) chips in a Lexmark printer. One chip is on the controller board (also called the RIP board or formatter board) and holds the firmware for the internal 10/100 print server (in network models). The other NVRAM chip is on the engine board and holds the printer's firmware - rather like the bios in a PC.

Because the Lexmark firmware is stored in an NVRAM chip rather than an EPROM, the firmware can be updated by sending an appropriate file to the printer via the parallel port, the USB port or the onboard print server (network card). However, this raises the possibility that the firmware can be corrupted by a power surge or similar event. If the firmware for the internal print server is corrupted, you may be able to recover the printer by resetting the NVRAM on the controller board.

If this fails, you may be able to solve the problem by updating the print server firmware using a file obtainable from Lexmark. If this second procedure fails, you will need to replace the controller board if the print server is on the main board. Alternatively, you can try installing a replacement print server by means of an optional network card that fits in one of the printer's expansion slots. If the print server is already resident on an option board, you can simply replace that board. We have a range of second-hand controller boards and internal print server option cards to suit most Lexmark printers. They have been tested and had their firmware updated. We sell them with six months warranty at very reasonable prices.

Resetting the NVRAM on the internal print server will restore the factory default settings for the print server. Hence, you should record your network settings before proceeding - they will be overwritten. Resetting the NVRAM will also remove any password protection that might have been activated by the user: this is useful if you have lost the password or if you have inherited the printer from a previous owner.

The following procedure for resetting the NVRAM is suggested by Lexmark (Lexmark Knowledge Base).

1. Print a Network Settings Page:

The Network Settings Page contains detailed information on the current settings for all protocols, as well as the connection status and firmware level. It is, thus, a record of all current network settings. Print this page for information purposes before resetting the printer server's NV-RAM.

1. Press the Menu button repeatedly until Network Menu is displayed on the printer’s operator panel.
2. Press Select. You should see Network Option # (where # stands for the number of the slot in which the network card has been installed) or STD Network Setup on the display.
3. Press Select.
4. Press the Menu button until you see Network # Setup or STD Network Setup on the display.
5. Press Select. The word Print should now be displayed.
6. Press Select twice to print the network settings page.
7. Keep this page for your records as it contains information that you may need for reconfiguring your network card.

2. Reset the NV-Ram:

1. Press the Menu button repeatedly until you see Network Menu on the printer’s operator panel.
2. Press Select. You should be able to see Network Option # (where # stands for the number of the slot in which the network card has been installed) or STD Network. displayed on operator panel.
3. Press Select.
4. Press the Menu button until you see Network # Setup or STD Network Setup on the display.
5. Press Select. The word Print should now be displayed.
6. Press and hold the Go button and tap the left Menu button once. You should see the SE Menu and General displayed.
7. Release the Go button.
8. Press the Menu button until NV-RAM is displayed. Press Select.
9. Press the Menu button until you see Reinit NV-RAM on the display.
10. Press Select. The NV-RAM on the network adaptor is reinitialised so that the settings are returned to factory defaults. The printer will return to a ready state and all network settings will have to be assigned again.
11. Print another Network Settings page and compare the settings with the original page you printed.
12. Enter the Network Setup menu again to reassign any settings that have been cleared.