XEROX Error Code 68
MEDIUMCommon IssueXerox Error Code 68: Network Communication Failure
Error code 68 on a Xerox printer typically indicates a problem with network communication or configuration.
Xerox Error Code 68 signifies that your printer is experiencing difficulty communicating over the network. This could be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from simple network cable disconnections to more complex IP address conflicts or firewall restrictions. The printer is unable to establish or maintain a stable connection with the network it's supposed to be on, preventing it from receiving print jobs or communicating with other network devices. This error doesn't necessarily mean the printer itself is faulty, but rather that its connection to the outside world is interrupted. It can manifest intermittently if the network is unstable, or persistently if there's a fundamental configuration mismatch or hardware failure in the network path. Understanding the specific network setup (wired vs. wireless, static vs. dynamic IP) is crucial for effective troubleshooting.
- 1
Power cycle the printer: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the wall, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and power it on.
- 2
Check network cable connections: Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the printer's network port and the wall jack or router/switch. Try a different port if available.
- 3
Verify network settings on the printer: Access the printer's control panel or web interface (if accessible) and check its IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. Ensure they are correct for your network. If using DHCP, confirm it's enabled.
- 4
Restart your network equipment: Power cycle your router and any network switches. Unplug them, wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
- 5
Ping the printer's IP address: From a computer on the same network, open a command prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) and type 'ping [printer's IP address]'. If you get 'Request timed out' or 'Destination host unreachable', the printer isn't communicating.
- 6
Check for IP address conflicts: Ensure no other device on your network is using the same IP address as your printer. This can often be seen in your router's administration interface.
- 7
Temporarily disable computer firewalls: On your computer, temporarily disable the firewall to see if it's blocking communication. Remember to re-enable it afterwards.
- 8
Try a different network cable: A faulty Ethernet cable can cause intermittent or complete communication loss. Replace it with a known good cable.
- 9
Reset network settings to default (as a last resort): If you're comfortable reconfiguring the network settings, you can reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This will clear any incorrect configurations but will require you to set them up again.
If you've systematically gone through all the DIY troubleshooting steps and the printer still displays Error Code 68, or if you're uncomfortable making changes to your network settings, it's time to call a specialist. This includes situations where network hardware (router, switch) might be failing, or if the printer's internal network interface card (NIC) is damaged. A network technician can diagnose deeper network issues, and a printer technician can assess if the printer's hardware is at fault.
Find a certified printer specialist near you →$100-$350
Actual costs may vary based on location and specialist
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