Printer Failure, paperjammed but no paperjammed error message 0x6100004a

[Sheri730]

I have been receiving  errors and can't clear them.  Printer Failure, paperjammed but no paperjammed error message 0x6100004a

Printer works intermitently.  How do a factory restore or diagnostic test?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Sheri730,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you are gettijng the 0x6100004a Printer Failure error on the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 is often caused by an internal hardware issue, sometimes related to a paper jam that isn't detected, a carriage stall, or a printhead problem. Here’s what you can try to fix it and restore your printer to factory settings.

Step 1: Reset the Printer

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cable from both the printer and the wall outlet.
2. Wait at least 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cable directly to a wall outlet (avoid power strips).
4. Turn on the printer and check if the error persists.

Step 2: Check for Paper Jams (Even if No Error Appears)

1. Open the front cover and remove the ink cartridges.
2. Check inside for any small pieces of paper or debris.
3. Open the rear access door or duplexer and inspect for jams.
4. Move the carriage (ink cartridge holder) manually from left to right to ensure it's not stuck.
5. Reinsert the ink cartridges and close all doors properly.
6. Restart the printer.

Step 3: Clean the Printhead Manually

1. Remove all ink cartridges.
2. Lift the printhead latch (if accessible) and gently clean the printhead contacts with a lint-free cloth and distilled water.
3. Let it dry for 5 minutes before reinserting.
4. Close the latch and reinstall the cartridges.

Step 4: Perform a Factory Reset

A factory reset can help if intermittent issues persist.

1. On the printer control panel, press Back (←) four times quickly.
2. Select Support Menu → Reset Menu.
3. Choose Semi-Full Reset (this restores factory settings).
4. The printer will restart automatically.

Note: This will remove any custom settings, including WiFi credentials.

Step 5: Run HP Print and Scan Doctor HP Print and Scan Doctor

1. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor from HP’s website.
2. Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. It will diagnose and attempt to fix any detected issues.

Step 6: Update Printer Firmware Update the firmware on an HP printer

1. Go to HP Support → HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 Drivers.
2. Download and install the latest firmware.
3. Restart the printer after installation.

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet All-in-One Printers - '0x6100004a' error after a paper jam message

HP OfficeJet Printers - 'Printer Failure' Error   There is a problem with the printer or ink system....
 

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!

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Sheri730,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you are gettijng the 0x6100004a Printer Failure error on the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 is often caused by an internal hardware issue, sometimes related to a paper jam that isn't detected, a carriage stall, or a printhead problem. Here’s what you can try to fix it and restore your printer to factory settings.

Step 1: Reset the Printer

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cable from both the printer and the wall outlet.
2. Wait at least 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cable directly to a wall outlet (avoid power strips).
4. Turn on the printer and check if the error persists.

Step 2: Check for Paper Jams (Even if No Error Appears)

1. Open the front cover and remove the ink cartridges.
2. Check inside for any small pieces of paper or debris.
3. Open the rear access door or duplexer and inspect for jams.
4. Move the carriage (ink cartridge holder) manually from left to right to ensure it's not stuck.
5. Reinsert the ink cartridges and close all doors properly.
6. Restart the printer.

Step 3: Clean the Printhead Manually

1. Remove all ink cartridges.
2. Lift the printhead latch (if accessible) and gently clean the printhead contacts with a lint-free cloth and distilled water.
3. Let it dry for 5 minutes before reinserting.
4. Close the latch and reinstall the cartridges.

Step 4: Perform a Factory Reset

A factory reset can help if intermittent issues persist.

1. On the printer control panel, press Back (←) four times quickly.
2. Select Support Menu → Reset Menu.
3. Choose Semi-Full Reset (this restores factory settings).
4. The printer will restart automatically.

Note: This will remove any custom settings, including WiFi credentials.

Step 5: Run HP Print and Scan Doctor HP Print and Scan Doctor

1. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor from HP’s website.
2. Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. It will diagnose and attempt to fix any detected issues.

Step 6: Update Printer Firmware Update the firmware on an HP printer

1. Go to HP Support → HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 Drivers.
2. Download and install the latest firmware.
3. Restart the printer after installation.

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet All-in-One Printers - '0x6100004a' error after a paper jam message

HP OfficeJet Printers - 'Printer Failure' Error   There is a problem with the printer or ink system....
 

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!