HP Printer Error 79 – Causes, Fixes, and Prevention (Complete Guide)
HP Printer Error 79 is a common issue that appears on the printer screen as “Service Error 79” or “79 Error Turn off then on”.
This error usually indicates a firmware or communication problem between your HP printer and the connected device or network.
While it might look like a serious hardware issue, it’s often related to outdated firmware, a corrupt print job, or a problem with third-party applications communicating with the printer.
Common Causes of Error 79 on HP Printers
Here are the most frequent reasons behind this issue:
Corrupt or Stuck Print Job – Damaged print data can cause the printer’s memory to overload.
Outdated Firmware – Older firmware may not handle modern print commands properly.
Network or Connectivity Issues – A faulty connection between printer and network can trigger the error.
Third-Party Add-ons or Drivers – Incompatible print drivers or extensions might cause malfunction.
Hardware or DIMM Issues – Rarely, bad memory modules or hardware failures can trigger error 79.
How to Fix HP Printer Error 79 (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple troubleshooting steps to clear the error and get your printer running again.
Step 1: Power Cycle Your Printer
Turn off the printer completely.
Disconnect the power cable and wait 30 seconds.
Reconnect the power cord and turn it on.
Step 2: Clear the Print Queue
On your computer, open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
Right-click your HP printer → See what’s printing.
Cancel all print jobs.
Try printing a test page again.
Step 3: Disconnect from Network or USB
If the printer is connected to a network or USB cable, disconnect it temporarily and restart the printer.
If it starts normally, the issue is likely with the print job or network communication.
Step 4: Update Printer Firmware
Visit support.hp.com.
Search your printer model (e.g., HP LaserJet Pro M404n).
Download and install the latest firmware update.
Reboot the printer after updating.
Step 5: Remove Third-Party Print Add-ons
If you’re using third-party printer software or management tools, disable or uninstall them temporarily to test if the issue resolves.
Step 6: Check Network and Drivers
Ensure your printer IP address is correct.
Reinstall the HP printer driver from the official HP website.
Avoid using generic Windows drivers.
Step 7: Reset Printer to Factory Defaults
If none of the above steps work:
Navigate to Setup → Service → Restore Defaults on your printer display.
Confirm reset.
Reconfigure your printer and test again.
Pro Tips to Prevent HP Error 79 in Future
✅ Always use the latest HP firmware and drivers.
✅ Avoid printing from corrupted or incompatible files.
✅ Keep your network and printer on stable power.
✅ Regularly restart your printer to clear memory cache.
✅ Use HP Smart App for safer, smoother print management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why does my HP printer keep showing error 79?
It usually happens due to a firmware glitch or a corrupt print job. Restarting and updating firmware often solves it.
Q2. Is HP Error 79 a hardware problem?
Not always. In most cases, it’s software or network related, not a physical hardware issue.
Q3. Can I fix HP Error 79 without service help?
Yes! In most cases, you can resolve it yourself by rebooting, clearing print jobs, and updating firmware.
Conclusion
HP Printer Error 79 might seem frustrating, but it’s often an easy fix. By clearing the print queue, updating firmware, and checking connections, you can restore your printer in minutes.
If the problem continues after all steps, contact HP Customer Support (24/7) for advanced service.
