Error 79

[EajD]

I encounter a 79 error on my HP LaserJet 3050. What is it and what do I do to get rid of it?

[Pisces_Orca]

Hello

Please turn off the printer and unplug its power cord. Wait for 60 seconds before plugging it back in and turning it on again. Meanwhile, please clear all print jobs on your computer. After completing these steps, you may try printing again. Thank you for your cooperation!

[EajD]

I tried that. It did not resolve the issue. What can I do next? (I am not a techie.)

[Pisces_Orca]

Hello

Thank you for your cooperation.

Please turn off the printer and disconnect it from your computer.

Next, on the printer control panel, press the Menu button to enter the menu. Use the Left Arrow key to navigate to Service, then press the Menu button to enter. Use the Right Arrow key to find Restore Defaults, and press the Menu button to execute the reset.

After confirming the restoration, please let us know if the printer can display Ready. Thank you.

[EajD]

Rather than "then press the Menu button to enter" I pressed "Enter." Other than that, I followed your instructions. Unfortunately, Error 79 recurred, even after I cleared the print queue. Next?

[EajD]

Again, this did not clear the error.

What could be the problem?

In case it is a clue, when the printer is initializing, just before the screen shows Ready, the exclamation mark and ready signals flash momentarily.

[EajD]

I uninstalled a Preview Windows Update I received on March 26, suspecting that it may have caused the problem (Windows can't find my sound device either all of a sudden). Unfortunately, it did not resolve the printer problem (nor the sound issue). (I restarted the computer, cleared the printing queue and waited until the Ready sign appeared.)

Help!

[EajD]

Update: I retrieved another PDF. It printed. I.e., the issue is with the particular PDF that always led to an Error 79 ???

[Pisces_Orca]

Hello

Could you please help confirm whether the printer can power on and enter the ready state normally when only connected to the power cord, without being connected to a computer or any data cables?
We appreciate your testing and feedback. Thank you very much!

[EajD]

Yes it can. Please note that the error appears to have been caused by the particular PDF which I kept trying to print since another PDF printed fine.

An explanation of what causes that would be appreciated! I could then inform the originator.

Thank you!