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HP Recommended
Color LaserJet MFP M281fdw
macOS 10.12 Sierra

Our printer has been stuck in an on-off cycle of 79 Service Error for days now. My husband recently replaced our color cartridges with HP cartridges (NOT 3rd party), and when he was printing the other day, was prompted to do a firmware update. Once he did, we started getting the error. I have tried the following options:

  • complete reboot
  • canceling all print jobs in the queue and removing the printer from both of our Macs
  • resetting by touching LCD screen until 'Permanent Storage Init' message comes up, then resetting country, language, and WiFi info
  • checking to make sure firmware is updated, both from the LCD readout, and also ran a firmware update from my laptop

When I do the reset with the 'Permanent Storage Init' I get a message that our black ink cartridge (which is about a year old) is 'counterfeit or used'. We haven't changed this cartridge for a year, and it is also an HP cartridge, NOT a 3rd party cartridge. Nothing has gotten this printer out of the endless loop of error message and turning on/off.
I read an article that described this problem as the current firmware not interfacing with/accepting 3rd party cartridges. Though we have HP cartridges, I am wondering if somehow the older black cartridge is throwing this error, and whether replacing it with a new one, albeit expensive, will stop the error. Some users seem to have had success downgrading the firmware to an earlier version, but I have not found a link for an earlier firmware that works with MacOS.

Anyone have any advice they can give? This printer is only 2 years old but not under warranty, and the phone line won't allow me to connect with a representative.

 

Many thanks

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@Ultrarunner, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

 

I appreciate your efforts in trying to resolve this issue by performing the necessary troubleshooting steps.

 

Refer to this document - 79 Errors

 

As you have already tried NVRAM reset and the issue persists, please reach out to the HP Technical Support team in your region regarding the service options for your printer. 

You may create a case on the website to obtain a case number if required. Kindly watch this video to know how.

 

Keep me posted for any other assistance.

 

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!

Have a great day! 

KUMAR0307
I am an HP Employee

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