- Printers
- Laser printer
42.XY
Lexmark 42.xy on a laser printer: cartridge region mismatch
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
The toner cartridge is from a different region than the printer. Look at the x and y values of the code: x is the printer region and y the cartridge region. Install a cartridge whose region number matches the printer's.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Do not try to change the printer region or tamper with the cartridge to get past the check: install a cartridge for your printer's region.
Safe checks you can perform
- x and y values in the code
- Region from Lexmark's table
- Install a cartridge of the right region
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Region check by Lexmark support
- Do not attempt this professional task: Exchange through the cartridge seller
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Region check by Lexmark support
What they doIf a cartridge of the right region gives 42.xy, Lexmark support checks the region set in the printer from its settings page.
They must show youthe x and y values read.
In writingthe cause and the fix.
Exchange through the cartridge seller
What they doIf the cartridge is from another region, the seller or official Lexmark distributor handles the exchange for one of your region.
They must show youthe replacement cartridge and its region.
In writingthe exchange made.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
x and y values in the code
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- press the panel button twice to see the supplemental light sequence, or open the Embedded Web Server at the printer's IP address, where the code appears with its x and y values.
- Result that matters:
- read x (printer region) and y (cartridge region).
- If x and y differ:
- the cartridge is from another region.
- If y is 9:
- the cartridge has an invalid region.
- Evidence to keep:
- screenshot of the code with its values.
Evidence: Lexmark MS310 User's Guide - Understanding the printer messages
Region from Lexmark's table
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- translate the numbers with Lexmark's table: 0 Global, 1 United States and Canada, 2 EEA and Switzerland, 3 Asia Pacific, 4 Latin America, 5 Africa, Middle East and rest of Europe.
- Result that matters:
- you know which cartridge region you need.
- If your printer is region 2:
- you need a region 2 cartridge.
- If the cartridge was bought outside your area:
- keep it to return to the seller.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the cartridge box and receipt.
Evidence: Lexmark MS310 User's Guide - Understanding the printer messages
Install a cartridge of the right region
- Who:
- you, no tools.
- How:
- open the front door, replace the cartridge with one carrying the printer's region number and close it.
- Result that matters:
- 42.xy clears.
- If it clears:
- region was the cause.
- If it stays with a cartridge of the right region:
- contact Lexmark support.
- Evidence to keep:
- note of the reference installed.
Only remove the cartridge through the front door; do not touch the inside.
Evidence: Lexmark MS310 User's Guide - Understanding the printer messages
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Printers
- Brand
- Lexmark
- Product type
- Laser printer
Known code variants
- Lexmark 42.21
- Lexmark 42.xy
- Lexmark MS310 42
- Lexmark printer region mismatch
- Lexmark región cartucho no coincide
What it means
On the Lexmark MS310, 42.xy means Replace cartridge, printer region mismatch. x is the printer region and y the cartridge region, and they must match for printing to continue. Lexmark uses 0 Global, 1 United States and Canada, 2 European Economic Area and Switzerland, 3 Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, 4 Latin America, 5 Africa, Middle East and rest of Europe, and 9 Invalid. It is not a fault: the fix is a cartridge of the right region.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
Do not try to change the printer region or tamper with the cartridge to get past the check: install a cartridge for your printer's region.
Evidence: Lexmark MS310 User's Guide - Understanding the printer messages
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Cartridge bought for another regionCommon
This is Lexmark's definition. It is confirmed if the y value differs from the x value, for example a region 1 cartridge in a region 2 printer.
Evidence: Lexmark MS310 User's Guide - Understanding the printer messages
- Cartridge with an invalid regionPossible
Lexmark reserves 9 for invalid. If y is 9, the cartridge will not work in this printer.
Evidence: Lexmark MS310 User's Guide - Understanding the printer messages
Virtual technician
Does 42.XY still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
Lexmark MS310 User's Guide - Understanding the printer messages
Lexmark International · official_doc
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