error code 0x6100004a

[cdlakewood]

Hp officejet pro 6978. saying there is paper jammed (there isn't) and then i get code 0x610004a printer failure

[zoey7886]

@cdlakewood, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the '0x6100004a' Error on HP OfficeJet Pro 6978! 

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

If you encounter the '0x6100004a' error message on your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978, follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

Step 1: Ensure the Cartridge Access Door is Closed Properly

1. Open the cartridge access door.
2. Remove the paper path cover and check for any torn paper, labels, or obstructions inside.
3. Reinsert the paper path cover, ensuring it is fully inserted.
4. Close the cartridge access door, making sure it is completely shut.

Step 2: Clear the Error Message

1. Turn off the printer by pressing the power button.
2. With the printer off, open the cartridge access door.
3. Turn the printer back on and wait for the carriage to move to the center.
4. With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the printer and the outlet.
5. Remove the ink cartridges.
6. Reconnect the power cord to the printer and the outlet, preferably directly to a wall outlet.
7. Turn the printer back on with the cartridge access door still open.
8. Wait for the printer to complete its start-up sequence.
9. Install the ink cartridges once the carriage returns to the center and the error clears.
10. If the error persists, repeat these steps up to three times.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[cdlakewood]

in step two i can't get #3 to happen ... the ink cartridges seem stuck on the right side .... will not move to center.

[zoey7886]

@cdlakewood, Thanks for the update — I know how frustrating it is when the ink carriage just won’t budge, especially when you're trying to fix things.

Let’s try this:

🔹 With the printer still on, unplug the power cord directly from the back. This sudden stop might release the carriage motor.
🔹 Wait about 60 seconds — give it a little breather.
🔹 Now, gently open the cartridge access door and plug the power cord back in.
🔹 Don’t press any buttons — just watch and listen. The printer should start up and hopefully the carriage will try to reset and shift toward the center.

If it’s still stuck, gently check if there’s any small bit of debris or dried ink buildup near the carriage path on the right — even something tiny can cause the jam signal.

Let me know how it goes — we’ll get through this! 💪

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards,