79 Service Error m401dw

[ejones03105]

Before I begin, I will preface my problem with this. The only thing that has changed in my network is that about a month ago, we upgraded the network speed to 1Gb and Cox changed the modem/router out and ran fiber to the house instead of copper. But, i've printed on the printer since then without an issue.

Suddenly, my m401 printer started cycling a 79 service error to an initialization screen to a white screen back to the service error. The only way to make it stop is to turn off the wireless router, then disable the wireless networking in the printer and turn the wireless router back on. But then I have only USB printing available, which is an unacceptable issue with three computers in the house. 

I've tried turning off IPV6, which resulted in the printer not being seen by any of the computers and requiring a reinstall of the printer drivers. But, once i started installing the printer drivers, the error returned and the installation process errored out midstream. I can complete the process with the USB cable, but again that results in a wired only connection that is useless to me. I've also flushed the printer queues from each computer to make sure that an errant print job isn't causing the issue and i have upgraded the firmware in the printer to the latest version. 

My 13 year old M401 has performed flawlessly without any issues over its life and I really don't want to buy a new one now.  Plus, I see several other models on this forum having the same issue with a variety of solutions, none of which have fixed my problem, so if I buy a new HP printer, what is to keep it from having the same problem? So if I could solve this problem I would really appreciate it. 

[Andr-1611]

Hello @ejones03105,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Try this solution here: LaserJet Pro 400 M401dn - 79 SERVICE ERROR 

This software package was also installed: HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401a, M401d, M401n, M401dn, N404dw Printer Full Software and Drivers 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted.
Andr-1611

If my post resolved your problem please mark this post as an "Accepted Solution".
Or click on the YES button to reply that the response was helpful and/or to say “Thank You”.

[ejones03105]

I appreciate your quick response, but unfortunately, the suggestion didn't work. I had already tried the software that you pointed to, and about 5% through the install process, the printer starts displaying the 79 service error and the install process stops. It displays communication with printer was lost. 

[Repairatrooper]

If you are connecting via network I would make the following suggestion.

1. Set a separate SSID for the 2.4Ghz channel of your router and only allow the printer to connect to that.

1.5 Delete all existing printer installations on workstations

2. Confirm your workstations are actually using IPV6. It is not widely used to this point, switch to IPV4

3. Assign a static IP address to the printer

4. Using the HP UPD driver, manually install, creating a TCP/IP port for connection for the driver.

[Andr-1611]

Or try this: 79 Errors 

[ejones03105]

@Repairatrooper It has been a while since I worked directly with TCP/IP and the settings in a router. Since I am working from home full time, I will have to try this on Saturday when I can devote my full attention to it. 

Cox has made it easy to manage the SSID of the router, but also dumbed it down to the point that I don't have control of the individual channels. I'll have to search online for a service manual for the router to find how to get into service mode and where the 2.4Ghz & 5 Ghz channels. Then I will need to investigate how to set a static IP address. I used to know how to do that years ago when I was a printer tech, but I retired a few years back and that information falls into the use it or lose it category. I've forgotten a lot of what I knew. 

Your suggestion in step 2 is a little unclear to me. Are you suggesting to put my workstations on IPV6 and everything else on IPV4, or put everything on IPV4? 

Finally, I presume the Universal Printer Driver is readily available and that it will not be hard to find? 

I appreciate your help and suggestions, and don't think I'm ignoring you, but work has to come first. 

[ejones03105]

@Andr-1611 I have already upgraded the firmware to 20210202. If there is a newer version, I have not found it. 

As far as DIMM chip problems, I don't have any extra memory plugged into this printer, so if a memory chip has failed, then its time for a new printer. I would also think that a faulty DIMM chip would cause the error whether I was connected to wireless or not. I seem to be able to connect to USB and print all day long with that connection. 

Could it possibly be that the wireless transceiver in this printer just can't handle the speed of a 1Gb router? If so, I should be able to throttle the speed down in the settings somewhere.