HP Printer Error 79: Complete Fix Guide
Quick Fix
HP printer error 79 means a firmware or print job error. Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, turn back on. If error returns, cancel all print jobs: on computer go to Printers, right-click your HP printer, select “See what’s printing”, then Cancel All Documents. This clears the bad job causing error 79.
What Is HP Error 79?
Error 79 on HP LaserJet printers indicates a critical firmware error. You’ll see “79.00XX” where XX is a specific error code. This typically happens when a corrupt print job is sent, firmware becomes corrupted, or there’s a communication error between computer and printer.
Method 1: Power Cycle Printer
A full restart clears temporary errors.
- Press Power button to turn off printer
- Unplug power cord from printer
- Wait 30 seconds
- Plug power cord back in
- Turn printer on
- Wait for ready status
Method 2: Cancel All Print Jobs
A corrupt print job triggers error 79.
Windows:
- Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Select “See what’s printing”
- Click Printer > Cancel All Documents
- Power cycle the printer
Mac:
- System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
- Select HP printer, click Open Print Queue
- Select all jobs and delete
Method 3: Disconnect from Network
Network data can cause error 79.
- Unplug Ethernet cable from printer
- Or disable WiFi on printer
- Power cycle printer
- If error clears, network traffic was the cause
- Reconnect and configure network settings
Method 4: Remove USB Devices
USB accessories can cause firmware errors.
- Remove any USB drives from printer
- Disconnect USB cable to computer
- Power cycle printer
- If error clears, reconnect one device at a time
Method 5: Update Printer Firmware
Outdated firmware has known bugs.
- Visit support.hp.com
- Enter your printer model
- Download latest firmware
- Run firmware updater
- Don’t turn off printer during update
- Restart when complete
Method 6: Reinstall Print Driver
Corrupted drivers send bad data.
- Uninstall current HP printer software
- Restart computer
- Download fresh driver from support.hp.com
- Install new driver
- Add printer again
- Test printing
Method 7: Try Different File
Specific files may be corrupt.
- Try printing a simple text document
- If it works, original file is the problem
- Re-create or re-download the problematic file
- Try different PDF reader if PDF fails
Method 8: Disable Advanced Features
Advanced printing features can cause errors.
- Right-click printer > Printing Preferences
- Disable Advanced Printing Features
- Disable bidirectional communication
- Try printing again
Method 9: Reset Printer to Factory
Clear all settings and start fresh.
- On printer panel: Setup > Service > Restore Defaults
- Or hold specific button combination (varies by model)
- Confirm reset
- Reconfigure network and settings
Method 10: Check for Hardware Issues
Hardware problems cause persistent error 79.
- Check for paper jams
- Reseat toner cartridge
- Check formatter board connection
- If error persists after all fixes, formatter board may need replacement
- Contact HP Support for hardware service
Common Error 79 Codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 79.00FE | Print job error |
| 79.00FF | Firmware error |
| 79.0049 | Network communication error |
FAQ
Why does error 79 keep coming back?
Recurring error 79 usually means a specific print job or driver keeps sending bad data. Clear all print jobs, reinstall drivers, and update firmware. If still recurring, the formatter board may be failing.
Can I fix error 79 without losing print jobs?
Unfortunately, clearing the error usually requires canceling pending jobs. The corrupt job causing the error must be removed. Save documents and reprint after fixing.
Does error 79 mean my printer is broken?
Usually no – it’s typically a software/firmware issue fixed by power cycling and clearing jobs. Only if the error persists after all troubleshooting does it indicate potential hardware failure.
