resolve error code 0x80040003

[Juneisland5]

For the past 3 days I've been receiving "error code 0x80xxxxxxx" messages when trying to print.

Today the error code has again changed digits.  The full error message reads "your printer has experienced an unexpected configuration problem 0x80040003".

All the info I can find says to delete & reinstall software & drivers.  We've done this -- 3x's, we've used the scan Dr, we've used virutal diagnostic - NOTHING works.  Anyone have a soution?  TIA

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @Juneisland5, Thank you for visiting the HP Forums! A great place where you can find solutions for your issues with help from the community!

Don't worry I'll try to help you out. Before we start troubleshooting, I have few questions in order to assist you better.

Did you make any changes to your printer?

Are you able to make a copy of your printer?

Have you tried printing from a different application?

Is your printer working with USB connection?

Splendid analysis and remarkable patience shown. It is immensely appreciated.

So let's continue with the troubleshooting now.

Reset the printer

In some cases, removing the ink cartridges and resetting the printer can clear the error message.

1. Turn on the printer.

2. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.

3. Disconnect the USB cable from the rear of the printer. If your printer has a network or wireless connection, leave it connected.

4. Remove the ink cartridges from the printer.

5. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and from the wall outlet or power strip.

6. Wait at least 60 seconds.

7. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.

      NOTE:

   HP recommends connecting the printer power cord directly to a wall outlet.

8. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.

9. Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.

   The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.

10. Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

11. Reinsert the ink cartridges, and then close the ink cartridge access door.

12. If you receive a prompt to print a calibration page, do so.

13. If you disconnected the USB cable, reconnect it to the rear of the printer.

14. Try to print.

Also, uninstall the printer software from root level on your PC and install the full feature printer software.

In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.

Select your HP printer.

Select Uninstall.

In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.

In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”

Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.

Type printui.exe /s and click OK.

Click on Drivers tab.

Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click remove at the bottom.

Select OK.

Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.

Close Devices and Printers.

Update the full feature printer software using this link. Click Here

If the issue still persists after trying out the steps, try updating the printer firmware and check if it helps.

Update the printer firmware using this link. Click Here

Refer this article to further troubleshoot 0x errors on your printer. Click Here

Let me know if this works!

Have a great day! 🙂

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[Juneisland5]

Thank you kind for your response and thorough instructions!

I've tried each step - nothing has resolved my inability to print.  Tomorrow, I plan to try these suggested solutions again -- just in case I missed something. 

Incidentally, We have 2 PC's, 2 iPads, 1 macbook & 4 iphones.  THe printer works fine as a copier & with every iOS products...I'm only having problems with the PC's.  Was there an update to windows or to HP recently that might have this effect?  (the error messages are the same/similar).  Thoughts?

[A4Apollo]

Hey there! @Juneisland5, thanks for your prompt response and time.

I appreciate your efforts for writing back to us.

Kudos to you on trying the steps recommended previously.

Try uninstalling the printer software from the PC and install the windows built-in drivers and check if it helps.

Refer this article to know more information about installing windows built-in drivers. Click Here

Let me know if this works!

Take Care! 🙂

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[dct2012]

I'm also having the same issue with the printer I just purchased earlier this morning... I've reset my laptop and printer multiple times as well as uninstalled and reinstalled the printer... I'm on the verge of simply returning the product and going with a different brand if I'm unable to resolve this issue... you have to understand that this is extremely frustrating. 

[A4Apollo]

@dct2012,

Try the steps recommended below.

Press Windows Key + X..

Click on Control Panel.

Select Troubleshooting.

On the left pane, click on View All.

Click on Printer to run the troubleshooter.

Clear Spooler 
Type Services in Windows Start Search Box > Click Services > Scroll down to Print Spooler > Right-click and choose Stop for the Print Spooler service > Go to C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\PRINTERS. You can also type %windir%\System32\spool\PRINTERS into the address bar in Explorer if the C drive is not the default Windows partition > Delete all the files in this folder > Services console and right-click and choose Start for the Print Spooler service 

If you still have issues after trying out the steps. It is a hardware issue with the printer.

Please contact HP support for service options. Click Here

Take Care! 🙂

[eastwestauto]

A4Apollo, I have been experiencing this error since the day I replaced an 8610 with an 8710.  I have spent weeks isolating the error and have seen dozens of similar hits on other sites.

I have no errors copying, scanning, or faxing.

I have no errors printing from any windows application, from chrome, from IE, from firefox, or any other browser except one.

This error only occurs when printing from any application opened with Microsoft Edge. 

From what I have seen in other posts, this printer, unlike the 8610 before it, prints via your web services protocol, and there is a bug either with Edge or your drivers, in your "EWS" services.

I have followed every single step you have posted on my Windows 10, 64 bit system, which is updated with the latest Windows updates and your latest driver and firmware updates.  I have changed from dhcp to static IP, without any difference.  

Where I have carefully isolated this to strictly a "printing on Microsoft edge" issue for this printer, let's get some specific response from HP related to this bug as that's what it is.  The printer functions 100% fine on every other browser and windows application.  

[Raj1788]

@eastwestauto

Thank you for joining the HP Community

Appreciate all your time and efforts!

I would personally suggest you contact our HP Support for further assistance. 

Click here: https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp?openCLC=true 

Make sure you select the Country and Region.

Keep me posted on further assistance. Hope that helps! 

Have a great day ahead!

[Magouille]

Hi gus, 

I have the exact same problem. My HPofficejet Pro 6970 works perfectly fine (copy, scan, print email ....) but does not want to do anything when i try to print a picture using the windows tools. This is very fructrating. Any of you got a solution that works (I've laso tried everything above and it doesn't change a thing ....)

Thanks in advance