Error mode when try to print

[sallyboyton]

Our printer sporadically goes to error mode (3 amber flashing lights plus the power light flashing) when we try to print a document. Initially thought it was a PDF issue but now various file formats cause the same issue. A reboot of mains power sometimes prints one document, then back to error.

No issue with wireless connection. Happening via two different PCs.

Tried the HP doctor programme which said it updated the port, checked driver, etc. (says problem fixed) and prints a test page ok. 

Would be grateful for further ideas re. fix as very close to buying a new printer (lots of office time lost troubleshooting)

[Max3Aj]

@sallyboyton, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Since you've already tried HP Print and Scan Doctor and verified that the printer works after a reboot (at least temporarily), the issue is likely related to firmware, driver conflicts, or a hardware fault. Here are a few steps to further troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:

Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Wait 2-3 minutes.
3. Press and hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds to drain any residual power.
4. Plug it back in and turn it on.

Update Firmware

Since you mentioned that the printer can print a test page after using HP Print and Scan Doctor, check if the firmware is up to date:

• Go to HP Support and enter your model (HP DeskJet 4130e).
• Download and install any firmware updates.

Remove and Reinstall the Printer

If the issue persists, completely remove and reinstall the printer:

Uninstall the Printer

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right-click the HP DeskJet 4130e and remove the printer.
• Open Device Manager, expand Printers, and uninstall any instances of your printer.

Reinstall the Printer

• Restart the PC.
• Reinstall the printer using the HP Smart App (Download Here).

Check the Print Spooler

1. Open Run (Win + R) and type services.msc, then press Enter.
2. Find Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.
3. Set Startup type to Automatic.
4. Try printing again.

Test with USB Connection

If possible, connect the printer via USB instead of Wi-Fi and try printing. If the issue disappears, the problem might be related to the network configuration.

Check for Faulty Print Jobs

Corrupt print jobs can cause printers to freeze:

1. Open Run (Win + R) and type control printers, then press Enter.
2. Double-click your HP DeskJet 4130e and cancel all pending print jobs.
3. Try printing again.

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel (X) buttons for 5-10 seconds.
3. The printer should restart and restore to factory settings.
4. Set it up again using the HP Smart App.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted 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! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[sallyboyton]

Hi Max3Aj,

Huge apologies for the late reply to your solutions - at the time both my partner and I were in a complete panic as we had lots of documents to print and no printer. We had tried all of the things below to no avail and ended up buying a new printer (same updated model) as could only assume that there was an issue with the way it handled memory or something else internal.

New printer did print straight away, however I have had a couple of instances already where it just goes into error mode for now apparent reason, very frustrating.

I assume we can contact HP support directly as the new printer is now in warranty, but the challenge is having the time when it happens (around work) to do this...

Many thanks for your response and support.

Sal

[sallyboyton]

Interestingly @Mac3Aj, today I am printing a series of 7 posters and have another error I can't fathom.

On first print run of 7 pages, the bottom of page 2 was missed off (and I assumed it was the margin settings even though I'd checked them prior), Having checked (margins were fine) and reprinted page 2 alone, I see the full design print to the bottom, great.

On second print run of 7 pages, exactly the same page 2 bottom is missed off and I noticed as it stopped and spat the page out before finishing, I had an alert telling me 'the ink cartridge isn't working' - I went to attend to the printer but it continued printing the rest of the run, without issue.

Does any this spark any thoughts with you please? The errors seems so sporadic with no pattern (apart from the page 2 malfunction)?

[Max3Aj]

Thank you for the detailed follow-up @sallyboyton. No need to apologize at all. It’s completely understandable to panic when a printer fails mid-deadline, and I appreciate you taking the time now to share what’s happened.

What you’ve described with both the old and new HP printer models (DeskJet 4130e series) actually points to:

Print queues get interrupted by firmware-level cartridge validation.

There are Wi-Fi interference or brief disconnects, which can cause the print job to "hang" or abort a page.

The printer experiences memory handling bugs during multi-page document spooling.

The fact that page 2 was always affected, and then printed fine when isolated, suggests:

• The problem isn’t with the design or margin.
• It’s not corrupt data.
• It’s mid-job interruption, probably due to cartridge check, RAM buffer flush, or Wi-Fi pause.

Please try these steps, 

Update Printer Firmware (Again)

Even a new printer can ship with older firmware. Please:

• Go to HP Software & Driver Downloads.
• Enter your model (e.g., HP DeskJet 4130e).
• Download the latest firmware (not just the HP Smart app).
• Install it with the printer powered on and idle.

Use HP Smart App to Monitor Errors

• Launch HP Smart, click Printer Settings > Reports/History.
• Look for any ink warnings or error events and time stamps.
• This helps identify whether the cartridge warning came mid-print or was a delayed notification.

Avoid Printing Multi-Page Jobs Until Stable

• For now, try printing large documents one page at a time or in batches (e.g., 1–2 pages), especially if graphics-heavy.

Use Only HP Original Cartridges

• If you're using Instant Ink or genuine HP ink, it should be fine. But if there's any swap with third-party ink, it can trigger internal checks mid-job.

Change Print Quality Temporarily

Under Print Preferences:

• Switch from "Best" or "Normal" to "Draft", especially for posters.
• This reduces processing time per page and can sometimes bypass memory errors.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[sallyboyton]

Thank you, really useful and I will try these when I next have time  (and the sanity) to  spend on it. I'm using instant ink so that shouldn't be the cause...

[Max3Aj]

@sallyboyton, Thank you for your response. 

Is the issue sorted, could you please let us know? 

And is there anything else I can help you with? 

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support