# 1-866-203-7571 HP Printer Error 79 [Fixed]
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Printers play an essential role in both home and business environments, providing reliable document printing when we need it most. However, even the best devices like HP printers can sometimes face errors that interrupt productivity. One of the most common and frustrating errors users encounter is the **HP Printer Error 79**.
This issue can appear suddenly, halting your printing process and displaying a cryptic message on your printer screen that simply reads “**Error 79**” or “**79 Service Error**.” If you’re seeing this error, don’t worry — this comprehensive guide will walk you through **what causes HP Printer Error 79**, **how to fix it step-by-step**, and **how to prevent it from recurring**.
If you want immediate professional support, you can also contact **HP printer experts at 1-866-203-7571** for instant troubleshooting assistance.
## **Table of Contents**
1. What is HP Printer Error 79?
2. Common Causes of HP Printer Error 79
3. Signs and Symptoms
4. Preliminary Checks Before Fixing
5. Step-by-Step Solutions
* Step 1: Restart Your HP Printer
* Step 2: Check Print Queue
* Step 3: Update or Reinstall Printer Firmware
* Step 4: Disconnect and Reconnect Network Connection
* Step 5: Check for Faulty Print Jobs
* Step 6: Verify Network and Driver Compatibility
* Step 7: Reset the Printer to Factory Settings
* Step 8: Check Third-Party Plugins or DIMMs
6. How to Fix HP Printer Error 79 on Different Models
* HP LaserJet Series
* HP OfficeJet and Envy Series
* HP Smart Tank Printers
7. Advanced Troubleshooting
8. How to Prevent HP Printer Error 79
9. When to Contact HP Support
10. Conclusion
## **1. What is HP Printer Error 79?**
The **HP Printer Error 79** (or **79 Service Error**) is a **firmware or communication-related issue** that affects HP printers, particularly the LaserJet and OfficeJet models. It usually occurs when the printer receives corrupted print data from a computer or when there’s a problem with the printer’s internal firmware.
Essentially, it means the printer encountered something it cannot process — like a bad command, incompatible driver, or corrupt print job.
When this happens, the printer might **freeze, display the “79 Error” message**, or even **restart continuously**, making it impossible to print.
## **2. Common Causes of HP Printer Error 79**
Understanding what causes Error 79 helps you prevent it in the future. Below are some common triggers:
1. **Corrupt Print Job** – A damaged or incompatible file being sent to the printer.
2. **Outdated Printer Firmware** – Old firmware may fail to process modern printing commands.
3. **Network Communication Issues** – Faulty cables, IP conflicts, or network instability.
4. **Incompatible Print Driver** – Incorrect or outdated drivers can cause print data corruption.
5. **Third-Party Software or Plug-ins** – External print management systems can interfere.
6. **Defective DIMMs or Accessory Cards** – Faulty memory modules in the printer.
7. **Improper Shutdown or Power Surge** – Sudden power loss can damage firmware settings.
8. **Overloaded Print Queue** – Too many queued documents can overwhelm the printer.
## **3. Signs and Symptoms of Error 79**
Recognizing early signs helps you take corrective action before the issue worsens. Some of the most common symptoms include:
* Printer screen shows **“Error 79” or “79 Service Error”**.
* The printer **freezes or reboots repeatedly**.
* Printing jobs are **stuck in the queue**.
* **Slow or failed printing** despite proper connectivity.
* **Unresponsive control panel** on the printer.
* The printer may not connect to the HP Smart App or your Wi-Fi.
## **4. Preliminary Checks Before Fixing**
Before diving into complex troubleshooting, perform these quick checks:
* **Turn off your HP printer** and unplug it for 1–2 minutes.
* **Check power connection** – ensure it’s directly connected to a wall socket, not a surge protector.
* **Disconnect all cables** (USB, Ethernet) and reconnect after restarting.
* **Cancel pending print jobs** from all connected computers.
* Make sure your printer’s **firmware is not outdated**.
If these basic steps don’t help, follow the detailed troubleshooting guide below.
## **5. Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix HP Printer Error 79**
### **Step 1: Restart Your HP Printer**
A simple restart can often resolve temporary firmware glitches.
**How to do it:**
1. Turn off your printer using the power button.
2. Unplug the power cable from the back.
3. Wait 60 seconds to allow full discharge.
4. Plug the cable back and turn on the printer.
After reboot, print a test page. If the error persists, continue to the next step.
### **Step 2: Check Print Queue**
Sometimes, a corrupt or incomplete print job can trigger Error 79.
**How to clear print queue (Windows):**
1. Press **Windows + R** and type `services.msc`.
2. Scroll down and find **Print Spooler**.
3. Right-click it and select **Stop**.
4. Go to `C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS` and delete all files.
5. Return to **Print Spooler** and click **Start** again.
Now try printing again. If the error doesn’t appear, the print queue was the problem.
### **Step 3: Update or Reinstall Printer Firmware**
Outdated firmware is one of the **most common reasons** for HP Error 79.
**How to update HP Printer Firmware:**
1. Visit [support.hp.com](https://support.hp.com).
2. Enter your printer model (e.g., HP LaserJet Pro M404n).
3. Select **Drivers & Software** → **Firmware Update**.
4. Download and install the latest version.
5. Restart the printer after installation.
Updating firmware removes bugs and enhances device stability.
### **Step 4: Disconnect and Reconnect Network Connection**
A faulty Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection can interrupt communication between your printer and computer.
**Try this:**
* Disconnect your printer from the network.
* Restart your router.
* Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi using the control panel.
* Print a test page after reconnection.
If your printer still shows Error 79, move to the next step.
### **Step 5: Check for Faulty Print Jobs**
Sometimes a single bad document (e.g., a corrupted PDF) can repeatedly trigger the error.
**To test:**
* Cancel all pending print jobs.
* Try printing a simple text file (like Notepad).
* If it prints successfully, the original file was corrupt.
To avoid this, ensure you only print files from verified, non-corrupt sources.
### **Step 6: Verify Network and Driver Compatibility**
Using the wrong or outdated driver can cause communication failures.
**To reinstall HP drivers:**
1. Open **Control Panel → Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click your HP printer and select **Remove device**.
3. Go to [HP Support Page](https://support.hp.com).
4. Download and install the correct driver for your printer model and OS.
5. Restart your computer and reconnect your printer.
This often resolves driver conflicts that lead to Error 79.
### **Step 7: Reset the Printer to Factory Settings**
If the above steps fail, resetting the printer to default settings can clear internal conflicts.
**How to reset:**
1. On your printer control panel, open the **Setup Menu**.
2. Go to **Service → Restore Defaults** or **Factory Reset**.
3. Confirm and allow the printer to reboot.
After resetting, reconnect your printer to the network and install fresh drivers.
### **Step 8: Check Third-Party Plugins or DIMMs**
If your printer uses additional memory cards (DIMMs) or third-party plug-ins, these may cause the error.
**Try this:**
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Remove any third-party accessories or additional memory modules.
3. Power on the printer again.
If the error disappears, reinstall components one by one to identify the faulty part.
## **6. How to Fix HP Printer Error 79 on Different Models**
### **HP LaserJet Printers**
Error 79 is most frequent on HP LaserJet models (like M404, MFP M426, M477).
**Solution:**
* Update the printer firmware.
* Check JetDirect card (if applicable).
* Replace network cables if using Ethernet.
* Power cycle both printer and router.
* Clear all pending print jobs.
**HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
### **HP OfficeJet and Envy Printers**
These models may show “79 Error” when connected to Wi-Fi networks or after Windows updates.
**Solution:**
* Uninstall and reinstall printer software via HP Smart App.
* Remove printer from “Devices and Printers.”
* Reset Wi-Fi connection from the touchscreen control panel.
* Update firmware through HP Smart App.
### **HP Smart Tank Printers**
For Smart Tank models (like 720, 580, or 510 series):
**Fix Steps:**
* Turn off printer and disconnect from power for 2 minutes.
* Reconnect only power cable and check if error appears.
* If error persists, reinstall firmware using HP Smart App.
* Reset printer from “Settings → Restore Defaults.”
**HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## **7. Advanced Troubleshooting**
If the error still appears after following the steps above, try these advanced solutions:
### **A. Check Embedded Web Server (EWS)**
1. Note your printer’s IP address from the control panel.
2. Enter it into a browser to open EWS.
3. Go to **Networking → Advanced → Restart Printer**.
4. Apply firmware update if available.
### **B. Disable Print Plug-ins**
Some network plug-ins or software may interfere with data transmission. Disable them temporarily.
### **C. Replace Formatter Board**
In rare cases, the internal formatter board (which processes print jobs) can be damaged. You’ll need a certified technician to inspect and replace it.
For assistance, contact **HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** for remote diagnostics or to schedule service.
## **8. How to Prevent HP Printer Error 79**
Prevention is always better than cure. Follow these maintenance tips to avoid future 79 errors:
1. **Keep Firmware Updated** – Always install HP’s latest firmware updates.
2. **Avoid Power Interruptions** – Use a stable power source.
3. **Print One Document at a Time** – Avoid overloading the printer queue.
4. **Use Genuine HP Drivers** – Download only from official HP support.
5. **Maintain Network Stability** – Ensure reliable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections.
6. **Avoid Corrupt Files** – Don’t print from unknown or unverified sources.
7. **Regularly Restart Devices** – Periodic reboots help clear cached errors.
**HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## **9. When to Contact HP Support**
If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, it’s best to seek professional help.
You should **contact HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** when:
* The printer continuously reboots after showing Error 79.
* Firmware updates fail to install.
* You suspect hardware issues like faulty formatter boards or DIMMs.
* You need guided assistance for complex troubleshooting.
The HP support team is available to help you via phone, live chat, or remote diagnostics. They can provide step-by-step repair guidance, firmware reinstallation, and warranty support.
**HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## **10. Conclusion**
**HP Printer Error 79** is one of the most common — yet manageable — issues users encounter. Whether it stems from outdated firmware, a corrupt print job, or network communication problems, the solutions outlined above will help you resolve it quickly and effectively.
Here’s a recap of the main solutions:
* Restart your printer and clear print queue.
* Update firmware and reinstall printer drivers.
* Reset printer to factory settings.
* Check for faulty accessories or DIMMs.
* Maintain stable network and firmware health.
If after all these steps your printer still shows Error 79, don’t stress. You can call **HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** for expert help. Their trained technicians can remotely diagnose and fix your printer issue efficiently.
Keeping your printer’s software updated, avoiding corrupt files, and maintaining stable network communication will ensure your HP printer stays error-free for years to come.
**Need Instant Help?**
📞 Call **HP Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** for immediate assistance with **Error 79** or any HP printer issues.
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