• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Join the HP Community Solve‑a‑thon | Help Others & Share Your Solutions | Live on Zoom | 2:30 PM to 2:30 AM IST | Every Wednesday Click here to know more
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

my printer shows the message oxc19a0042. I have tried to align, clean print head, turned off, turned on, cleaned cartridges. ANy ideas?

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
HP Recommended

Hi @Trudy-28,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

The error code 0xc19a0042 on your HP printer is a “printhead failure” or ink system error. It often means the printer cannot properly communicate with or operate the printhead, even after you've already tried cleaning, aligning, and power cycling.

You've done the right steps so far — here’s what else you can try to resolve it:

1. Perform a Full Power Reset (Hard Reset)

This clears hidden memory faults.

  • With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the back.
  • Unplug it from the wall outlet, too.
  • Wait 60 seconds.
  • Press and hold the power button on the printer for 15 seconds (if available).
  • Plug it back directly into the wall outlet (avoid power strips) and turn it on.


2. Remove and Reinsert All Ink Cartridges

  • Open the access door.
  • Carefully remove all cartridges.
  • Gently clean the copper contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer with a lint-free cloth and a bit of distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
  • Let dry completely and reinsert.


3. Check for Clogged or Failing Printhead

If your printer has a removable printhead, try removing and reseating it. If it's fixed, skip this step.

  • You may try another printhead cleaning cycle from the printer menu or HP Smart app, but don’t run more than 2–3 in a row — excessive cleaning wastes ink and won’t help a failing printhead.


4. Update the Printer’s Firmware

Sometimes this error is firmware-related:

  • Go to HP Support.
  • Enter your printer model.
  • Download and install the latest firmware for your printer.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have a good day.

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

View solution in original post

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

Hi @Trudy-28,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

The error code 0xc19a0042 on your HP printer is a “printhead failure” or ink system error. It often means the printer cannot properly communicate with or operate the printhead, even after you've already tried cleaning, aligning, and power cycling.

You've done the right steps so far — here’s what else you can try to resolve it:

1. Perform a Full Power Reset (Hard Reset)

This clears hidden memory faults.

  • With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the back.
  • Unplug it from the wall outlet, too.
  • Wait 60 seconds.
  • Press and hold the power button on the printer for 15 seconds (if available).
  • Plug it back directly into the wall outlet (avoid power strips) and turn it on.


2. Remove and Reinsert All Ink Cartridges

  • Open the access door.
  • Carefully remove all cartridges.
  • Gently clean the copper contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer with a lint-free cloth and a bit of distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
  • Let dry completely and reinsert.


3. Check for Clogged or Failing Printhead

If your printer has a removable printhead, try removing and reseating it. If it's fixed, skip this step.

  • You may try another printhead cleaning cycle from the printer menu or HP Smart app, but don’t run more than 2–3 in a row — excessive cleaning wastes ink and won’t help a failing printhead.


4. Update the Printer’s Firmware

Sometimes this error is firmware-related:

  • Go to HP Support.
  • Enter your printer model.
  • Download and install the latest firmware for your printer.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have a good day.

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

HP Recommended

Your message was helpful, although i had already tried most of it. I cleaned the printhead but still no go. Will have to get a replacement part, I think. Thanks for your advice

HP Recommended

Hi @Trudy-28,

Thank you for your response.

 

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

 

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!

 

Take care and have a great day ahead!

 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.