79 Service error code

[csprinter1]

My printer cylces on and off and initializes, while giving a "79 service error turn off then on" message.  I have powered the printer off, pulled the power cable, reset my router, restarted, and yet same error.  I have also tried removing the print cartridges and restarting, but no help.  I have performed these steps several times, leaving the printer off for several minutes, no help.  The printer is a Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281cdw

[csprinter1]

Also, this occurred after the last update for the printer that occurred automatically.  I cannot keep the printer in the on state long enough to run HP diagnostics.

[johnscottbowen]

Exactly the same situation for me, and I see that this error is starting to show up in several forum posts. That last firmware update really was bad. There doesn’t seem to be any way to force the printer to even stop to upload an older version - just those approximately 10 seconds or less that it appears to be online. Do you find that as well? 

I was able to grab some info during one of those brief periods...I’ve posted this elsewhere, but here is what I see in case it helps:

Driver Version: HP ColorLaserJet MFP M278-M281 2.0

FW Version:  2020-10-21

[csprinter1]

I see the same information.  I went to the trouble to uninstall the printer, software, and drivers.  I have tried to reinstall drivers and software but the same issue continues.

[jawc_1984]

Try turning off your WiFi on the printer so it can't connect. Do this quickly when it starts up. Then connect a USB cable and see if you can print and use the printer after setting it up for use. I did this and was successful. Seems like the last Firmware Update did something to the printer when it is connected to WiFi only. HP will need to get this addressed ASAP as I see a lot of people with the same problem. 

[johnscottbowen]

That worked!!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I just barely had enough time to turn off the WiFi the first time I could, because it went into it’s reboot, and the next time it came up I was able to get everything off that was wireless and then attached the USB and printed a page.

[csprinter1]

We still need a solution from HP.  Thank you for the work around!

[ckobayashi]

I am having the same problem as everyone here. My printer is a Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281cdw. The printer cycles on and off and initializes while giving a "79 service error turn off then on" message. It stops cycling and functions correctly only when disconnected from the network entirely. Very frustrating because I am out of the warranty period; it's been impossible to get in touch with an agent. I bought this at Costco; I wonder if they can help? I have always used genuine toner cartridges!

Notes for the HP techs:
Firmware Datecode: 20201021
Service ID: 10187
Even resetting the printer back to defaults did not work. If I can't connect it to the internet, how can I revert the firmware?!

[johnscottbowen]

I also purchased at Costco, and the warranty ran out in September, so I couldn’t get through to a tech either. Told to “go to the forums” to finds help! Terrible way to treat customers, whether long-term or new.

Dod you try to turn off all WifI from the printer, as was suggested? This worked for me - at least for now I can print with a USB connection.

[Btoadly]

I can't figure out how to turn off the wifi quickly enough.