HP Color Laser MFP 197fnw stuck in "System Initialize" loop error when connected to network

[ABCDave]

Hi all,

I have a HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw printer that is stuck in a loop when connected to our business's internal network via the ethernet port.  The printer will go online for 30 seconds then go offline again with the printer light going orange and the display showing a "System Initialize" error.  The error will then clear after 30 seconds and the printer will come back online again.  The process loops continuously as long as the printer is has the ethernet cable connected. 

I have checked the network cable and network hardware which is all working so I believe it is an issue with the either the ethernet port on the printer or a setting on the printer.

Do I need to factory reset the printer or is there another way to clear this error?  Currently the printer is only usable when plugged in with a  USB cable to a single PC which is not practical for its users.

[Irfan_06]

Hi @ABCDave,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to assist you.

I see that you are facing an issue with your printer that is stuck on system initialize screen.

To understand the issue and help you, please share the details listed below:

- Exact model number/product number(SKU number) of your HP Product (Click here for information on how to find the model number/product number).

- When was the last time your printer was connected to the network or working fine?

- Were there any changes made to your printer or router recently?

- May I know which devices are you using to print eg: Windows PC, Mac, or Smartphone (Android or iPhone)?

Note: Do not share any of your personal information such as serial, phone number, email ID, etc.

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Irwin6

HP Support

[ABCDave]

Hi Irwin6

The printer was last working about 2 weeks ago before this error appeared, nothing on our system has changed since this time.  Printer is a HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw, SN CNB3P66LN5.
We are printing in a Windows environment, the printer is connected to our network and printed to through a Print Server, hosting several other printers that are all working fine.  I can ping the printer when it is online for 30 seconds before it goes offline again in a loop.  It does not print anything for the 30 seconds it is online.

Best Regards

[Irfan_06]

Hi @ABCDave,

Thank you for sharing the above information.

A) Please follow the steps below to perform a power drain.

1) Take out the cartridges

2) Unplug the power cord from the printer & wall.

3) Press and hold the power button down for 15 seconds and release the power button, wait for about 30 seconds.

4) Plug the power cord back into the printer and wall, ensure the printer is plugged into the wall & not into a surge protector.

5) Insert the cartridges back into the printer.

Remove the cartridges > Unplug the power cord > Wait for 30 seconds > Plug the power cord back in > Insert the cartridges

B) Kindly refer to the steps on this link to update the printer firmware and let me know if that resolves the issue.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day

Irwin6

HP Support