30
HP Printer
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Error 30 is a PostScript error on HP LaserJet printers. PostScript is a language printers use to draw text and graphics on a page. This error means the printer received PostScript code it could not understand or process.
Affected Models
- HP LaserJet 4M
- HP LaserJet 4MP
- HP LaserJet 5M
- HP LaserJet 5MP
- HP LaserJet 4000 Series with PS option
Common Causes
- A corrupted PostScript file was sent to the printer
- The wrong printer driver is installed — PCL driver being used instead of PS driver
- A software application generated invalid PostScript code
- The printer firmware has a bug handling certain PostScript commands
- A network interruption corrupted the PostScript data mid-transfer
How to Fix It
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Cancel the current print job and clear the print queue on your computer.
The corrupted PostScript job must be removed before the printer can recover.
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Turn the printer off and back on. This clears the PostScript interpreter from memory.
Wait a full 30 seconds before turning it back on.
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Confirm you are using the PostScript (PS) driver, not the PCL driver, for this printer.
In Windows, go to Devices and Printers, right-click the printer, and check the driver name. It should say 'PS' not 'PCL'.
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Uninstall and reinstall the HP PostScript driver. Download the correct version from support.hp.com.
Make sure to select the PS driver package specifically, not the standard PCL package.
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Try printing a different document. If only one document causes the error, the problem is in that file.
Try opening the document in a different application and printing from there.
When to Call a Professional
Error 30 is almost always a software or driver issue, not a hardware problem. If reinstalling the correct PostScript driver does not fix it, contact HP support. Hardware repairs are rarely needed for this error.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PostScript and do I need it?
PostScript is a page description language developed by Adobe. It is commonly used in professional publishing and graphic design. If you only print regular documents and web pages, you probably do not need the PS driver.
Can a non-PS printer show error 30?
If a non-PS printer receives PostScript data, it may display a similar error. Make sure your computer is not set to use a PostScript driver for a PCL-only printer. Check your printer driver settings and match them to your printer model.
Will error 30 damage my printer?
No. Error 30 is a software processing error and will not damage any hardware. Once you clear the bad print job and fix the driver, the printer will work normally. This error is frustrating but harmless to the physical printer.