How to Troubleshoot Error 99 on a Canon 1000D DSLR

Error 99 on the Canon 1000D digital SLR camera is an indication of a miscellaneous error or an error that is not easily categorized (as opposed to other errors you may receive). Error 99 also prevents you from taking any more photographs until the problem has been found and is resolved. The best way to troubleshoot this error is by process of elimination.

Turn off your Canon 1000D and remove the memory card, lens, battery and time/date secondary battery. The secondary battery is a small, round battery about the size of a dime found in the same compartment as the main battery. It is located in a vertical slot. Slide out the secondary battery by pressing your finger on the battery and pulling it toward you.

Place the body cap on your camera to keep dust out. Attach the front and back lens caps on your lens to prevent scratches and other damage.

Let the camera sit for 20 minutes. This will clear the camera's memory.

Place the date/time secondary battery and a fully charged primary battery in the camera and turn it on.

Press the shutter release button (the button you push to take a picture). If you are still receiving an Error 99, the problem is most likely caused by the camera body itself. The camera body must be serviced by a professional camera technician.

Turn off the camera and insert the memory card. Turn the camera back on and press the shutter release button. If you are receiving an Error 99, the error is most likely caused by the memory card. Turn off your camera and insert a different memory card. Turn the camera back on and press the shutter release again.

Turn off the camera and reattach the lens. Turn on the camera and press the shutter release button. If you receive an Error 99, turn the camera off and remove the lens.

Turn the camera so that it is face down, and gently clean the lens contacts on the camera body with a number 2 pencil eraser or soft cloth. The lens contacts are the eight small, gold pieces on the bottom of the lens mount. Be careful not to let any of the eraser scraps fall into the camera body.

Turn the lens so that the side that attaches to the camera is upside down. Use the eraser or soft cloth to clean the lens contacts on the lens, being careful not to let any eraser scraps fall into the lens.

Reattach the lens to the camera. Turn on the camera and press the shutter release button. If you are receiving an Error 99, the error is most likely caused by the lens. Take the lens to a professional camera technician for repair.