printer-info.comDNP printer status codes: what they mean and what to do
DNP's PrinterInfo tool and status library report states like STATUS_PAPEROUT or STATUS_SCRAPBOXERR. Here's what each one means in plain language, and the first step DNP's user guides recommend.
Where the status codes come from
The user guides for the DS620/DS820, DS40/DS80 and DS-RX1 describe an LED panel with four lights (Power, Ribbon, Paper, Error) rather than a text display. The pattern of lit and flashing LEDs tells you what's going on at the printer.
On the PC, DNP's status library (CspStat.dll, installed with PrinterInfo) reports the same situation as a status value. PrinterInfo displays it with names such as STATUS_OK, STATUS_PAPEROUT or STATUS_COVEROPEN. The library sorts states into groups: normal operation (which also covers paper end, ribbon end and cooling), setting errors (cover, jam, paper, ribbon, data and scrap box), hardware, system, firmware flashing and separate unit errors.
printer-info.com translates these values into clear states and adds three states from the Windows print spooler: offline, queue paused and faulty print job.
DNP status codes at a glance
The first steps below follow DNP's user guides for the DS620/DS820, DS40/DS80 and DS-RX1. Wording and LED patterns differ slightly by model, so keep the guide for your printer at hand.
| Code | Shown as | What it means | First step |
|---|---|---|---|
| STATUS_OK | Ready | The printer is ready or printing. | Nothing to do. |
| STATUS_PAPEROUT | Paper/media empty | The paper roll is used up. | Load a new roll. DNP recommends replacing paper and ribbon as a set. |
| STATUS_RIBBONOUT | Ribbon empty | The ink ribbon is used up. | Load a new ribbon, together with new paper. |
| STATUS_COVEROPEN | Cover open | The door, front cover or mechanism unit is open. | Close it. If the paper is missing, set the paper properly first. |
| STATUS_PAPERJAM | Paper jam | Paper is stuck in the paper path. | Open the printer, remove the jam without force, cut off damaged paper evenly and reload. |
| STATUS_PAPERERR | Paper error | The paper is not set correctly. | Free the paper and set it again correctly. |
| STATUS_RIBBONERR | Ribbon error | The ribbon is not set correctly or is damaged. | Fix the ribbon and set it correctly; reattach a torn ribbon with tape. |
| STATUS_SCRAPBOXERR | Scrap box error | The scrap box is missing or not seated. | Insert the scrap box; empty it when you change the paper. |
| STATUS_MOTCOOLING | Motor cooling down | The printer pauses to cool down. | Wait. DNP manuals describe the cool-down as clearing automatically. |
| STATUS_DATAERR | Data error | The printer could not process the data it received. | Check that the print size matches the loaded media, then resend. |
| STATUS_SYSTEMERR | System error | Internal system error of the printer. | Switch the printer off and on. If it persists, contact your dealer. |
| STATUS_HARDWAREERR | Hardware error | The status library reports a hardware problem. | Restart the printer; if it stays, contact your dealer or a service center. |
| UNIT_ERROR_CUTTER | Cutter error | A problem in the cutter area. | If the printer stopped mid-cut, switch it off and on so the cutter returns to standby; remove the partial print. |
| UNIT_ERROR_SYSTEM | System unit error | A unit of the printer reports a system error. | Restart the printer; if it stays, contact your dealer. |
| STATUS_OFFLINE | Offline | Windows reports the printer as offline or not available. | Check power and the USB connection. |
| STATUS_PAUSED | Queue paused | The Windows print queue is paused. | Resume printing in the Windows printer queue. |
| STATUS_JOBERROR | Faulty print job | A job in the Windows queue has an error. | Cancel or restart that job in the Windows queue. |
Paper and ribbon: replace them as a set
The DS40/DS80 and DS-RX1 guides say to exchange paper and ribbon as a set when one of them runs out. The guides also ask you to empty the scrap box when you change the paper, because an over-filled scrap box can cause problems. The DS40/DS80 guide adds that the printer won't operate without the scrap box.
Clearing a paper jam or a torn ribbon
For STATUS_PAPERJAM, STATUS_PAPERERR and STATUS_RIBBONERR, DNP's guides describe the same basic routine:
- Open the printer (release the lever and pull out the mechanism unit or open the front cover) and take out the ribbon.
- Pull jammed paper out slowly and without force. If it won't come out, DNP advises contacting technical support.
- Cut off wrinkled or partially printed paper evenly with scissors, otherwise it can jam again.
- If the ribbon has torn, remove loose pieces, reattach the ribbon with tape and wind the take-up side until the tape is no longer visible.
- If the printer stopped mid-cut or lost power while printing, switch it off and on again: the cutter returns to its standby position and the partial print is cut into scrap.
After the fix
When you close the printer, it initializes the paper and feeds out a few blank sheets. The DS620/DS820 guide notes that errors cannot be cleared until this initialization has run. In PrinterInfo, click Refresh to see whether the status is back to STATUS_OK; on printer-info.com the state updates on its own.
This guide deliberately doesn't list numeric error codes. For anything not covered here, use the user guide for your model, for example the DS620/DS820 guide: https://dnp-newprod-wp-content.cellar-c2.services.clever-cloud.com/uploads/2025/08/DP-DS620_820_UserGuide_English_Ver3.0.2.pdf
Offline, paused, faulty job: Windows states
These three states come from the Windows print spooler, not from the DNP status library. For Offline, check power and the USB connection. A paused queue or a faulty job is fixed in the Windows printer queue. Separately, printer-info.com can notify you when the client hasn't reported for more than 2 minutes, for example because the PC is off or has no internet, independent of the printer status Offline.
Get notified about the states that matter
With printer-info.com you decide per printer who is notified about which status: via Telegram, e-mail or webhook. Webhook messages carry the same codes, such as STATUS_PAPEROUT, so your own system can react. Start free at https://www.printer-info.com or compare plans at https://www.printer-info.com/pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What does STATUS_MOTCOOLING mean?
The printer is pausing to cool down. DNP's guides call it head cool down and say it clears automatically, so just wait.
What is STATUS_SCRAPBOXERR?
The scrap box that collects paper offcuts is missing or not seated. Put it back and empty it whenever you change the paper.
Is STATUS_DATAERR a mechanical fault?
It points to the data sent to the printer. One documented cause on the DS620/DS820 is a media size error: the print size must match the media loaded in the printer.
What should I do with STATUS_SYSTEMERR?
Switch the printer off and on with the ON/Standby switch. If the error remains, contact your dealer, as DNP's user guides recommend.
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