My computer is asking me to replace photocon - Lexmark E340 Laser Printer

why ask us,, ask your DMV,
every DVM in every stated and country is different
call them , ask them, only they know,

and you posted to computers and not law

http://www.fixya.com/troubleshoot/browse/dui_criminal_law

If your computer is asking for a bootable disk drive on startup, it typically indicates drive failure and your harddrive needs replacement. Sorry for the badnews.

If you get this warning on your printer, a replacement of your photoconductor unit is needed.
Part #: E250X22G ( Photoconductor Unit )

https://parts.lexmark.com/wpo-catalog/US_en/

Once the unit is replaced, you have to reset the Photoconductor count. To do this, please visit the link below.
http://bitly.com/HZZ19o

Hope this helps!
For further assistance, please contact Lexmark Technical Support.

You need to replace the photoconductor kit on your printer. When you replace it you need to reset the counter as well, you will have instructions how to do that in the kit (you will basically have to open door, hold Cancel button and close the door to reset the counter). Here's a link on ebay to one of these kits, replacement code 12A8302: http://cgi.ebay.com/LEXMARK-12A8302-PHOTOCONDUCTOR-KIT-/130488953705?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e61bf6b69

Those photoconductors have a limited life and have to be replaced. The message is warning that it is near the end of its life and wants you to have one ready when it goes out. Most printers will prevent you from printing when it reaches the end of the service life, some will let you continue to print but you will get reduced image quality. Either way, you'll need a new one soon.

Are you using a reman or a gen lexmark?
If a reman, might be a prob with the toner memory chip.

Photoconductor unit (drum unit).

These are available new and remanufactured on internet auction sites.

Note that the photoconductor unit is EXACTLY THE SAME (other than the label and part number) as the one for DELL 1720.

That is an organic drum that the laser writes to, and which transfers the toner to the paper. After a given number of prints, these need to be replaced, as they get scratched and worn out.

Unless you are having problems with the printer, (or this particular model locks down the printer), you can continue to use it as is. The only problem you will notice is that your print quality is going to start to degrade; eventually getting lines and/or a grey shading in the background of your prints.

You should be able to purchase a Photoconductor kit through whomever you normally buy your toner from, or from a local dealer that sells Lexmark printers. They can also be purchased online and many different locations.

This is a page count function so that the PC drum is replaced at an elapsed count of pages printed. If you have changed the PC drum and the message hasnt cleared - Go into config menu (Hold down the tick & back buttons on power up) Select ''Reset PC Count'. When this is reset the replace PC message will not appear.

the problem is that you need to reset the counter of the photoconductor unit. From the official site of lexmark, i find this solution.
Step Action 1 Enter the printer's Configuration menu:

1. Power off the printer.
2. On the printer's operator panel, press and hold the select button () and the back button ().
3. Power the printer back on while keeping both these buttons held down.
4. When you see the messages Performing Self Test or Busy on the printer screen, you can release both buttons.
5. If the printer has successfully entered configuration mode, you will see a new menu with the heading CONFIG MENU at the top of the screen.

2 Press the right arrow button () until you see Reset PC Cnt. Press once. You will see Reset. Press again.
The printer will display a Resetting PC Count Value message and go back to the previous screen.
3 Press once. 4 Press or on the operator panel until you see Exit Config Menu. Press once. Selecting this will cause the printer to reboot.

If the counter has been reset correctly, the printer should return to a Ready prompt.
5 If this does not clear the PC Life Warning or Replace Photoconductor message, power off the printer and attempt this entire procedure again. If the error remains after two attempts, confirm that:

• The correct photoconductor unit is installed. The part number on the photoconductor unit should be E250X22G. If it is not, install the correct photoconductor unit into the printer.
  
• The photoconductor unit has not been refurbished by a third party or is not damaged in any way. If the photoconductor unit was refurbished by a third party or appears to be damaged, try replacing it again before seeking service on the printer.

If the error persists, the printer may require service to correct the issue. Contact Lexmark Technical Support for more information.