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How to fix printer error 1203 for good
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
If you’re using a Dell printer and you’ve come acrosserror1203, it more often than not signifies acartridge error.
Now, some of theseerrorscome when we really aren’t anticipating them, in any case, who reads printer manuals? That’s what we’re here for – to simplify the stuff in the manuals and make it easier to use.
Anyways,error1203 on your Dell printer simply means you need to replace your ink cartridge as soon as possible.
You also need to check whether the cartridges you’ve been using, or are using, are genuine Dell ink cartridges, or cut-rate ink cartridges.
Error 1203 also means that your Dell printer’sink cartridges overflow, whether they’re brand new or not, either after you’ve done several prints, or just after you refilled the cartridges.
In both cases, you need to check and see whether the ink is smeared on the copper contacts of your printer’s holder.
You can easily do this by opening yourprinterwhile it’s off, then the holder with the contact panel slides across where you can see everything clearly.
Here are some solutions that can help you fix it.
Fix error 1203 on Dell printers and other printer models
1. Clean the copper contacts on the printer’s holder
Before you run a print job, do the following:
Note:make sure you don’t leave any debris of the lint-free cloth on the contact panel of yourprinter.
2. Replace your ink cartridge
If your ink cartridges are brand new, you can go back to where you purchased them then ask for a refund, or a replacement.
If the ink cartridges are old, try purchasing a new Dell Series 5-ink cartridge. These ink cartridges have a sensor in them that cannot be reset, therefore, even if you do a refill, the print job will not give the same output.
Usually, theerror1203 shows you which ink cartridge is causing theerror.
The sensor in the cartridges reports the ink levels once they reach a certain level, so if you refill such a cartridge, you may get a print job done, but the cartridge’s sensor will still report low ink.
The only way around this is to replace it with a new, genuine Dell Series 5 ink cartridge.
Another reason not to refill ink cartridges is because it may lead toprint quality issues, and eventually your printer experiences hardware problems.
3. Contact Dell Support
In case the error 1203 message persists, kindly get in touch with Dell’s Customer Support team with specifics on your issue and they’ll be glad to assist you.
We sure hope one of these solutions helped you. Let us know your experience in the comments section.
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More about the topics:Printer Errors
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.