I keep getting a recurring error 49 on my MP234SDW printer. I keep powering down but it comes back.

[KKN965]

I keep getting a recurring error 49 on my MP234SDW printer. I keep powering down and it prints the job but the error keeps coming back. A while back we changed our network password. I was able to find how to update the password and the printer prints wirelessly. However, ever since then, when I send print jobs from my computer (with a wired connection) I keep getting an error 49. It doesn't happen each time but I can't send more than 2 or 3 print jobs before the error 49 comes back. It always clears up and prints the print job when I power the printer down and then back on. I need specific, step-by step instructions to fix this problem once and for all. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @KKN965,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP MFP M234sdw printer is showing a recurring Error 49 that clears when you power it off and on, but the error comes back after a few print jobs. Let’s go through step-by-step instructions to help fix this once and for all.

Clear Print Queue & Restart Print Spooler on Your PC

On your computer, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

Select your printer → click Open print queue → cancel all pending jobs.

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Find Print Spooler, right-click → Stop.

Go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete any files inside.

Back in services.msc, right-click Print Spooler → Start.

Power Cycle & Test Without Network

Turn the printer off, unplug power and Ethernet, wait 60 seconds.

Plug power back in but leave it disconnected from the network.

If possible, connect via USB and print a few test pages.

If Error 49 does not occur on USB but does on the network, the issue is network or driver related.

Update Printer Firmware

Print a Configuration Report from the printer to find its IP address.

Enter the IP in a web browser to open the Embedded Web Server (EWS).

Go to System > Firmware Update and install the latest version.

You can also download firmware from HP’s support site and update via USB or HP Smart.

Reinstall Printer Driver (Use HP Universal Print Driver – PCL6)

On your PC, remove the current printer from Settings > Printers & scanners.

In Control Panel > Devices and Printers, click any printer → from the top menu select Print server properties → go to Drivers tab → remove the HP M234 driver.

Download and install the HP Universal Print Driver (PCL6).

Add the printer again using its IPv4 address (Standard TCP/IP port).

Disable IPv6 on Printer & PC

In the printer’s EWS (network settings), disable IPv6 and keep IPv4 enabled.

On your PC: go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right-click your active adapter → Properties → uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) → OK.

Check PDFs or Complex Documents

If the error happens mostly with PDFs, try printing them as images:
In Adobe Reader, go to File > Print > Advanced > Print as Image.

Save a fresh copy of the PDF before printing.

Assign a Static IP Address

In your router, reserve an IP address for the printer based on its MAC address.

Or in the printer’s EWS → Networking → IPv4 → set a manual static IP.

Re-add the printer on your PC using this fixed IP.

Restore Factory Defaults (Last Resort)

From the printer control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore Defaults.

Reconfigure Wi-Fi and reinstall drivers fresh.

Apply the latest firmware update immediately after reset.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,