I have an HP 2605dn network printer. I keep getting a code 79 error message.

[kyldh]

So I tried this, and to my astonishment I printed a couple pages and didn't get an Error 79. But on the 3rd page I got a 49 Error, reboot, and then back to the same old 79 Error again. No go. I've read on other Forums that a new formatter card could be the fix. Anyone know if that's true before I drop and cash on one?

Thanks.

[Gerard-swf]

Kyldh, your 2605dn printer has probably taken it's last breath.  Please don't throw good money after old technology. 

I just replaced my 2609dn with a HP m451dn which I purchased at Office Depot on sale for $299, including trading in my 2605dn which finally died.  They gave me $50 for it.

The m451dn is much faster, the print quality is slightly better and  it boots quicker too.  The only drawback I can see with the m451dn is the toner cartridges are smaller.  However, buying toner on ebay will make the difference negligible.

[kyldh]

Well, mine was actually free, so for me it's just trying to take it's potential FIRST breath. haha. I don't mind grabbing a formatter off ebay for $50 if that's the fix since $50 is all I'll have invested anyhow. Seems like people are throwing around ideas about firmware, reconnecting some ribbon cables, the formatter going bad, etc. Just trying to narrow down the actual problem before I toss it in the trash. 

I suppose if the formatter has a decent return policy, I'll give it a go.

[R1200CL]

I ended up with having a technichian from HP fix this. I was not present when he did the job, but I think he had to replace a card / print board. Price was not that bad. Have been working fine since then.

[kyldh]

Mine is working now as well. I just wanted to jump back on here and post an update. 

I ordered a used Formatter Board off of eBay for around $50... same issue though, Error 79. On the assumption that maybe this formatter board sold to me was ALSO faulty I returned it to the seller and bought one from a different seller. The second seller was in China, so it took quite a while to arrive. The printer works perfectly now! No more errors!

So, moral of the story... MY printer's story at least... 79 Error = Faulty formatter board. Jump on eBay and buy a replacement for $50 (make sure you have a good return policy if it's used, because it may also be bad like my 1st purchase). It's very easy to replace. I work in IT for a living, but I would think this would be a cakewalk for anyone really. 

From everything I've read, this sounds like an issue caused by the board overheating. Now that I have mine working I plan to install a heat sink on my new formatter board's processor to hopefully help prevent future issues. Additionally, I may cut a "vent" in the back panel for more airflow and possibly even install a fan. None of this is very expensive... few bucks for a heat sink... few bucks for a fan. 

For what it's worth, I also added a 128MB stick of RAM to the new Formatter Board (another $10). I figured if it has the optional RAM installed, maybe it can process jobs more quickly and therefore run for a shorter amount of time to also help prevent the formatter board from dying again. Sounds good in theory, right? haha.

For me this was all worth it because I got the printer for free. I maybe have... $75 invested in parts? Much cheaper than buying a new printer so long as it keeps working for me. 

Hope this helps someone else in the same situation. 

[mikeyboy2015]

********THIS TOTALLY WORKED **********

iSSUE: ERROR CODE   .70

The printer would not even print a test page. See below for FIX !

1) Unplug power and network cords.  

2) Remove 1 screw from the little silver door about in the middle and open door.  You will see a ribbon cable.  I think this is for the communications card.  Gently, using a pair of flat plyers, pull the ribbon out.   Then gently put it back in.  I think due to dust, moisture...whatever, it losses connections.  Removing and reinstalling cleans it.

3) Close the door, put the screw back in, plug cords back in and turn on.

[Gerard-swf]

Hi mikeyboy2015.

From my experience, once this printer starts throwing multiple error codes, it's worn out and time to replace it.  

I purchased another HP, this time a M451dm.  I bought it at Office Depot on sale along with a $50 trade in credit for turning in my old one.  Some message boards say the printer runs out of toner quickly, but I have not found that to be true at all. Overall, its the best printer I've owned.  Look for it online or on sale and I think you'll be very pleased too.  

[R1200CL]

I got a new card. It was replaced by a technician at my home without me present. So you just have to decide if you like to spent the money. Worked fine after repair. 

[Hank168]

I have the same problem with this printer, it only can print few pages at a time before rest.

Please let me know where did you obtain you new formater board and how much it cost? Thanks.

[nikolaos2012]

Have you tried after unplugging the printer to open the small back metal back door (need only remove 1 screw) and use a plier to gently remove and reconnect the small white ribbon cable?

IT WORKED FOR ME!!!  I had called HP and they told me my printer was toast and I most likely will end up buying a new one b/c there is a great sale on one right now that won't last BUT THIS RIBBON CABLE THING IS NO JOKE!!!!

Before I tried it I was looking for someone to recycle the printer and now it works again.