PrintEXP error-code how-to

English error strings and recommended solutions for PrintEXP (the Hosonsoft-based printer control and alignment software shipped with AM.CO.ZA printers), plus a condensed digest of the bigger PrintExp Error Code Message Descriptions and Recommended Solutions handbook. Distinct from AcroRIP / InkRIP (those are RIP software; PrintEXP drives the printer after the RIP has made the PRN file). No pricing.

Sources (both re-fetched from cncu on 2026-10-19, both HTTP 200, MD5s match the August copies):

• Text: error-code.txt (24229 bytes, MD5 CC6081941F643AB03F3AA7A2C0FDBDCD). 91 error codes in ErroCode.ini format (code, internal name, error string, numbered solutions). All 91 are tabled below.
• Handbook PDF (prefer for reading the newer board codes): PrintExp Error Code Message Descriptions and Recommended Solutions.pdf (648874 bytes, MD5 E0DCBDEE4335F371D28EE570F203C573). 67 landscape A4 pages exported from Excel on 2024-08-22, bilingual Chinese / English. About 260 codes in six families; digest below.

The text file notes that the installed software folder has a lang folder with an ErroCode.ini text file holding the same descriptions for every code, so the wording on screen matches the tables here.

Quick triage (what most codes come down to)

Read across both documents, almost every PrintEXP error resolves to one of these checks, in this order:

1. Connection. Look at the connection status diagram in the lower-left corner of PrintEXP. Check the USB cable (or the TCP setting if the printer is on network mode). Restart the software, then the printer.
2. Version match. In the software version information, the first four digits of the software version and the mainboard program version must be the same. A mismatch causes many communication and upgrade failures.
3. Firmware configuration / parameter files. The single most common handbook fix (about 100 rows) is to re-import the correct firmware configuration file and firmware parameter file for that exact machine. Wrong or damaged .cfg/.ini files also explain the many "Check the configuration file" lines in the text file. Keep a backup of the cfg file (code 30064).
4. Optical fibre and trolley (head) board. Fibre faults between the mainboard and the trolley board: replace the fibre cable and test, then the fibre module, then check the trolley board supply voltage.
5. Sensors and limits. Origin / end limit switches, ink-shortage sensors, float level sensors, the safety bottle sensor and the waste-ink bottle. Check the sensor, then its wiring.
6. PRN file / RIP. If one PRN errors, re-RIP it. If every PRN from the RIP errors, check the RIP version and its output settings (colour channels, dot bits, YDPI, width).
7. Only then contact AM.CO.ZA support (the documents say "contact the software provider / supplier").

Codes from error-code.txt (all 91)

Error strings are as written in the file; obvious spelling slips are corrected (configulation → configuration, Repositon → Reposition). "Car" in the original means the print carriage.

Driver, USB, motion and print-data errors (30011–30123)

Network (TCP) server errors (31000–31023)

1-PASS board errors (33001–33009)

System error (39000)

Notes on the text-file codes:

• 31011–31020 and 31023 are standard Windows socket (Winsock WSA…) errors passed through from the network layer. They mean the PC network stack or a firewall is in the way; restart PrintEXP and the RIP, check the network, then contact support.
• 30056 (communication with RIP software failure) is fixed by restarting both the RIP and PrintEXP.
• 30057 / 30058 are the PrintEXP USB dongle. If the dongle is pulled during a print, replug it, close the error dialog and click Continue to resume.
• 30121 print width error: make the margin smaller or the image smaller.

Handbook digest (PrintExp Error Code Message Descriptions and Recommended Solutions)

The handbook is a table with the columns Error code, Module, Type, Brief Description, Error Description (possible causes), Recommended measures. Each row gives the Chinese text and then the English. It covers newer mainboard firmware than the text file, using a different numbering:

Recurring causes and measures in the handbook, with the English wording used:

• "Re-import the correct firmware configuration file and firmware parameter file" (about 100 rows).
• "Check whether the first four digits of the software and mainboard program version numbers are equal in the software version information" (about 60 rows), often with "check whether the mainboard program and the trolley board logic version match".
• "Check the connection status diagram in the lower left corner of the software to see if the device is connected properly."
• Fibre faults: "Replace the new optical fiber cable and test the connection", then "Replace the optical fiber module and test", then "Check whether the power supply voltage of the trolley board meets the standard requirements."
• Ink system: "Please click the ink supply reset button in the status bar to automatically supply ink", then "check whether the float level sensor is normal". For pauses, check whether the safety bottle is full, whether there is waste ink in the waste ink bottle, and whether the ink-shortage sensor and its wiring are correct.
• Limits and motion: "Check if the mainboard and limit wires are connected properly", "Check if the limit sensor is normal", and "check whether the motor or servo is moving abnormally".
• PRN problems: "Confirm if all PRN files generated by RIP will report errors" (if only one, re-RIP it; if all, confirm the RIP software version is correct) and "Check if the PRN file is occupied".
• Upgrades: do not disconnect or power off during an upgrade, use the correct upgrade file, and restart the device and software before upgrading again.

Practical notes for AM customers

• Write down the exact code number and text before closing the dialog. Five-digit codes starting 30, 31, 33 or 39 are in the text-file table above; codes starting 0, 10, 11, 13 or 15 are in the handbook.
• Never power off the printer while PrintEXP says the program is being upgraded (warning 03001).
• Keep a copy of the machine's own firmware configuration and parameter files (and the PrintEXP cfg backup). Re-importing the right files fixes most Parameters-family errors; files from a different model cause them.
• Do not mix PrintEXP versions with an older mainboard program. Match the first four digits, and never use upgrade files from another printer model.
• The cncu PrintEXP Upgrade Tool folder carries the warning "If you DO NOT Know What this Tool is for, DO NOT EVEN TRY" (see upgrade-notes/do-not-use.md). Ask AM.CO.ZA support before running any mainboard upgrade.

English files preferred (sources/manuals/printexp/)

• error-code.txt: English only, 91 codes.
• PrintExp Error Code Message Descriptions and Recommended Solutions.pdf: bilingual Chinese / English handbook, 67 pages.
• Related: PrintEXP leftover UltraPrint English help.

Buythis dump has no standalone PrintEXP SKU in this manuals folder (no prices, no stock).