# 1-866-203-7571 How to resolve HP printer error E18 / 18 (Out of Memory)?
HP printers are reliable devices that cater to both home and office needs, but like any technology, they occasionally encounter issues. One common problem users face is the **HP printer error E18 / 18 (Out of Memory)**. This error indicates that the printer’s memory has reached its limit, preventing it from processing print jobs effectively. If left unresolved, it can halt your printing tasks, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
This guide provides an extensive, step-by-step approach to understanding, diagnosing, and resolving the E18 error, ensuring your HP printer operates smoothly once again. If you encounter difficulty during any of these steps, you can also contact HP support in the USA at **1-866-203-7571** for professional assistance.
## Table of Contents
1. **Understanding HP Printer Error E18 / 18**
2. **Common Causes of E18 / 18 Error**
3. **Preliminary Checks Before Troubleshooting**
4. **Step-by-Step Solutions to Resolve the Error**
* a. Power Cycle the Printer
* b. Reduce Print Job Complexity
* c. Upgrade Printer Memory
* d. Clear the Printer Queue
* e. Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults
* f. Update Printer Firmware and Drivers
5. **Preventing Future E18 Errors**
6. **When to Contact HP Support**
7. **Conclusion**
## 1. Understanding HP Printer Error E18 / 18
The **E18 / 18 error**, also referred to as "Out of Memory," occurs when the printer does not have enough internal memory (RAM) to process the current print job. Printers need memory to temporarily store documents while they are being processed. Complex documents with high-resolution images, graphics, or large fonts require more memory.
When the printer’s memory is insufficient, it cannot complete the print job, triggering the E18 error. In some cases, this error may also appear if there is a corrupted print job, outdated firmware, or miscommunication between the computer and printer.
## 2. Common Causes of E18 / 18 Error
Several factors can contribute to the E18 error, including:
1. **Large or Complex Print Jobs** – High-resolution images, graphics-heavy documents, or multi-page PDFs can overwhelm the printer’s memory.
2. **Multiple Simultaneous Print Jobs** – Printing multiple documents at once can consume all available memory.
3. **Outdated Printer Firmware** – Firmware controls how your printer manages memory and processes print jobs. Outdated firmware may lead to memory errors.
4. **Insufficient Printer Memory** – Older or entry-level HP printers may have limited RAM, which is inadequate for modern, memory-intensive tasks.
5. **Corrupted Print Jobs** – Files with errors or corruption can crash the printer memory.
6. **Network Issues (for networked printers)** – Miscommunication between your PC and network printer can create errors.
Understanding the cause is crucial before applying solutions, as it ensures you don’t repeatedly encounter the same issue.
## 3. Preliminary Checks Before Troubleshooting
Before diving into more technical solutions, perform these simple checks:
1. **Power Status** – Ensure your printer is powered on and connected to a stable power source.
2. **Check Printer Display** – Many HP printers show the exact cause of the error. Confirm it says **E18 / 18 (Out of Memory)**.
3. **Printer Connections** – If using a USB connection, ensure the cable is properly connected. For network printers, check Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections.
4. **Print Job Size** – Identify if the document causing the error is unusually large. Splitting large documents into smaller sections may prevent memory overload.
Once you complete these preliminary checks, proceed with the main troubleshooting steps.
## 4. Step-by-Step Solutions to Resolve the Error
### a. Power Cycle the Printer
Sometimes, a simple **power cycle** can clear the printer memory and reset its internal processes:
1. Turn off your HP printer.
2. Disconnect the power cord from the printer and wall outlet.
3. Wait at least 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cord and turn the printer back on.
5. Attempt to print the document again.
**Why this works:** Power cycling clears the printer’s volatile memory (RAM), which may be stuck with incomplete or corrupted print jobs.
### b. Reduce Print Job Complexity
If your document is high in graphics or images:
1. Reduce image resolution – Lowering the DPI (dots per inch) reduces memory usage.
2. Simplify the document – Remove unnecessary graphics, large tables, or heavy fonts.
3. Split the document – Break large PDFs or Word files into smaller sections and print them separately.
**Tip:** For image-heavy files, consider printing in **draft mode**. Draft mode uses less memory and can help bypass the E18 error.
### c. Upgrade Printer Memory
Some HP printers allow **memory upgrades**. Increasing the RAM can prevent the E18 error for future large print jobs:
1. Check your printer’s manual to determine if RAM expansion is possible.
2. Purchase compatible HP memory modules.
3. Install the new memory following the instructions in the manual.
4. Power on the printer and try printing the document again.
**Note:** Not all HP printers support memory upgrades, especially home or entry-level models.
### d. Clear the Printer Queue
A clogged print queue can contribute to memory errors. Clear the queue as follows:
**For Windows:**
1. Open the **Control Panel** → **Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click your HP printer → **See what’s printing**.
3. Click **Printer** → **Cancel All Documents**.
**For macOS:**
1. Open **System Preferences** → **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select your HP printer → **Open Print Queue**.
3. Cancel all pending print jobs.
After clearing the queue, attempt printing a small test page.
### e. Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults
If previous steps fail, a **factory reset** may clear persistent memory issues:
1. Locate the **Menu** or **Setup** button on your printer.
2. Navigate to **Settings → Restore Defaults → Reset All Settings**.
3. Confirm the reset.
**Caution:** Resetting to factory defaults removes custom settings, including network settings, paper sizes, and shortcuts. You will need to reconfigure these after the reset.
### f. Update Printer Firmware and Drivers
Outdated firmware or drivers can limit memory management efficiency:
**Firmware Update:**
1. Visit the [HP Support Website](https://support.hp.com).
2. Enter your printer model.
3. Download the latest firmware update for your device.
4. Follow the installation instructions provided.
**Driver Update:**
1. On Windows: **Device Manager → Printers → Update Driver**.
2. On Mac: **System Preferences → Software Update**.
3. Reinstall the driver if necessary.
Updated firmware and drivers ensure the printer processes large print jobs more efficiently and may resolve the E18 error permanently.
## 5. Preventing Future E18 Errors
After resolving the error, follow these best practices to prevent recurrence:
1. **Avoid Large Print Jobs** – Break large documents into smaller sections.
2. **Print in Draft Mode** – Use low-resolution printing for internal documents.
3. **Keep Firmware Updated** – Regularly check HP updates.
4. **Upgrade Printer Memory** – For frequent high-volume printing.
5. **Monitor Print Queue** – Clear stalled jobs promptly.
6. **Use Compatible Cartridges** – Non-genuine cartridges may cause memory conflicts in some HP printers.
## 6. When to Contact HP Support
If you’ve tried all the above solutions and the E18 error persists, professional assistance is recommended. Contact **HP support in the USA at 1-866-203-7571**. HP technicians can:
* Diagnose hardware issues causing memory failures.
* Assist with firmware and driver updates.
* Provide guidance on memory upgrades.
* Offer warranty support if your printer is eligible.
Calling HP ensures the problem is handled efficiently and prevents further damage to your printer.
## 7. Conclusion
The HP printer error **E18 / 18 (Out of Memory)** is a common but manageable problem. By understanding its causes—such as large print jobs, insufficient memory, or outdated firmware—you can take targeted actions to restore printer functionality. Key steps include:
* Power cycling the printer.
* Reducing print job size and complexity.
* Clearing the print queue.
* Upgrading printer memory (if supported).
* Resetting the printer to factory defaults.
* Updating firmware and drivers.
Preventive measures, such as splitting large documents and keeping firmware updated, help avoid future occurrences. If the issue persists, professional support is available at **1-866-203-7571**. With these solutions, your HP printer will return to optimal performance, allowing smooth and efficient printing.
**Note:** Following these steps carefully can save time and reduce frustration caused by the E18 / 18 error. Always consider document size, memory usage, and printer capabilities before printing complex or graphic-heavy files.
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