[Dead] Xerox WorkCentre Pro C2128 Communications Error

[Guest]

Hi

Been looking though these forums for a while to search for clues to how I can fix the C2128 I have in my home-office. The machine only boots to 'Communication Error'.

Everything I're read so far talks about Diag software and PWS. Seeing as I'm not working with support on these machines I don't get what these things are.

Xerox won't help, since the machine is out of leasing, after I bought it from them a couple of years ago.

So what software an hardware do I need to get to get this machine going again? Is there a solution available that is free?

Thanks!

[Jake2o]

Re: Xerox WorkCentre Pro C2128 Communications Error

The Diag software and PWS are xerox specific software that most of us engineers have to fix, diagnose and service machines.
PWS is Portable WorkStation a laptop that has the service software on it that allows you to interact with the machine in service mode directly from the laptop.
It also has the parts and service manuals on it so you can search error codes.
There is no free way to do this unless someone is going to give you, for free, their copy of the service software.

You may be able to buy it off someone and then you will need GSN lock in order to use it.

Do you have an error code on the machine?

[chrleon]

Re: Xerox WorkCentre Pro C2128 Communications Error

The only error I have is the one in the display
"Communications error encountered. Please reset system by turning it on and off using the white power switch"

I can't connect to the printer some other way to see the log, unfortunately.

[bojans]

Re: Xerox WorkCentre Pro C2128 Communications Error

You really need to have PWS to solve this problem, but If I could suggest, just change the machine.
There are newer and more reliable models out there.

[Jake2o]

Re: Xerox WorkCentre Pro C2128 Communications Error

Yeah, either find an engineer close by that may be able to help you out or buy another machine.
Don't try it yourself, PWS and connecting to a machine via your laptop and having access to the NVM list, being able to read/write the brain of your machine can in almost every case kill it off.

[terrygump]

Re: Xerox WorkCentre Pro C2128 Communications Error

I bought a used C2128 for $200us with lots of supplies. I tested it before buying and it just needed a little cleaning & TLC. That said, I took it home and the battery died, OK no big deal, right? amazon replacement battery $7.00us delivered, cool. Now it gets the communication error and needs the NVRAM reloaded with machine type and serial number. IS there any work around besides paying xerox for a tech with pws? Wife is pissed, PLEASE Help.
Located in Las Vegas, NV

[JrTech]

Re: Xerox WorkCentre Pro C2128 Communications Error

Does the Xerox Screen load? Does it get hung up on the Xerox logo with red balls on the bottom of the screen going from left to right and stops in the middle? Does it come to Ready and then state Communication Error? Usually a Comm Error is something is not connected correctly. That machines info is all located on the ESS Board on the top of the Printer base. Look where you plug in the Ehternet Cord. There are 4 or 5 thumb screws located around the metal plate. Unscrew those and the entire metal piece should slide out and not you have the ESS board in hand. A little gust of canned air and put it back in and boot it back up. If thats a nogo, then you may have a bent pin in one of the cables. From the top of the machine behind the DADF (top feeder) there is a thick gray cord that plugs into the ESS Board with 2 thumb screws, loosen, remove, inspect for damage and reinstall. There is 2 on the board externally, Check both and reseat. Turn on the machine without the ethernet cord attached.