OfficeJet Pro 6978 error code 0x6100004a

[hsullivan8b]

My printer has been going in circles with the same errors. On 3/6 I went to print a map of a ski resort and it printed fine. It printed a little smaller than I preferred so I changed the size settings on my computer and hit print again. This time it would not pick up the paper that was in the paper tray. I tried different kinds of paper, blowing out the machine, wiping down parts. It wouldn't pick up paper no matter what. So I shut it down via the power button and unplug it. Over a week later, I'm trying to set up my printer at my new place on 3/16 and upon turning it on it says "Improper Shutdown. The printer was not turned off properly. To avoid damaging the printer, always press the power button to turn it off." (I did...) I dismissed the message by pressing ok, then it spins on "Printer maintenance is in progress. Do not interrupt." for a few seconds then says "Paper Jam. Remove any jammed paper and make sure the paper tray is installed properly." There is absolutely zero paper in the entire machine. Not in the tray, not when you open the top, not when you look underneath, nowhere. I dismiss the message by pressing ok. It then spins on "Printer maintenance is in progress. Do not interrupt." AGAIN for a few seconds. Then pops up with "Printer Failure. There is a problem with the printer or print system. Turn the printer off then on. If you continue to get this message, contact HP. 0x1600004a. So what do I do? Press the power button to turn it off, then press the power button to turn it back on and back at square one with a message saying it wasn't properly shut down last time.

 On a side note, this other thing has been an issue since I ever bought the printer. Any time I go to use it it always has to do "printer maintenance" for a few minutes before it ever prints anything. Even if it was used the day prior. Especially inconvenient when I'm in a hurry. And how often does it really need to maintenance itself? All my prior HP printers never had this issue.

[TEJ1602]

@hsullivan8b, Welcome to HP Support Community!

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